The design of the controls and center console make this vehicle look like something of the future compared to Toyota's 4Runner, Mitsubishi's Montero Sport, and most all GMs. Ford always seems to keep one step ahead of General Motors in the technology of their new vehicles.

I have the 5.0 V8 with 215 horsepower and I sure would like a boost in the horsepower department. I'd like to see it offered with 260 hp. I would also love to see colored fenders ala the Ford Explorer's Eddie Bauer package. Apparently, they're not made for the Mercury and Ford's won't fit. The front seats are excellent, but the back seats are hellish if you're tall. If they could add about 3" to the leg room, I'd carry their business cards.

I've owned a used 1997 for about a year before I traded it in on the new one. I recommend it highly. SKIP the "Reverse Sensing System (RSS)"--it's nothing you need and get can get annoying. "The Homelink Systems works on all garages," the salesman told me. I believed him until I got home with it. Doesn't work on mine... Do go for the optional 8" subwoofer in the cargo area. It makes a world of difference between the '97 and '00. I paid $29,000 for every option available.

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If you're looking for a mid-size SUV, this is the one to get. It seems like everybody and their brother has an Explorer. While the Mountaineer is a clone of the Explorer, it's just different enough to set you apart from the rest.

Smooth ride,tows well, comfortable. Is tight and no rattles. V-8 Over 50,000 on factory tires.

I'm sure there are some but I have not found the. Streering wheel material is weak, I've left a thumb print (dent) in two of them.

Overall excellant. So good that I now own two Mountaineers, a 1997 and a 2000. I recommend them highly. This vehicle is great for the outdoorsman or housewife... the kids love them too

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Suburban& Blazer.... used to love the big boys but the Mountaineer is not only more comfortable, quieter with a better ride than the bigs but a far better value. Jeep had too rough of a ride and cost too much.

V8 ... although it's not the most powerful engine in its category, it provides more than enough power to accelerate, pass others, race, and tow. Its size is perfect - not too big like Durango and Land Cruiser, not too small like Blazer and Explorer Sport.

V8 engine ... its starvation for gas. The rear end doesn't have the quite solid and 'tuff' look as the front of the truck.

Price was reasonable for the package.

I would recommend it ... but watch out, upon purchasing this car, you're also signing your wallet to Jenny Craig for a lifetime.

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Blazer ... Blazer is crap - why do people buy it?
4Runner ... 4Runner lacks serious engine power - damn 'suv' won't go with 4 people in the car!

Looks, power (V-8}, AWD is great for the urban jungle. This SUC has a very tight and solid feel, with a firm ride. Just the right size, not to big, not to small.

Gas mileage, gas mileage, gas mileage. Did I mention the gas mileage.

Actually was ready to buy the Explorer. Checked out the Merc on a whim and negotiated a $3,000.00 better deal than the limited.

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Blazer/Jimmy/Bravada. Pathfiner and Trooper.

Looks, styling, standard equipment and general feel of the truck

Name is kind of corny "Moutaineer". I call it an Explorer anyway.

List was 31K. Paid considerably less. Has almost everything with the exception of sunroof and memory seats. Got leather, premium sound system, power seats and V8. The dealer was very good, Holman Lincoln-Mercury Holloywood FL, and the car looks great. Had a heck of a time finding gray leather interior, mostly beige leather available. The ride is good and the truck seems to be built SOLID. Good attention to detail and integration of components. One thing I have noticed is the both the Explorer's and Mountaineer's have more engine noise than my 96 XLT. Other than that, so far so good.

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96 Explorer XLT

Powerful, quiet engine. Steers like a car.

Everything else. Bad ride. Shudders and shakes under acceleration. Transmission (random gear selector). Poor build quality. Poor gas mileage. Eats tires. Ford "service". The chassis is to soft for the weight. Vehicle feels 10 years old after 35,000 miles.

What a piece of junk ! Ford's service doesn't help either - I think the dealerships compete to see who can be the most incompetent, sloppy and downright rude... Rides like a bucking bronco, everything rattles. Enough of that.

