Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercury Mountaineer I 4.9 i V8 (218 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercury Mountaineer:
The Mercury Mountaineer is a mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle that was sold by Mercury from 1996 until 2010. The first Mercury SUV, the Mountaineer was a divisional counterpart of the Ford Explorer, marketed above it and between the Lincoln Aviator. Across its three generations, the Mountaineer was marketed exclusively as a 5-door wagon, with no counterpart to the 3-door Explorer Sport or the Explorer Sport Trac pickup truck.
For its entire production, the Mountaineer was assembled by Ford at its Louisville Assembly facility ; prior to 2007, additional production was sourced from St. Louis Assembly. After the 2010 model year, the Mountaineer was discontinued, becoming the second Mercury line to be discontinued before Mercury was withdrawn at the end of 2010....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Mercury Mountaineer (I). With 391 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1800 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. With seating for 7, it’s perfect for larger families.
The Mercury Mountaineer I was primarily sold in the North American market and was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety features for its era included dual front airbags and ABS, but it lacks modern structural rigidity and advanced driver-assistance systems.
4.9 i V8 (218 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The RWD V8 offers the same strong power and torque as the AWD version, potentially feeling a touch quicker due to less weight and drivetrain drag, providing robust acceleration.
Fuel Economy
This RWD V8 variant provides the best fuel economy among the V8 options, though it remains a thirsty engine. A good balance of power and relative efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious interior with available third-row seating
- • Comfortable ride quality for its class
- • Strong V8 engine option for towing and power
- • Available AWD for all-weather capability
Cons:
- • Below-average fuel economy across all engine options
- • Dated interior design and materials by modern standards
- • Some reliability concerns, particularly with transmissions and certain engine components
- • Handling can feel ponderous due to its body-on-frame construction
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercury |
| Model: | Mountaineer |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.9 i V8 (218 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 218 Hp @ 4200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 44.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 391 Nm @ 3300 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 4942 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 14.9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 101.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 76.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.7 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.3 kg/Hp, 121.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.6 kg/Nm, 217.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1800 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2310 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1205 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 79 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4790 mm mm |
| Width: | 1875 mm mm |
| Height: | 1830 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2830 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1490 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1490 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/70 R15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Does the Mercury Mountaineer live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!