Under normal conditions, most of the power is delivered to the rear wheels. My only complaint is a burned out display on an otherwise great sound system this is typical for quite a few older Mountaineers and Fords. Year of manufacture 2000 First year of ownership 2000 Most recent year of ownership 2003 Engine and transmission 5. Driving Impressions The pushrod V8 does the job on the Mountaineer. A limited-slip rear differential is offered as an option on V6 models and is recommended for people living in the Snow Belt or anyone who drives on slippery surfaces. The Mountaineer is slightly more luxurious.
Ignition switch was replaced under warranty. All wheel drive is the way to go; nothing to do, but forge ahead. There is plenty of cargo room with convenient access. Shiny grille and all, this vehicle is essentially a truck, and it will deliver should the going get rough. All the major panels are identical, but luxury trim aims to set the Mountaineer apart.
But the ride is stiff and choppy on bumpy roads and jiggly even on smooth roads. Zero complaints after 10 years. As it's an old vehicle I assume this is expected. Car suspension is a bit bouncy, but comfortable, particularly on long trips. Even in standard trim, the Mountaineer is loaded with power windows and door locks with illuminated controls, and power mirrors. Car handles great in snow. The Mountaineer has two conflicting personalities.
Whenever the system senses a loss in traction to the rear wheels, it transfers the appropriate amount of power to the front wheels. Note that this car has always been parked outside and in extreme desert heat. Right side rear door does not unlock with others when the transmission is put into park. Model Lineup All Mountaineers are four-door models. Note that this car has always been parked outside and in extreme desert heat. Yes Review Date: 4th January, 2003 My 2000 Mountaineer gets terrible gas mileage. How can such a fantastically built vehicle drop value like a rock? Handling is sound, with good steering feel, and the brakes are competent.
It may be that this paint lasted longer than most. After five years, no repairs on this Mercury. The Mountaineer has two conflicting personalities. Transmission links at radiator leaks. Rear wiper has been repaired twice and dealer installed a heavier duty arm, all under warranty. The Mountaineer is distinguished from the Ford mostly by fancy trim such as the bright grille, as well as the absence of budget models with basic equipment. This vehicle is beautiful inside and out.
Even in standard trim, the Mountaineer is loaded with power windows and door locks with illuminated controls, and power mirrors. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect. The long front and rear doors offer easy entry, aided by running boards, which come standard. The Mountaineer is also available with just two-wheel drive with either engine, though few V8s come equipped this way. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. The Mountaineer is also available with just two-wheel drive with either engine, though few V8s come equipped this way. General Comments: I owned a Toyota Corona for 20 years and made one repair the clutch slave cylinder.
Radio often does not work, The stations will not come-in. Large footwells up front and lots of legroom in the rear contribute to the spaciousness. The Mountaineer felt like a big rig before the advent of the Lincoln Navigator. The lighter service V6 rewards buyers with a 2 mile-per-gallon around-town improvement in fuel economy. It starts first time, every time.
Large footwells up front and lots of legroom in the rear contribute to the spaciousness. Walkaround Park a Mountaineer next to a four-door Ford Explorer and the relationship is obvious. Shiny grille and all, this vehicle is essentially a truck, and it will deliver should the going get rough. Year of manufacture 2000 First year of ownership 2000 Most recent year of ownership 2003 Engine and transmission 5. I live in Wisconsin and have yet to find a snowy condition this thing cant handle with ease. The cargo area is reached via a liftgate that rises high and out of the way. Same place on passenger and driver side.
Door seal is falling apart. Two engines are available: a V6 and a V8. Ignition key could be placed into an incorrect position, resulting in a check engine light and strange electrical device errors. The service people at the Ford dealer seem to be rude when I explain the problems as if it is my fault that the vehicle has problems. Despite the grunt, the engine is quiet and well isolated from the passenger compartment, whether at idle, under normal acceleration or at a steady cruise.