Used 1998 Mercury Mountaineer Consumer Reviews
Used Mountaineer for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
cant kill it
texas_ag14, 08/12/2013
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
i got this car from my grandparents in '08 at 129,000 miles. i thought for sure it wouldn't make it much longer... but today it still runs and drives like the day i got, with 182,000 miles. i haven't had any major problems, only routine maintenance (spark plugs and wires, alternator, o2 sensor, cam shaft sensor, new stereo). this car has never left me stranded, not even once. the only issue i have with the car is that the 5.0 V8 gets pretty thirsty. this car will run forever with regular maintenance.
I bought mine when it had 20,000
cupofcoffee, 07/30/2011
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Our Mountaineer had been sitting on the dealer lot for 1 year when we bought it. For it's use it had a lot of miles on it, but 20K ain't to bad, we got it for $17K in early 2000. I personally hate the console because you have less room. The things I have loved about it, hauling ability, towing capacity and with the power chip the performance in town and on the highway. I can do a brake job on this truck 20 minutes per wheel. The repair costs have been pretty low, a intake gasket, brakes, even the tires were cheap when you look at the mileage. So stuff that sucks, radio display and compass display faded, driver door lock. and now the tranny is acting up with 150K mi... Paint has held up well
1998 Mercury Mountaineer for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,995768 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,9002,159 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,4992,441 mi away
I've been spoiled!
TheDuke, 10/26/2016
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought my '98 Mountaineer for $6,400 in 2005 with 114,000 miles. The ride was smooth, although certain parts start to rattle after 150k or so. Excellent visibility. The rear wiper didn't lie flush, so I avoided using it. Two days after purchase, the transmission was producing a warning light. Lucky for me, the dealer was willing to cover the $1800 cost of repairs. Aside from that, I never had any outrageous problems with this car. For the first five years, I used it as a work truck - hauling trailers, and at times piling as much stuff on top and in back as possible. This SUV is a tank! The 5.0L V8 pulled bushes and hauled trailers with ease. I was rear-ended twice, pushed dead cars to gas stations, and put this thing under countless other stressors and only had a few scratches to show for it. My wife has said that she has never felt safer in any car. Speaking of safety, the all-time AWD has spoiled me. Living in Missouri most of those years, my Mountaineer saw its fair share of ice and snow. I could go out when the pickups couldn't even escape their driveways. You should always be aware of road conditions, but your capability goes through the roof with some good tires and AWD, which in my experience is far better than 4WD. Even off-road, the Mountaineer will surprise you. We're talking dirt (even mud), gravel, and fields; it doesn't have the suspension to [properly] handle anything beyond that because that's not what it was designed for. Maintenance: other than routine maintenance (ball joints around 150k, alternator 150k, lock actuators around 170k, plus regular oil & tire maintenance), the biggest issue was a power drain that showed up around 145k, and would bleed my battery, killing it if left sitting for more than two weeks (this was common in college). This was inconvenient, but ultimately not worth the effort to locate the faulty wires. I just parked uphill so I could roll backwards out of the parking space to get a jump if needed. I had to sell the vehicle at 185k, and my father jumped on the opportunity because he knew how reliable it has been given proper TLC. The last time I checked, he's got her up around 235,000 miles! Thought she was on death row last month, but after replacing the tires and ball joints she's running like a dream again. I don't think I will ever find another SUV or truck with that kind of longevity for the price. If you find one with low miles, jump on it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Well built and very reliable
Mark, 08/10/2008
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my 98 Mountaineer in early 2001 with 28,000 miles. It is fully loaded (leather etc) and has the old 5.0 V8 Ford Mustang engine in it so it can haul on the highway if needed. This SUV is super reliable and rides exceptionally well. I repainted the vehicle in 2005 as there was some slight paint fading, but considering I was living in Florida at the time and the SUV is black, you can expect that to happen, also minor electrical problems (doors). I have no plans to buy another car until this truck stops running; period! It currently has 125,000 miles and I have only replaced a water hose for $65, thats it! The 5.0 engine barely has to work, hence why it lasts so long, very good buy!
