1998 Mercury Mountaineer from North America - Comments

I have owned my 1998 Mountaineer since December of 1997. Regarding comments on tires. I have a rule to change out tires every 50,000 miles. The Mountaineer is on its thrd set of tires and is approaching 150,000 miles and has only had one mechanical shop visit since I've had the car. It is the 4.0 six with the five speed automatic and has consistently given me 22-24 MPG on the road and 18-20 in town.

I am very surprised at all the negative comments. My previous was a 1992 Ford Explorer which was as reliable as the Mountaineer. Only one complaint it was a lttle under powered.

My next new SUV will be a Mountaineer.

Hello everyone - I'm another disappointed Mercury Mountaineer owner! I purchased a 1998 Mercury Mountaineer in 1999. Like all new car owners I was happy to have a brand new car; after 6 months I noticed the motor would lose power! Within a year the CHECK Engine light would appear. Well I've owned the car for almost 9 years and I still have the check engine light on. I've been everywhere and they can't find an answser/solution to why the Engine light shows up in my car! Can anyone help me?

I too have a Mercury Mountaineer 1998.And my Engine light is on and has been on for months.I'm hearing squeeling under the front end, and am nearing the years mark from the last brake job.So' under my left foot I'm feeling the thump type movement along with the clunk type noise.It's amazing that I'm the only one who can hear this. Has anyone else experienced this?When the Vehicle is turning on an Upgrade or Downgrade?I know what Metal to Metal sounds like and why. But over all I really like the Mountaineer.O' and one more question;;To make sure I understand.Does the 1998 have sparkplugs?<<<<Thanks.Sept 22 2006.

I have a 98 Mountaineer V8 AWD. It has been a great and very reliable SUV. Now at 227k miles and still towing 5k pound 25' boat! I've been getting 50k plus out of my tires. Engine still purrs and only change oil and filter every 10k with Mobil 1 Synthetic. I have found it to be a little hard on brakes over the years, but when you tow as much as I do it is to be expected. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anybody.

Even if you are using synthetic oil, I'm pretty sure you are still supposed to change your oil every 3500 to 5000 miles.

I have been a Ford customer since 1970 when I bought my first new car, Torino. I have owned 8 other Ford/Mercury vehicle. I now own a 1998 Mountaineer. As I have read from previous customers, many have had the same problem as me. The radio lights seem to have a mind of their own. On and off constantly. When I took it in to find out the problem, I was told they had many problems with the radios in the Explorer/Mountaineer. Why didn't Ford do something about it? It is annoying when driving in the evening with the lights on. Also, lights in steering wheel for cruise controls. Constantly a problem. Again, Ford you need to take the responsibility of replacing or at least offer an affordable replacement.

Thank you. Paul E. Tjaden.

I purchased my 1998 Mountaineer in April '06. I absolutely LOVE this truck! It had 138000 miles on it then, and has 165000 now (Dec 06). I have taken 3 long road trips with it and drive it daily. All I have done to the truck is change the oil and wash it. It runs great at all speeds--I have the 5.0 v-8, 2wd. This vehicle has great acceleration for passing or merging onto the highway. It rides really nice and is very comfortable. Gas mileage is what you would expect from a large engine, 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

Everything works except for a light burnt out behind the gas gauge. I have had one minor problem with the alarm system. It sometimes goes off when I open the passenger door or tailgate after unlocking with the key. The stereo works great. When I purchased the vehicle the brakes were squealing and the AC/heat control was not functioning. The dealership fixed both problems.

I have read the negative reviews on this vehicle, but have no complaints of my own. I believe the truck I have was well maintained by the previous owner. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone, but obviously look at the condition of it before you buy. Any vehicle that has been abused or poorly maintained will have problems.

I just got my 98 Mercury Mountaineer 2 weeks ago. I love it, but many of the problems everyone else has, I have encountered as well. The lights on the stereo face come in and out (I tap it a few times and they come back, I'm guessing it's a short). I think I've already blown the two trunk speakers that I'm going to have to fix. Every time I hit a bump or go up into a parking lot, I hear a squeal or a thump from my front end, which may be the ball joints. Thank God for warranties. I just wish my dealer would stop avoiding me. Oh and the check engine light comes and goes as it pleases. Gotta love electrical problems.

I bought my 1998 Mountaineer in August of 2006 and at 81,000 miles it had very few problems. It was a one owner vehicle when I got it and was well taken care of. The original owner replaced the tires with Michelin LTX/MS tires and they seem to be wearing well. It has 88,000 miles on it now and all I've had to do is remove the Idle Air Control sensor and clean it, after replacing it no more problems. I am extremely happy with this SUV, 23 to 25 mpg on the road and 18 to 22 in town. I purchased an extended warranty for it just in case, but so far I have'nt needed it. It is very comfortable on road trips and the 4.0 v-6 has more than enough power. The 5-speed auto trans shifts smoothly. To all those owners who seem unsatisfied/ Try alittle more preventive maintance, it's the key to a problem free vehicle.

98 Mountaineer new in September 98, in warranty rear wiper motor replaced failed again after warranty still not operating, new lower ball joints both sides at 54k, shifter cable at 62k, lots of small problems, now at 75k has been in trans shop for 3 weeks, rebuilt - broken spline collar, but still not running properly, they have tried a replacement computer - with associated dealer reprogramming to key, ford guy my whole life, my last E250 work van lasted 315k before any engine or trans work, currant E250 has 240k so its not the driver. This has been my favorite car, but has had more problems than several of my others put together. By the way the trans never left me sit, the light flashed and you could tell something was not right. I should have driven it till it stopped this current repair is over $2800 and not done yet.