- 2010
2009 Mercury Mountaineer
- Used Mercury Mountaineer
Mercury Mountaineer - What the Auto Press Says
Based on the same platform as the Ford Explorer, the Mountaineer is a competent and comfortable SUV. But its weaknesses are lower-than-average fuel economy and a sluggish base engine.
"It suffers some ergonomic lapses, and interior materials are unimpressive," says Consumer Guide. "Mountaineer, however, is a competent SUV with a solid array of useful features. Its traditional truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty crossovers." While more upscale than the Ford Explorer, some buyers may wonder if the Mountaineer is worth its slight price premium, especially since the capabilities of the two SUVs are equal. Buyers who are willing to forgo a refined ambience to save money may want to look at the Hyundai Santa Fe.
For 2009, Premier models get Ford's much-praised SYNC hands-free infotainment system and Sirius Satellite Radio as standard equipment. The Mountaineer is available in three trims: the base model and two Premier trims, which feature V6 or V8 engines.
- "That said, the Mountaineer has a bit of elegance, some neat tech toys, can seat seven in comfort and can tow more than 7,000 pounds when properly equipped." -- San Jose Mercury News
- "A classic body-on-frame SUV that offers a quiet and supple driving experience, the ability to tow large objects, and three rows of seats. Trucklike construction adds up to a hefty curb weight, a thirst for fuel, and a boring driving experience. A true SUV for those who still want one." -- Car and Driver
- "[T]his big Mercury has some desirable attributes, such as good on-road manners, lots of available luxury features and a smooth, comfortable ride. But compared to top seven-passenger crossovers like the Mazda CX-9, GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander, the Mountaineer's only significant advantages are its higher towing capacity and potentially lower discounted price." -- Edmunds
Mountaineer Performance - 7.5 (Good)
The 2009 Mountaineer performs well enough, but it's up against stiff competition. "Though heavy by class standards, these cousins (Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer) go down the road quietly and without much of a fuss," says Car and Driver. Some test drivers have concerns about the Mountaineer's spongy brake pedal and sluggish base engine. Read More
Mountaineer Exterior - 8.3 (Very Good)
The Mountaineer's design, which is conspicuously similar to its Ford Explorer sibling, doesn't stand out from the pack of midsize SUVs. Car and Driver describes it as "nice to look at in a boxy, 'Merican kind of way." Reviewers especially like the SUV's unique power-integrated running boards. Read More
Mountaineer Interior - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 Mountaineer's cabin is comfortable and well-appointed, but it still ultimately lags behind competitors in quality. Though reviewers find the front row spacious, opinions are mixed on second- and third-row comfort. "Interior materials mostly solid-feeling," says Consumer Guide. "Many surfaces are hard plastic, however, which we deem inappropriate given Mountaineer's upscale intentions." Reviewers also dislike the interior door handles. Read More
Mountaineer Safety - 9.0 (Excellent)
The federal government gives the 2009 Mountaineer top five-star scores for all seating positions in both frontal and side crash tests. Safety features include an optional heated windshield for better visibility. Read More
Mountaineer Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2009 Mercury Mountaineer reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mercury offers a limited warranty that is good for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Read More
