2001 Mercury Mountaineer Review
2001 Mercury Mountaineer Review





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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
Not much changes for 2001, as Mercury's Explorer clone has a new child safety-seat tether anchor system. The rest of the vehicle is all carryover.
Edmunds says
Ford Explorer's upscale twin is sorely in need of a redesign, which will come next year.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer 2WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) 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
$226/mo for Mountaineer Base
Mountaineer Base
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Mercury's Mountaineer debuted several years ago as an upscale version of the best-selling Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicle. It seems the folks at Mercury wanted to get a piece of the ever-expanding luxury-SUV cash pie. The problem is, Ford's Explorer can be just as luxurious as the Mountaineer and, in some cases, is even more expensive. On its own, the Mountaineer is a fine sport-ute, with lots of power and plenty of gadgets to tinker with; next to the Explorer, it just seems...redundant.
The Explorer-based Mountaineer changes little for 2001. 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 pushrod V8. While horsepower ratings are similar (the V6 makes 210; the V8 produces 215), the V8 does produce more useable torque. Transmission choices still include a five-speed automatic for the V6 and a four-speed automatic with the V8.
For 2001, the Premier and Monterey feature-vehicle packages are once again available. They 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 has two-tone paint, chrome wheels and luxury interior touches.
If one orders a Premier or Monterey, 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 appointments, 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 good for this class of vehicle. 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 with the V8.
Like a lot of Mercury products and their Ford siblings, the Mountaineer's offerings aren't very different than the Explorer's. The Mountaineer's strengths lie in its feature content, powerful engine choices and large cargo area. There are better SUVs on the market (Nissan's Pathfinder comes to mind), but if you want an 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 2001 Mercury Mountaineer.
5 star(61%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
65 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.
4.5 out of 5 stars
636K on 2
mount4ever, 02/07/2012
2001 Mercury Mountaineer AWD 4dr SUV (5.0L 8cyl 4A)
Purchased my first 97 5.0L AWD off the floor. Had no idea how great it was to be. Drove it daily mostly hwy until I donated with 334K. Only major issue ever was a transfer case at about 200K. Normal wear and tear like rotars, pads and a couple alternaters. Changed the oil every 6 or 7K! Found a second 2001 model with 50K in 2005. Still using it as daily with 304K! Ford fixed the transfer … case problem after 1998 so no issues at all with this one. Rotars, front barings one alternator and thats it. Better half got tired of looking at it so today I went out to look at F150's. Came across a 2000 model Mountaineer with 102K like new. Pick it up from the dealer in 2 days. BEST in snow and towing 2.
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 Mercury Mountaineer, so we've included reviews for other years of the Mountaineer since its last redesign.
2001 Mountaineer Highlights
Base MSRP | $27,655 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $226/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover2 / 5Dynamic 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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