Faults:

One day the driver window up/down switch didn't work. I thought about it, shook the thing and it has worked ever since (5 years). That's all folks!

General Comments:

I owned a Toyota Corona for 20 years and made one repair (the clutch slave cylinder). After five years, no repairs on this Mercury.

It starts first time, every time.

Great ride, quiet, powerful, solid.

No squeaks. None! After ten years!

Where's the engine? Must be a nightmare to work on. Oil filter is so hidden and hard to get at; drives me nuts.

Bad. Paid $12,500 used, now worth $6,700. How can such a fantastically built vehicle drop value like a rock?

Best vehicle I ever owned.

Faults:

Back-up sensors stay on at times when backing-up in a clear area, Happens more in warmer weather.

Rear wiper often does not work, It works sometimes after I turn on the rear wiper switch and get out of the Mountaineer and force the wiper to move.

Radio often does not work, The stations will not come-in.

Lower radiator hose leaks.

Transmission links at radiator leaks.

Front drive-shaft at pigtail leaks.

Front end noises (Grinding sounds).

Gray paint is fading near the edge of the door.

Side mirrors scratch very easy.

Wind noises around the front doors after 55MPH.

Door seal is falling apart.

General Comments:

I looked at several Mountaineer & Explorers with a V-8 AWD/4x4 to find that most leak at the front drive-shaft pigtail and at the lower radiator hose,

When I looked at the V-6 models none appeared to leak.

MPG is very low when there is snow and/or when it is cold outside 10-14MPG.

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.

Faults:

Back-up sensors were mis-wired and repaired under warranty.

Rear wiper has been repaired twice and dealer installed a heavier duty arm, all under warranty.

Ignition key could be placed into an incorrect position, resulting in a check engine light and strange electrical device errors. Ignition switch was replaced under warranty.

Firestone tires were replaced as the result of a recall.

Right side rear door does not unlock with others when the transmission is put into park. Passenger cannot unlock from inside. Door opens when driver presses the unlock all doors switch.

General Comments:

Ford service has been great and, overall, the car is reliable.

Car handles great in snow.

Gas mileage is poor at only fifteen to sixteen miles per gallon.

Love the computer and message display.

Car suspension is a bit bouncy, but comfortable, particularly on long trips.

There is plenty of cargo room with convenient access.

All wheel drive is the way to go; nothing to do, but forge ahead.