The Mountaineer's steering is quick and responsive, and the vehicle turns directions decisively. Despite its high center of gravity, the Mountaineer feels stable, but there is noticeable lean in mid-to-hard cornering. The ride is well cushioned, though the truck-size tires and wheels are heavy, which can be felt on particularly bumpy roads. Likewise, the live axle at the rear has mass that can be felt on rough pavement. Anyone accustomed to the velvet ride of fully independent suspension will notice the Mountaineer's heavy-duty underpinnings.
The 4WD system, available for V6-powered Mountaineers, is a full-time four-wheel-drive system that features Ford's Control Trac system. A rotary switch allows the driver to switch among three modes: Auto, High, Low. Most of the time, you'll want to leave it in Auto. Auto mode automatically transfers power front to rear as needed. Under normal conditions, most of the power is delivered to the rear wheels. Whenever the system senses a loss in traction to the rear wheels, it transfers the appropriate amount of power to the front wheels. The 4WD High mode provides full power to all four wheels and is only intended for severe winter or off-road conditions such as deep snow or solid, continuous ice or sand or mud. The 4WD Low mode uses a low-range set of gears for extremely difficult terrain such as deep sand, steep grades or pulling a trailer out of the water on a slippery ramp. The driver can switch between Auto and 4WD on the fly; like other systems, stopping is required before shifting into low range. A limited-slip rear differential is offered as an option on V6 models and is recommended for people living in the Snow Belt or anyone who drives on slippery surfaces.
The AWD system, which comes standard on V8-powered Mountaineers, drives all four wheels. Whenever traction is limited, it transfers power to the wheels with the best traction. The driver does not need to do anything to make all this happen. Unlike part-time four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive enhances handling. All-wheel drive works well for most people as it improves control in snow, heavy downpours and on dirt roads.
The Mountaineer is also available with just two-wheel drive with either engine, though few V8s come equipped this way. Next Page