The 2001 Mercury Mountaineer Is The Ford Explorer's Forgotten Cousin!

[@sonnyserrano5522]

My wife and I own a 97 explorer 5.0l with all time all wheel drive. It's been great to us. 220,000 on the odometer and still runs like new. Most reliable vehicle we have owned.

[@MastersOfMask]

Yeah, after fixing the air idle control.

[@302Mustang13]

​@@MastersOfMaskThat's not what they said. My 5.0 was flawless too

[@thatsthesandersfamily]

​@@302Mustang13same i had one too great vehicle

[@danielwells5032]

My 2000 is still kicking. Rust on every inch of it and 220k miles but the 5.0 v8 is amazing.

[@eam417]

I got a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0 V8 2 WD and I can say the 0-60 is a kick in the butt when you put your foot down. Just not in the rain, it tends to get a bit swirly. It a great truck.

[@outdoornaturestation4043]

So glad Brenden is a part of the TFL team. He’s an awesome host and has a wealth of knowledge!

[@NWI_Steel]

Agreed, he is a great addition to the channel

[@390fe390]

I own a 2001 Explorer has been in my family since new. 182k miles on it currently. One of the best vehicles I have ever had. Feels like a tank, smooth ride and drivetrain. Would not trade it even for a brand new one! Body on frame, RWD layout, natural aspirated engine, metal bumpers, column shifter, tons of storage, very good ground clearance, and so on. These things were not just versatile but they were built to last. You just don’t see that in new SUVs anymore. Everything is disposable.

[@bldontmatter5319]

New "SUVs" even have unibody construction and rear wheel Independent suspension. Embarrassing

[@b-genspinster7895]

Column mounted shifter is where it’s at.

[@Kevin6t8]

The two things I didn't like about these was the solid rear axle and the numb steering feel for the first few inches of travel either direction. It made for a very tiresome long distance cruiser.

[@twofjs6334]

@@bldontmatter5319 Square body jeeps are unibody construction. They had solid axles. They are amazing offroad vehicles.

[@2010hyundaielantra]

Well i would, sell the new suv and buy the old one back

[@myob6953]

I am a proud owner of 1997 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0 AWD almost 200k miles, still going and it still looks sharp!

[@attackb5349]

My parents bought a brand new 1997 Mountaineer back in 97. Two tone black and gray with gray leather. Man it was a good looking truck. We were on a road trip with the Firestone tire recall broke. Was a little nerve racking but no issues on ours and we got a new set of Michelins from Ford. 😊 I learned to drive on it and it was a absolute tank in the snow. Very reliable too!

[@9725saints]

My grandmother bought one of these new in 2000. She still has it and it’s only at 70k miles. I’ve been driving it around lately and wow I can see why my dad prefers his 2016 4Runner😂. I really do like driving the mountaineer though coming from small 90s cars it takes on the roads like nothing and is a pretty smooth ride. The torque on these v8s catches me by surprise too👌🏼. Just used it the other day to load an engine block in the back too since there’s so much space.

[@tonyc7435]

Does she want to sell it? I am looking to buy one

[@OldThomMerton]

Wow, that Mountaineer is really clean for a 2001.

[@curtisblair7618]

I had the same Mountaineer. Got it with 120,000 miles on it, paid $4500 . Loved that truck. Gave it to my friend with about 200,000 on it. Should have kept it. He trashed it in less than a year. 😂

[@whatchath385]

My gf had one and she absolutely loved it! She sold it because it was rusting out and it started needing things fixed every other week. She would buy another one if it was in really good condition.

[@JonOfThe979]

Crazy to me that a 2001 is a classic now.

[@EZchairchillen]

Yes, you are old

[@angelgjr1999]

Yup

[@irondino247]

I know man, time is speeding these days

[@williamGT]

I currently own a 1998 Explorer 5.0 AWD... spent $3400 Canadian and fixed her up, next project is removing the AWD transfer case and adding the manual shift 4406 from the 97-03 F150.

[@mjrtensepian1727]

The 5.0 V8 AT AWD model is the one to get; It comes with a relatively bulletproof 4r70w transmission. Later models (like '97-'00 ish) have the GT40 cylinder heads from earlier SVT products. Until recently these were a dime a dozen(

[@joedimos]

When I was a kid, I submitted a request to get some brochures from Mercury for the second generation Mountaineer. I really appreciated their ad campaign for those. The "Mountaineer Soundtrack" was actually complete with Marvin Gaye "Let's Get It On"..

[@TonyDMan67]

I had over 300k miles on my 2000 Mountaineer when it was totalled by a dump truck sliding thru an intersection. I was okay, but the motor didn't survive. I miss it alot since I had cam work and other goodies added on. It was a great "Road Trip " vehicle.

[@JoshHallingse]

Brenden and Tommy are pulling on the heart strings with these late 90s, early 2000s vehicle purchases/reviews! Thank you! My favs...96 BMW 3.25i, mid 90's Mazda Millenia, and of course the the 1st gen Chrysler Sebring JXI. All made driving fun in there own way.

[@hodad200]

These are tanks. Picked up a clean ‘97 5.0 AWD with 150k miles for $2500 USD. Wish it had low range, and the around town mileage leaves something to be desired, but otherwise it’s great. Takes everything you throw at it. FYI all the early build trucks were 5.0 AWD with the 4404 t case. Later trucks were available 2wd and/or v6. These were originally more up market than the explorer so they came pretty loaded options wise.

