2001 Mercury Mountaineer Review
Price Estimate: $1,573 - $2,552

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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.
For sale nearby
1 listings
- Photos not available
- 176,759 miles
- 2 accidents, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5 Seats, 13 City / 18 Hwy MPG
- Lewis Automotive Farmington (712 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
- 6000lb Towing Capaci...
- Audio and cruise con...
Close
Located in Farmington, AR
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
15 Combined MPG (13 City/18 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4M2ZU86P01UJ05446
Stock: 1UJ05446
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-03-2025
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.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$232/mo for Mountaineer Base
Mountaineer Base
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Reliability
The 2001 Mercury Mountaineer has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
4 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 07V336000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 05S28
- Manufactured from:
- 1998-06-16 to 2000-09-27
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 3600000
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
- Recall Number:
- 06E056000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 58640
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
- Defect Consequence:
- FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Corrective Action:
- UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
- Recall Number:
- 03V281000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 03S04
- Manufactured from:
- 1997-05-13 to 2000-12-24
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1552880
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HIGH BACK SEATS, THE UPPER BOLT ON THE DRIVER+S SIDE HIGH BACK SEAT, THAT ATTACHES THE SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM TO THE SEAT BACK FRAME, COULD FRACTURE. IF THE BOLT FRACTURES AND DOES NOT JAM IN THE SEAT BACK FRAME, THE SEAT BACK MAY RECLINE UNTIL IT MAKES CONTACT WITH AN OBJECT BEHIND THE SEAT, SUCH AS THE SECOND ROW SEAT CUSHION.
- Defect Consequence:
- THE DRIVER COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL OR FOOT PEDALS DURING SUCH AN EVENT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER SEAT UPPER BOLT WITH A METAL SPACER AND BOLT. IN ADDITION, SEATS WITH TUBULAR BACK FRAMES WILL HAVE THE FULLY THREADED LOWER RECLINER BOLT REPLACED WITH A PARTIALLY THREADED BOLT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
- Recall Number:
- 03V280000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 03S03
- Manufactured from:
- 1999-03-05 to 2000-12-24
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 448005
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL AND 4.0L SOHC ENGINES, IF THE STRAND COVER ON THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE BECOMES FLARED AT THE END, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE MAY BIND WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ACTIVATED.
- Defect Consequence:
- THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING FORCE MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO OVERCOME THE BINDING CONDITION WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS DISENGAGED. BRAKING FUNCTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED THOUGH STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 29, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Mercury Mountaineer Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Car has 147,000 miles and it drives like new
5 out of 5 starsjwdia, 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
636K on 2
4.5 out of 5 starsmount4ever, 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.
One of many fans of this car
4.63 out of 5 starsajs, 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.
2000 Mountaineer Premier-love it!
4 out of 5 starsBubba, 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.
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 Excludes Destination Fee | $27,655 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $232/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
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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