1998 Mercury Mountaineer review from North America
"Over-priced under-reliable crud"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
A/C developed leaks in 4 locations; $1100 repair (opted to sweat instead).
Lock actuator failed in 3 out of 5 doors.
Stereo developed a short, refused to display anything.
Retractable radio antenna stopped retracting.
Mercury dealer would not provide keyless entry code and would only provide one key.
Angry letter to Mercury got me (true story) a pre-printed Hallmark "we're sorry" card.
Reflective tape on grille bubbled up across the entire front.
General comments?
Engine and transmission ran without a hiccup. Everything else went bad from the very day we drove it off the lot. Car seemed to go into the shop every 2 months; first-name basis with mechanic.
5.0L V-8 and AWD = atrocious gas mileage (14/18, knock 3 mpg off each if running the A/C).
Poor customer service from Mercury and the dealership in town (allowed to drive off the lot with a dirty car, no gas in the tank, a nail in the front tire).
The best SUVs have a ride similar to that of cars; this vehicle was geared and drove more like a tractor. It had a very upright and unstable feel to it, great straight-line machine, but did not like curves at all.
Recommended reviews
| This is classy SUV that lacks the refinement it deserves |
|
| An o.k. vehicle, but many things to be desired |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0L V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 51000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 85000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Explorer |
| Date of Entry | 19th June, 2004 |