Reliability is the name of the game
jimbo, 11/30/2008
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Not that anyone cares on this old of a SUV but, has been an excellant SUV in 10 yrs and 155000 miles. One radiator, a spring and piston($300) in tranny repair,driver door mechanism ($300) Have maintained it well oil at 3k miles, etc. V8 just never fails AWD great on snow. Have the normal problems lost radio display, never fixed, and driver seat lever broke off - never repaired as set for me and wife drives a car. Fourth ford I have owned others great also. Only negative is gas mileage 20-21 on highway but normal for a V-8 SUV
Well-Built and so far so good
Devin, 09/17/2010
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just got the rig 2 weeks ago, but this is my 3rd in 15 years. It had 161,000 miles on it, and is was well kept, very clean, and the engine (5.0 V8) and drivetrain were looked like 60- 75,000 miles newer then they are. It came fully loaded with power everything, moonroof, MACH sound system, leather, and much more. Only thing I have to fix is the radio display (very common problem, very easy fix). All in all, these SUVs are the best of the best and even at high miles, you can find great buys.
Mountaineer Magic
gmhersh, 10/29/2002
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is an excellent vehicle. I like it so well, I recently purchased a 2002 model. Very tough and reliable. An excellent value for the price.
My Mountaineer
Michele, 07/27/2006
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just love my mountaineer. It has the 5.0 mustang engine I love only better because it's a all wheel drive truck, that never gets stuck. It Rocks!!
Sure beats an Explorer
MrIllegalX, 03/23/2002
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best SUV ever. You can't go wrong with a V8 5.0L engine. Easy to modify with aftermarket parts. I've never lost a race with this SUV. It also has the best stock stero system I've ever heard, it comes with an 8 inch subwoofer.
I've had my baby for 7 years
Money, 03/03/2016
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Got my SUV a little over 100,000 miles. No major repairs outside of wear and tare. Great tranny and engine. Gas prices do suck. Some issues with the doors and windows but I also live in Iowa.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good all around SUV
pelley, 04/14/2002
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle new, and still own it. I have never had any problems with it. It has plenty of power with the 302 V8. The main reason I purchased this over the Ford Explorer is that there were so many Ford options as standard on this SUV. I have taken it on trips from WI to FL and enjoyed the room of packing everything including the kitchen sink without worrying about how to fit all the luggage,etc. Very sound, well built SUV.
Long term driver
Long term driver, 05/29/2009
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new: Now is going on 165000 miles. Out of pocket repairs were few 1.drivers door hardware $350 2.new radiator $500 3.Tranny repair $350. That is all. Car just runs and runs.Burns no oil although now has a very minor oil leak at rear seal. We have v-8 with all wheel drive great for ski trips and trips in snow country in general. Has great towing capacity. Gas mileage in suburban driving is 17-18 on highway20-21. Has been a GREAT car. Radio lights operate intermittantly and drivers seatback handle has broken off both very common design problems with this truck. Other than that no complaints at all.
Not too shabby
Lorr, 07/18/2009
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A few things do malfunction such as: Radio display, Right Rear door latch, Rear Glass Wiper, Front differential bearing (seized at 145,000 miles even when diff oil was at level), Driver's Seat Recliner Lever. Other than that the vehicle has proven quite reliable (unexpected for my first American-made car). Engine only needed a camshaft sensor (150,000 mi)(easy to replace) and a set of O2 sensors(135,000mi). Exhaust system is original and still as good as new. Tranny has never had an oil change but is still as smooth as ever. The ride was siff but when the front stabilizer connector rod broke, the ride suddenly became pliant, though it now rolled a little bit more on the corners.
love it wont sell it ride it till it die
Jose, 12/28/2009
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought it used for $750, put $750 to replace brakes and suspension, and riding smooth as silk. love the awd in chicago snow and love the 5.0 v8 at the stop light. love how the engine purrs when floored. of course it has its faults such as 2 stereos burnt out and drivers side door lock/handle not working, and rear wiper not working, but other than that, truck looks great both inside and out.
This has been a great suv 191000 miles
Timredbaron, 02/07/2010
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great suv bought it with 12400 three years ago now has 191000 only repairs was a starter and three sets of wheel bearings. Diving about a 1000 miles this week to DC and back.
Simply a great car
unknown, 11/17/2010
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Now my parents have had our's for a very long time now and it has recently become mine which I nicknamed tank because that's just what it is very reliable yet unfortunately not so well on the gas and safe which I found out how safe it was today from my first accident now I'm not going in to detail about it but the other driver needs a new rear door and quad panel the now "tank" on the other hand has a scratch I recommend this as a first car for beginning drivers the only problems me and my parents have had with this car is the norm door handles failing radio display but the worst thing was about a year ago the pedal got very stiff on the start but other then that nothing major.
