1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4WD V8 from North America

Summary:

A real disappointment

Faults:

The brakes, sometimes involving rotors, have been replaced numerous times.

The factory CD player has been inoperable more often than not.

The vehicle, while under extended warranty, was taken to two Mercury dealerships with complaints of transmission problems. Each time I was told that "the transmission fluid needs to be serviced." That had already been done. Today I learned that I need either a new transmission or a transfer case, both of which cost in excess of $2,500. Of course, the extended warranty has now expired.

As my last vehicle (1995 Mazda Millenia) would definitely be ranked as a major piece of junk, I thought I was buying quality this time. Looks like I was wrong!

General Comments:

While the vehicle is comfortable, roomy and stylish, I find that the overall performance is truly disappointing. While I realized that I was not purchasing an economy car that got good gas mileage, this gas-guzzler has truly been a drain on my pocketbook. It seems like very other week it is in the shop for one problem or another.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th September, 2002

24th Mar 2005, 10:11

Well I have had a Mountaineer for 4 yrs and have had so many problems with this SUV. I have never had this many problems before. I had to replace the transmission heating and cooling system and the list continues. Its sad when you pay for repairs and you are stuck in a loan. I should have kept my Toyota never had a thing wrong.

1998 Mercury Mountaineer 4.0 SOHC from North America

Summary:

Piece of crap

Faults:

1st set of tires junk by 5000 miles, second set of tires junk by 12000 miles.

Plug wires.

Intake leak.

Blown head gasket.

Burnt exhaust valves.

General Comments:

The part that really burns me up is that Ford claimed I was the only one complaining about Firestone tires. Yet 2 weeks after I bought new Michelins they come out with a 6 million tire recall.

The durability of the engine has been an incredible disappointment.

I hate to admit it but I am forced to buy Japanese. I have a new MDX on order.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th March, 2001

28th Apr 2001, 15:59

I have a 1999 Mountaineer and am having similar problems with the tires. My Firestones were recalled but they were still trashed with uneven wear before the recall. Naturally, the dealer blamed the alignment until they did an alignment and it was in specs. They replaced the Firestones with Generals under the recall and they are trashed within 10k-12k miles. I spoke with other shops and to prevent this, they recommended Monroe Reflex shocks which are allegedly made to address this problem. I wish I had an MDX right about now.