Faults:

Threw the timing chain and is costing me approximately $1600 to repair. I found out after talking to several mechanics that these engines are notorious for doing this. In fact, the local Ford dealership carries a "kit" for this specific repair. hmmmmm. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not, but this seems to be a very common problem. I am keeping my paperwork in the event there is a recall on this particular part. I really like the truck but now i don't feel that i can trust it.

General Comments:

This is the second mountaineer I have owned, and it will be the last Ford product I ever purchase.

Faults:

Transmission repair or overhaul X 3

Rear Axle seals X 2

Overhaul Rear Differential

Total "after warranty costs" not including routine maintenance brakes etc. $4722.27.

General Comments:

I love th ride, the features, the styling, BUT it has been the most trouble prone vehicle I have ever owned.

Faults:

At 42,000 solenoid had to be replaced at a cost of $600. Now at 60,000 transmission had to be rebuilt at a cost of $2,400. Car was out of warranty and not under an extended warranty.

General Comments:

It seems that a new car, one owner, 3 years old and not yet paid for should still have the original transmission. Must be a defect in the transmission.

Faults:

The transmission is horrible. It shudders and slips. Changing the fluid did nothing. I bought an SCT Xcalibrator which allows me to adjust the settings of the transmission, but that did not help either.

The glossy finish on the exterior trim pieces around doors is flaking off rapidly.

The leather on the rear seats are wearing faster than other areas of the car.

General Comments:

Excellent handling on wet or dry pavement for an SUV.

Good acceleration from the V6.

Good towing capacity.

Quiet and comfortable interior with good standard features.

The seat warmers are nice and the premium audio is decent.

However, the horrible transmission ruins what could have been a great urban SUV.

Faults:

We bought the Mountaineer in 2003, it was one year old with 38,000 miles on it. Immediately, I noticed it just didn't shift as smoothly as my last car (98 Ford Explorer). We brought it in within 4 months of buying so that if it was a transmission problem, it could be fixed under our extended warranty. They did a "transmission pack" and sent us on our way. One year later, warranty expired, and it's even rougher than before. It takes about 10 seconds to shift into reverse. The dealer just called and told us that they will have to rebuild the transmission - a $4,200 dollar job. However, (and this was news to me) because these cars seem to be having a lot of transmission problems, Ford is paying half of it, and the dealer is eating some of the cost also. I will have to pay $1600 of it. Why didn't they catch the big problem last year before the warranty expired? I hate being at the mercy of auto service people. It also makes me wonder why Ford isn't paying for all of it if they admit something just isn't right with their transmissions?

Faults:

Problems to date have been minor. I had the water pump replaced last week.

The indicator light for the seat heating system was blinking on and off when it was turned off.

General Comments:

This car has the electronic HVAC system and I love it. Just set the temp and forget it!

The leather seats with the heaters for cooold mornings are wonderful.

The all wheel drive system is a get in and drive with no cares wonder!

The ride is very smooth and stable, you can't tell you're in a 4x4.

The power for passing is very acceptable so I don't think you need the extra gas MPG loss to have the V8.

I also own a 2004 Ford Explorer Limited fully loaded and I let my wife drive it.

I prefer the Mercury.