1998 mercury mountaineer
taylspin, 09/24/2002
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought this suv 1 year old with 10000 miles. i have used the extended 75k mile warranty only twice for minor problems,(power mirror, and leaking egr valve), both of which were repaired promptly by the dealer. I have enjoyed this vehicle, and will keep it indefinatly. i kept it in prime mechanical condition. oil changes every 3000 miles, etc. it still runs like new with very little loss of compression and power. i would rate this the best vehicle i've ever owned. new or used.
98' Mountaineer
mackee5, 06/12/2002
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was our first SUV and it was OK, but neither my wife nor I were overly impressed. We pull a 2500 lb. camper, which it excelled at, but there were a number of things we weren't pleased with. The power steering unit went out, the power side view mirrors died, the CD/Stereo went out, and now the air conditioning is going out. (We had the air refilled once already.) I didn't care for the ride at all, but perhaps that was due to my inexperience with SUV's. I also felt a bit cramped, coming from a minivan.
Vehicle now at 71,000 mi. original owner
J.A., 10/08/2002
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Original owner, 4 yrs. During this time there was a water leak at the drivers window above the window, rear motor wiper (replaced twice), radio component containing CD player had to be replaced twice and something with an oxygen sensor replaced. Glad I owned an extended warranty. This vehicle now has 71,000 miles. Warranty is up at 80,000. Gas mileage has never been great. I am sure it is because it is because it is an 8 cyl, AWD. It is very comfortable to drive in, plenty of leg room in the back seat, and trunk space. Overall, this has been a good, sturdy, dependable vehicle. First year took a whlie to work out the bugs.
Reliability is the name of the game
jimbo, 02/18/2008
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new and has been my daily driver going on 11 years.Only major problems one radiator, one minor tranny repair ($400), driver side door hardware ($400).Radio has intermittent display light malfunction. After 150k miles burns no oil drives perfectly. Have used many times for towing and is awesome. We also use it in mountain snow country regularly and is fantastic! Will keep it even when we purchase the next car.
1998 AWD Mercury Mountaineer by rms
rms, 08/17/2005
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this used with 40,000 miles,from day one I've had electrial problems.I've had to replace the differantal,transfer case and ball joints. I was told all these are because of it being awd. The back wiper doesn't work. The radio, dash and clock does'nt work,antenna does'nt go all the way up and down. Ford did'nt forsee the need to replace the bulb, They want you to BUY a new radio.The door ajar light is always on drivers door doesn't lock or unlock with the power lock have to manually lock it and to unlock I have to unlock it by opening it from the inside. I've alway taken excellent care of it and never abused it it's a rough ride on the road and have never used off road.
1998 AWD Mercury Mountaineer
btd, 03/29/2006
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a solid truck and has performed rather well in the 6 years I have had it. It is a truck so I expected it to handle like a truck. I will say one thing, tires make a huge differance on how this thing handles. Don't cheap out on those! Handles great in snow, rain etc. Had some problems with it and had to replace parts, but what American car doesn't go through that!
My 98 Mountaineer
Aimee, 04/07/2006
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I use to sell cars and the first auto make that I sold was Mercury. As an admirer of SUVs I immediately fell in love with the Mountaineer AWD. I love my truck like I bought it brand spankin new off the showroom floor 8 years ago. It is really great with nice power and accomodating luxuries. If I feel this way about my used Mountaineer I can only imagine how owners of the brand new ones feel.
Overall NOT happy
D Daddy, 04/10/2006
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The radio lights went out but sometimes come on depending if the fan is blowing. The steering wheel has to be in a certain position in order for the turn signal to work. The levers to adjust the front seat backs are boken due to poor design. The seatbelts in the back are broken. The drivetrain had to be replaced because of a problem back in factory. Not happy with the overall quality of this vehicle but happy with how it handles and drives. I also like how it sits up high. Gas mileage is horrible but I guess expected with a 5.0 V8.
Mountaineer lives up to expectations
Marc , 04/14/2004
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 98 Mountaineer used in Feb 2001. Runs very strong and is a very comfortable ride. No problems with this vehicle whats so ever. I would suggest you do your research with tires though, as a nice soft rubber tire makes this SUV ride like a dream. I have no plans in selling this vehicle any time soon because quite simply, I am still enjoying driving this luxury SUV. Mine came fully loaded with everything and a V8 engine! Waxing this vehicle makes it look like it came out of the factory.
Mountaineer disappointing
Vannah, 05/07/2004
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am the original owner of this vehicle and it has given nothing but trouble. The recalls have been numerous (5) and performance poor. I have followed the scheduled maintainance and I have still had to make many costly (2,000+) repairs.
