2000 Mercury Mountaineer Review
2000 Mercury Mountaineer Review





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Used Mountaineer for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V6 and V8 engines, good selection of features, four-wheel-drive versatility.
Cons
- Few differences between Mountaineer and Ford Explorer, poor fuel economy with V8 engine.
What’s new
Mountaineer is uprated with new Premier and Monterey trim packages, which include tan leather upholstery, special paint, upgraded alloy wheels and wood grain dash trim.
Edmunds says
Ford Explorer's upscale twin is sorely in need of a redesign; it can't compete with its midsize SUV competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2000 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$256/mo for Mountaineer Base
Mountaineer Base
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
The Explorer-based Mountaineer changes little for 2000. Marketed as an upscale SUV for women and families, the Mountaineer comes with either a 4.0-liter SOHC V6 or a 5.0-liter V8. While horsepower ratings are similar (the V6 makes 210; the V8 produces 215), the V8 does produce more useable torque at the expense of greater fuel consumption. Transmission choices still include a five-speed automatic for the V6 and a four-speed automatic with the V8.
Last year, the Mountaineer received new safety features in the form of optional side airbags and an optional reverse parking aid that warns of impending collision by signaling an audible beep. Braking was also improved in '99 with a larger brake booster and upgraded rear-brake calipers.
For 2000, the only major change is the addition of the Premier and Monterey packages. There's nothing really new included with the packages, but they do group a large selection of luxury features together. To differentiate Mountaineers with the Premier package, Mercury offers this vehicle only in a Spruce Green exterior color with Medium Prairie Tan interior. The grille, body-side moldings, liftgate molding and license plate shield, rear-quarter extension, running boards and front and rear bumpers are color-keyed to the Spruce Green exterior. Mountaineer Monterey, the other new version, has two-tone paint, chrome wheels and luxury interior touches.
If one orders a new-for-2000 package, the interior (already good in its own right) changes with the addition of special floor mats, leather-trimmed power-adjustable sport bucket seats and a wood-grain instrument panel.
Despite the luxury accoutrements, the Mountaineer retains a distinctly trucklike character, which could be a bonus or a demerit. It's tough and solid, though the steering is a little slow and ponderous and the body leans through tight corners. Braking is excellent and the suspension has a compliant attitude, but the truck can bounce around over rough pavement. For those living in cold-weather climates, or for those who actually intend to make use of the vehicle's off-road capabilities, there is a Control-Trac four-wheel drive option (with the V6) or a full-time all-wheel-drive option.
Like a lot of Mercury products and their Ford siblings, the Mountaineer's offerings aren't very different than the Explorer's. But that doesn't negate the fact that the Mountaineer is one of the best SUVs on the market. It has plenty of space for hauling people and gear through the suburban jungle. The Mercury's abundant standard features provide a great deal of comfort, and the strong engine choices are a bonus when passing at freeway speeds. If you like the Explorer but don't want to see your own vehicle every 10 minutes while driving, Mercury offers a unique alternative.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Mercury Mountaineer.
5 star(62%)
4 star(32%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
47 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Car has 147,000 miles and it drives like new
jwdia, 08/26/2011
2000 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
Pros:
*At 147K miles engine and tranny sounds, and performs like brand new.
*They were not kidding about the V8 Power.
* Body well built and solid. Quality steel - no rust yet.
* AWD really grips the roads ( Iowa winters..no problem here)
Cons:
*Factory radio works but no display - common issue.
* rear wiper does not work - again common issue.
*Keyless entry quit working, and door locks … need some TLC.
* some road noise. ( can't tell yet if it is in need of a muffler or just the roar of the 5.0)
* no rust yet but a little pain bubbling on the bottom inside of the rear doors. not noticable to the public
4.63 out of 5 stars
One of many fans of this car
ajs, 11/17/2009
2000 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
I learned from the dealer the 1999 to 2001 were the best built in this series and they have a strong following. I have found that out by talking to other owners. The Mountaineer is the top of the line. The V-8 engine is strong, transmission strong, solid body, has a truck feel (it is a Ranger w/ SUV body). With Zaino polish the paint shines great and people are amaised it is 10 years … old. This car is a solid performer, a great winter car. If I keep the rpm's under 2,000 on the interstate, I'll get 20.5 to 21.5 mpg. For good gas mileage drive with a soft foot on the accelerator. Fine a good one and keep it.
4 out of 5 stars
2000 Mountaineer Premier-love it!
Bubba, 10/20/2016
2000 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV AWD
I purchased this SUV knowing I would be the 3rd owner. It had a history of 3 winters in Michigan and 10 years in VA. There was some rust in the undercarriage around the spare tire connections and minor paint bubbles inside the rear door frame. It had 73K miles on the 5.0L V8 w/AWD. It now has 107K after 25 months and 2 winters of mid-Atlantic snow. It has never failed to start and … goes thru any kind of weather. Regular maintenance of tires, battery, brakes, alternator and exhaust along w/some suspension worries probably due to MI weather history. I also had the CHECK ENGINE light, annoying dashboard light and rear windshield wiper failures that others have noted. I recently had to replace the fuel pump (also annoyingly located in the gas tank) and that fixed the Check Engine light. This might sound like a lot to some folks but I love this vehicle. It is roomy and leather luxurious and, as already mentioned, goes in any weather/road conditions. I have mostly rural driving @ 14-17 MPG. I'm hoping to keep this vehicle for a long, long time.
4.63 out of 5 stars
GREAT SUV - GAS MILEAGE YUCK
BLUESMAN, 02/02/2004
2000 Mercury Mountaineer 4dr SUV
LOVE THIS SUV. CAN HAUL ANYTHING THAT
CAN FIT INSIDE. BACK SEAT COMFORT FOR
LONG TRIP IS SENSATIONAL WITH QUALITY
LEATHER AND CUSIONING. INTERIOR DASH
AND PANEL LAY OUT GREAT AND THE STEERING
WHEEL CONTROLS CONVENIENT AND WORK WELL.
COULD USE MORE CUP HOLDERS WHICH THEY
DID NOT ADD IN THE 2003 REFRESH. WE
LOOKED A MANY NEW SUV'S AND CAN'T FIND
ANYTHING WORTH … SPENDING MORE MONEY ON.
2000 Mountaineer Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $240/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 41.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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