Introduced in 1997, the Mercury Mountaineer classifies as a sport utility vehicle (SUV) based on the Ford Explorer design. The 1999 Mercury Mountaineer primarily focuses on suburban driving and serves as a family vehicle. However, unlike many more family-oriented SUVs, the Mercury Mountaineer does not sacrifice performance. The Mountaineer still offers solid offroad and roadway performance, with a powerful eight-cylinder engine under the hood.
The 1999 Mercury Mountaineer makes a good choice for a family SUV due to the large, well-appointed interior. The optional features list includes several luxury features that improve comfort beyond that of most rivals. Off-road drivers still find it a solid offering if comfort marks a factor. The performance as a purely off-road vehicle remains competitive, but some of the more performance-oriented models that do not offer much in the way of comfort or interior features beat the Mountaineer on price. However, it offers a good value for drivers who want comfort and performance in one package.
The Range
Body Styles: SUV
Engines: 4.0-liter six-cylinder, 5.0-liter eight-cylinder
Transmissions: four-speed automatic, five-speed automatic
Models: Mercury Mountaineer
What's New
The 1999 Mercury Mountaineer now offers an optional rear parking sensor and a new seat design option.
Exterior
The 1999 Mercury Mountaineer serves as an attractive four-door SUV. The styling looks curved and graceful in comparison to the more functional designs found on most SUVs. The 1999 Mercury Mountaineer offers a unique appearance, which could be a positive or negative quality depending on the tastes of the driver looking at it. Alloy wheels and power mirrors come standard. A roof rack, keyless entry, auto-dimming mirrors, an anti-theft system, and running boards provide standard features as well.
Interior
The 1999 Mercury Mountaineer offers a luxurious, spacious interior. Standard features include cruise control, air-conditioning, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a cassette player. Keyless entry, a CD player, a CD changer, an overhead console, JBL audio, leather seating, and power seats remain optional features.
Performance & Handling
The Mercury Mountaineer has better than average roadway performance. The eight-cylinder engine offers good acceleration. The six-cylinder engine offers solid performance, but it seems less responsive than the eight-cylinder option. Handling and maneuverability feels solid, outperforming many SUVs, but the 1999 Mercury Mountaineer is not quite as agile as a car. Off-road performance seems solid, with enough power to keep going. However, the design better suits poor road conditions and dirt roads rather than true all-terrain driving.
Safety
The 1999 Mercury Mountaineer comes equipped with dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and traction control.
EPA Fuel Economy
Mercury Mountaineer four-liter six-cylinder: 14/19 mpg city/highway
Mercury Mountaineer five-liter eight-cylinder: 14/18 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Good acceleration
- Four-wheel drive option
- Large cargo capacity
You Won't Like
Sum Up
A luxurious version of the Ford Explorer.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Ford Explorer
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Toyota Land Cruiser