When I purchased this thing, I thought I could tolerate some of the quirks I noticed during the test drive (such as the 1970's style driveline shudder under acceleration). The first bad thing I noticed was that the transmission would not downshift without a LOT of persuasion at freeway speeds. In fact, it sometimes UPSHIFTS when I try to pass ! This is a pity, because the engine certainly has enough power.

I took it to the dealer I purchased it from - Ted Britt Ford, Fairfax, VA - they kept it for a week and a half (there were other things...) and found the transmission to be "normal". But they "serviced" the transmission anyway because the fluid was "contaminated". This, 3,000 miles after the 30,000 mile service (which they claimed to have done when I purchased the thing). Anyway, the transmission now didn't like to downshift any more than before, plus it now thunked into various gears.

To cut a long story short, I decided to try Jerry's Ford in Leesburg, VA. The kept the vehicle 6 days. My wife queried the status of the repair a couple of days before the car was ready & was informed "they are replacing the transmission". What a surprise when I went to pick up the vehicle. Same transmission. Must have got mixed up. The vehicle was in fine shape, with grease stains on the inside of the driver's door (on the upholstery), grease stains around the hood and greasy handprints on the doors. Plus, one of the tires had been "blacked". Would have been OK if they did all 4 !!! They did attend to some other concerns, but will wait & see if the other items are fixed.

The service person at both dealerships was unhelpful to the point of rude. I hope to trade the thing in on a Japanese vehicle soon.

Power (V-8), all wheel drive, handling, towing (5,000lb boat), JBL audio system, cabin comfort, cargo space and looks great!

Towing 9 mpg highway, normally 15 mpg. Not much difference in mpg between city and highway.

Pulls boat well even through mountains. Sticker about $35,000, bought for $30,000 near end of model year. I am used to Honda and Nissan cars/trucks where it seems that nothing ever goes wrong. I now have over 65,000 miles with no mechanical problems (are you sure this wasn't built in Japan?)I am very happy with this product and proud that it is an American vehicle.

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Jeep and Chevy SUVS.

Great ride quality. Very solid road manners, corners well. Excellent accleration with 205HP SOHC V6, and 5 speed auto trans. Very comfortable seating, very quiet cabin, even on the highway. Dual, second generation airbags and adjustable shoulder harness height.

Mileage could be better, but better than most SUV's.

Paid $21000 (used). Highly recommended.

Great mileage is irrelevant if you're dead: I don't mind paying at the pump for safety.

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The Ford/Mercury SUV's are light-years ahead of GM's Blazer/Jimmy/Bravada units. Drove a Chevy Blazer for 2 years, and despised GM's low quality, poor fit/finish, body roll, and variety of rattles and clunks.

What a great riding suv. I am very impressed with this vehicle. The handling is excellent on dry or wet pavement. It handles corners better than some cars. The big V8 pulls it along with power to spare. Fun to drive in the snow. I have the all-wheel drive version. Had all the regular service done. Bad door lock was the only problem . My wife loves the security it provides because she has to commute with it daily. I highly recommend it. My recommendation is based on the all-wheel drive version. Very comfortable on long drives, leather seats are excellent.

Low gas mileage.

Excellent all around suv. Fun to drive, great handling.
Paid $34,500, upgrade package with leather and stereo, sunroof, with upgrade mag wheels. Full pwr seats as well.

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Toyota Four Runner.

This is a sturdy vehicle with lots of comfort. I especially like the powerful V8 that wastes no time when you're in a hurry. There's plenty of cargo room plus the luggage rack. The JBL sound system is awesome.

I had a lower right ball joint go out at 47,000 miles and had to get a front end alignment as well. The combination of the two caused some abnormal right front tire wear but no problems since.

I recommend the Mountaineer. I think Mercury goes the extra mile to give the consumer a dependable, well-built vehicle with a touch of class. If you can afford the high price tag, (or buy used like I did) go for it.I get nothing but compliments on it.

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