On and on and on
bob stuart, 02/18/2005
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new and have enjoyed every mile. No mechanical problems. The clock tends to run 2 minutes fast no matter how many times it's corrected, but not a distraction. Excellent ride. Good comfort. Body style attractive. People don't believe it's a '98. Appears newer.When considering a new SUV would most definitly consider a Mounteer.
Love my mountaineer
Brooks Gardner, 08/21/2005
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 1998 Mountaineer has been great and it still is after 108,000 miles. Great care has been taken of it and it still looks like new. I bought it with 26,000 miles and it has never let down even once. I put new Michelins on it and they made it ride like a dream. The best riding SUV that I have ever had or ridden in. the V-8 power is awesome with the 3.73 rear axle. I get 22 MPG on trips and about 16 around town, not bad considering.
Satisfied Used Car Purchser 90,000 miles
Barbara Gonzalez, 08/22/2005
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car from a used car dealer, with 90,000 miles I have had no problems with the car. When I purchased the car I had a major tune up and transmission oils changed, change oil every 3000 miles, one set of brakes, excellent handling on mountain roads and city driving I get 20 mpg on the fwy and 18-19 in traffic. I now have to drive over a 20 mile winding road, with two way traffic, heavy in morning and evenings, with tractor trailers, etc. Mileage has dropped to 17 mpg, I keep all maintenance records. Handles well on the curves and does not feel top heavy. Tire wear is excellent. Only one set of rear brakes, I am not a slouch behind the wheel, and go 60-75 on fwys.
Don't Buy a Ford
got-burned, 09/06/2006
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since buying the car, it has had 7 recalls. I don't drive it much. So the car is almost new. But things just keeps breaking. The radio, seat belt, fuel pump, and rear wipe. Who know what will go out next. Each time I bring in the car for a recall, the deal gives me a list of recommended maintenance. You need the engine oil, transmission, brake, power stearing fluid, etc., changed at least every 2 years. When fuel pump went out, they said I needed a tune up and the transmission tuned. The car had less then 20 miles. SAFETY recalls, and scammers at the dealership which the Ford Co, knows about because I wrote them and their response is (we can't control independnent dealers)
Mountaineer
Mike, 04/12/2007
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck new in 1998. It just went 100,000 miles. No major problems. I just had it completely serviced as I plan on going another 100,000.
1998 Mercury Mountaineer
thumperlin, 06/04/2003
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I was rear ended by a Ford F250 and it did not put a scratch on my truck. The whole front grill & bumper of the Ford was damaged. Then, a month later I ran into the back of a Toyota Corolla and there were a few scratches on my bumper but did substantial damage to the other car. I have over 100,000 miles on my truck and have never had a major problem with it. It drives great for an AWD vehicle. I feel very safe in this SUV with my kids...
A GREAT TRUCK!!!
Benjamin Hutzler, 03/23/2002
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Mountaineer as close as it is to the Explorer is a great truck. I have mine fully loaded in Toreador Red, 5.0 Engine, Alarm System, Automatic Dimming Mirror, Bucket Seats,Chrome Wheels, Automatic Climate Control for AC, Compact Disc Changer w/the aftermarket installation of the In-Dash 6 Disc CD Changer, Dual Power Seats, Keyless Entry System, Leather Seats, Limited Slip Differential, Luggage Rack, Overhead Console, Power Antenna, Power Moonroof, Running Boards, the rear seat DVD Player from the '02 Ford Excursion, rear Altezza style tail lights, PIAA Super White Headlights, Brush Guard, Bug Guard, and Metal Tail-Light Guards.
It's mine
Cindy, 11/01/2022
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this suv for a few years now I love love love it I know it's old and it has had some issues but I will keep it til it is no longer worth fixing
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Lemon-maybe.
elizabeth47, 02/12/2013
1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I own a 1998 mercury mountaineer,have had too much front end problems,first was 4 sets of tie rods for both sides.Great in the snow.But the front end is making a humming noise now.taken it to NAPA shop and they told me only ford dealership can fix the problem-Can ford uphold to these problems,i see the recall-yes it has caught on fire from the cruise controll issue but i'm a single mother with this only one SUV.I feel ford needs to address these problems with their SUV-mercury mtneer-and fix them for us loyal buyers(we will continue to purchase ur fords if you make this right)and our friends we recomend buy FORD,what can we poor people do-not enough money to fix it anymore-HELP HELP us pleas