Faults:

I had a radiator hose burst, but that was basically missed routine maintenance.

Windshield is now cracked due to the weather.

Back door locks stick and rear passengers have a hard time getting out.

Transfer case and front differential are wearing badly, but were also used hard.

Brake pedal faceplate came off.

General Comments:

I love this truck, its been everywhere from Maine to Kansas, has carried everything from 7 passengers to groceries to a transmission, and performs beautifully. The 5.0 is fantastic for surprising people at the stoplight and especially on the highway with the overdrive on. Stability is unbelievable, I've been in an accident where I was driving over 95 mph and slid straight sideways on the road and was thrown into a ditch. As soon as I was sideways, I think any other SUV would have rolled at least 3 times, but no one wheel ever came off the road. I have absolute confidence in this truck and anyone who wants to own one should think very seriously about it.

Faults:

I had a few recalls, nothing too serious, however Mercury was quick and professional in servicing the vehicle.

My wipers occasionally lose their "rhythm" and need to be turned off then on.

Back driver's side door automatic door lock tends to stick and lock passengers in.

Never was able to figure out the integrated phone option on my stereo. Stereo display "dimmed" when I first got the car. Mercury dealer took the stereo out and replaced with a new one. No questions asked.

General Comments:

My mercury has over 100,000 miles on it and has never had a serious problem. Still runs great.

Certain days the truck runs faster and better... not quite sure why, but doesn't affect the overall performance quality.

I love this truck! I went car shopping not too long ago and could not find all the features nor the added security I have with my Mountaineer. I will definitely buy another!

Faults:

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.

Faults:

I had to take it in for a factory recall to fix the head gasket.

I had to replace all the struts and strut mounts.

The engine makes a funny rattling noise that i had it taken to two ford dealerships, and they couldn't figure out what it was.

The automatic four wheel drive kicks in and out. I took it to two different mechanics and they told me to change the fluid in the transmission. I'd done this already.

The seat mounting bracket broke, and no one had the part on hand. I had to drive with a rocking style seat for two days.

When driving down the road, air leaks in through where the doors and windows are.

General Comments:

This vehicle handles well in cornering, and regular use.

It has very little power to pass anyone with.

The fourwheel drive system is not very well made.

The vehicle is roomy, and the driver and passenger seats are comfortable.

The rear seat is really uncomfortable to sit in.

In the rear seat you sit right on the seat belt latch.

The sound system is the best I've ever had from a factory vehicle.