Used 2002 Mercury Mountaineer SUV Consumer Reviews
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Sweet & Sour
I bought this vehicle new and maintained it. At 38,000 miles the transmission needed to be replaced. Unacceptable. After threatening to protest at the dealer, they discounted the cost. 50,000 miles later, that one went too. Ford couldn't care less. This in my opinion is not normal. Even the dealer service agreed and they were equally frustrated with Ford HQ. I really had no other complaints besides the disappointing gas mileage however, like I've read in other reviews, I've lost my faith with American cars especially Ford. I'm afraid to chance it. With 130,000 miles being on the 3rd tranny, it's time to start looking.While I still can't really find anything I like as much, I'll skip Ford.
Beware in the long term!
EVERY Mountaineer has rusting issues! Especially on the passenger side just behind the rear passenger door. Paint failure on the roof support posts and overall on the entire vehicle. Total failure of the undercoating resulting in a rustbucket underneath. Wheel bearings need replacement regularly after about 55,000 miles. Head gasket failure is a real possibility. (Happened on 2 mountaineers) vehicle initially but don't expect to have one for the long-term! I know what I speak of as this is our Third Mountaineer starting with 97, and two '02 vehicles.
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Best Vehicle Owned
Bought this vehicle new. It is the first SUV ever owned and a great performer for pulling a boat, carrying a load, and overall road car. Highway average mileage is 20 mpg with nominal load and no boat. Town driving not as good averaging about 16 mpg. Regular maintenance per owners manual has kept this vehicle extremely reliable, it has not let me down yet.
02 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER
AVOID THIS VEHICLE... I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE WITH 137,000 MILES ON IT. I PUT IN NEW BATTERY NEW HUBS , NEW WHEEL BEARINGS ,HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE CRUSE CONTROL SYSTEM AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, AFTER PUTTING 4 NEW TIRES ON IT , ALTENATOR GOES AND I NEED A 2ND NEW BATTERY. WHILE DRIVE N DOWN ROAD DOOR AJAR LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND INTERIOR LIGHT WOULD FLICKER ON AND OFF DOOR AJAR LIGHT WOULD BEEP OVER AND OVER.. THE FRONT WHEEL BEARING I HAD REPLACED 4 MONTHS EARLIER STARTED TO GO AND THEN ONE WEEK AFTER GETTING TIRES THE TRANSMISSION WENT.. RUN FAR FROM THIS VEHICLE DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY LIKE I DID.. JUNK
Please take this car seriously!!!
Criteria: AWD, powerful engine, 3rd row of seats, 5000+ lbs towing capacity, SAFETY, and fun to drive (I own a 6-speed BMW 540i). The MDX fell short on towing capacity, and the engine seemed to lack "hop" when I hit the gas. The X5 was also no competitor here - not only no 3rd seat, but laughable space for a $54K vehicle. The M-Class? Great to drive, power, VERY safe. Build quality/reliability? The newer ones were thought of as more solid, but now the price had a "5"