Faults:

Evaporation coil for air conditioner rusted.

Brake lights quit working. Have not had it checked out yet, so reason is unknown.

General Comments:

The seats are very comfortable.

The all-wheel drive is awesome. Cornering on wet pavement is excellent. You can floor it on wet pavements and the wheels do not spin.

I love the V-8. Has plenty of torque.

The steering is sports car quick. Great for around town, but takes some getting use to on the highway.

Faults:

Miscellaneous dash bulbs.

Air conditioner condenser.

Front drive shaft.

Left front wheel bearing.

Break calipers.

Gas pedal sticks, recall, but dealer didn't fix due to high cost to me.

Faults:

The ABS light came on shortly after I bought it (91,000 miles), which required replacement of the left front wheel bearing.

Replaced the front drive shaft at 92,000 miles because a worn universal joint was causing serious vibration under acceleration.

Brake job at 108,000 cost $500.

General Comments:

I bought the Mountaineer because I needed a winter vehicle, wanted the utility of an SUV and picked it because of price and the V8 plus AWD.

It is awesome in the snow.

The wind noise and truck-like ride are as expected, but it is loaded and everything still works.

Faults:

CD player did not work from day one. Dealer looked at it, but wouldn't honor a guarantee. It is still not fixed.

From day one, oil leaking onto exhaust pipe causing a burning smell. After the ssecond try, the dealer had fixed.

At 71,000 there was a recall for a front end part. Dealer said my Vin number was OK. I ended up replacing that part at 89,000 miles at my own expense.

Brake job at 93,000. Cost was over $900.

Hard starting at 104,000. Tune up and a few other replacement parts needed.

Check engine light has been on since 119,000 miles. Cost $90 to hook up to test equipment. Dealer said there was a very small leak in the exhaust system. Decided not to lay out another $600. Still waiting for bulb to burn out.

At 161,000 miles, the overdrive light is blinking. Just serviced, but the transmission fluid was over looked and low. After adding fluid, the light went out for a few days. Fluid level is still fine, but light is back on. It is time to totally change the fluid.

At 163,000 miles, the whole vehicle is creaking and making noises. Lubrication has not helped.

General Comments:

This is a very good looking SUV.

Lots of power and fun to drive.

With the all wheel drive, it handles very well in snow.

Lots of room, however, the rear seats do not fold down very flat.

Rear seats are not too comfortable for an adult.

Noise level is higher than expected in the back seat.

Faults:

Oxygen Sensor. $30 and 10 minutes of my time to replace.

ERG Valve Solenoid.

Radio dash lights blink. No repair for the 97 style radio I'm told.

Egg/gas smell occasionally. Probably due to the 4 Catalytic converters.

General Comments:

Excellent in the snow/ice. The all wheel drive is unbelievable to me.

Most reliable auto I have ever owned to date.

The radio dash lights blink on and off. The radio isn't ventilated, and the heat will eventually unsolder the power connection. However this doesn't effect the radio, just looks somewhat odd.

The engine they put in is an excellent engine, however it is hindered by a few things making it's acceleration poor and mileage weak. The whole exhaust is poorly thought out.

All of the faults put together could never out weigh the positive aspects of this truly elegant SUV.