[@TresChutz]

Ive owned a 2000 Explorer 5.0 for the last two years. All ive done is dual exhaust and the rest just maintenance items. Its been very reliable. 190,000 miles currently with many more to go

[@DblOSmith]

My parents had the '97 Explorer with the OHV V6 and 5spd auto. That vehicle was a tank. It lasted forever and the 5spd automatic really paired well with that engine. It felt much more peppy than it had any right to be.

[@braxtonmorgan2125]

i own a 98 mountaineer 5.0 awd and i dont ever see myself getting rid of it. i threw an intake on it and a 15" sub in the back and still have plenty of trunk room. i did a chrome delete for the grille, rear emblem and hub caps, and i unbolted the muffler at the cats. still slow for now but man does it sound incredible. i have a lot more plans for this car

[@302Mustang13]

I had a '97 Mountaineer exactly the same colors and the 5.0. I bought it used 14 years ago and was one of the best vehicles i ever bought. Should have kept it.

[@spacecatF40]

I got my first car last year it was a 2000 mountaineer with a v6 and I still drive it. overall soild truck and yesterday I just changed one of the sparkplugs and I wish the suspension has a little bit more cushion but its over 23 years old. I rearly see any other mountaineers and when I do usually give a wave

[@LukeEdward]

Let’s be honest, it the presenter that’s more of a gem.

[@robervin9107]

Preach it yas

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

He's got that "trust them instantly" feel.

[@Jerrylbee]

I love those explorers and mountaineers. Would love that one!

[@upscaleshack]

@@ChrisPatrick-q6k If you trust a used car auction flipper instantly you deserve exactly what you buy.

[@302Mustang13]

Yeah but that Mountaineer is really clean and 5.0 powered. I had one with the 5.0 that looked exactly like it but with base equipment. It was one of my best vehicles so far.

[@justadakota1822]

So glad you guys dhow love to these cool older cars. However we both know that the grang Cherokee and durangos where the ones to get. Around that time remember they had the 5.2 and the 5.9 and they both had more power especially in the jeep. Ppus had 3rd row and the durangos where great looking.

[@XxViciousxX]

Man I still sometimes miss my old 97 explorer with the 5.0. That thing was a tank never left me stranded got me 390,000 miles out of it before I sold it.

[@XxViciousxX]

@geraldadventures That's where it failed a few times I went through 3 transmissions in those 390k miles. Was still a great truck though even with the transmission failure. At least in my opinion.

[@dmope22]

I like this vehicle. I am glad to see you show some of the features on it. I own a 1999 mountaineer V8 5.0. and it is still running after 208.000+ miles. they burn a lot of gas but it runs.

[@xziang]

Loved these actually and basically the drivetrain is what didmit for me. Gt40 intake and heads made it better than the normal mustang 5.0. The engine runs great and if taken care of will last a long time. Not very fuel efficient but reliable.

[@Simple_Jack82]

Right on, man. When you know, you know.

[@302Mustang13]

My 5.0 Mountaineer had the 3.73 axle and could still get 20-21 mpg highway running 75 mph. I usually averaged 17 mpg. It was decent but fuel economy was the reason I sold it.

[@mikeloeffler6325]

Had a white one 1999 5.0awd fully loaded with a six disc cd changer in the center console awesome small suv other than the gas mileage

[@davidheckart639]

Great vehicle, absolutely agree! Our family had 2 of them and they were all that you say. Nevertheless you’re now looking at a vehicle over 20 years old!

[@MatthewTheCCMA]

Back in high school I was in marching band playing the bass drum, I had a 1996 Ford Explorer XLT with like 220k at the time and it was such a good SUV, the 4 wheel drive still worked great. Another one of us in the percussion section had a mercury version and it was sooo nice inside. Made up for the 10 MPG! Haha

[@jaypioh]

i freaking love both my 98 Explorers besides the SOHC problems. I've been slowly buying the optional upgrades that are found on the Mountaineers and Limited/ED Explorers like the message system, auto AC, heated mirrors, etc.

[@jacknimble1]

My grandmother has one of these in mint condition with about 35k miles but the v6,4x4 that sits in a garage. It really looks new. Was my grandfathers. Just talking to my dad yesterday about the value and what they will do with it.

[@dawsonfradin9071]

What I love about old SUVs (My 06 Explorer included) is that if you got them without a 3rd row, you got a massive storage area. With the 2nd row down, you basically have a bed out of a Ranger/S10. Im on the hunt for a new truck, and to get a midsize, 2 row suv, on a truck platform is next to impossible unless you get a 4Runner. I like these old school, utility focused SUVs. Even the nice "Luxury" trims were basically just adding some nice creature comforts, which was perfect for regular use.

[@TheRealSuperJ]

I leased a new 1997 Mountaineer on A plan for $379/mo for 24 months with zero down. I loved that thing!

[@mattmaverick703]

These were great trucks regardless of what ppl think! Same for the Explorers of this Generation which were all based off the bulletproof Ford Rangers of same era! I bought a 98 Ford Explorer 2dr Sport for $1600 wasn't in pristine condition but very mint with little rust few years ago, and truthfully other than new tires and battery that truck was super reliable and handled great in bad weather with the 4x4. Heck it had remote start and ice cold AC that worked still

[@Higherthanany1]

Very nostalgic I use to own a 97 5.0 AWD explorer Eddie Bauer edition it was one of the most reliable versatile and capable vehicles iv ever owned use to give the new edge mustangs a run for their money

[@americanrambler4972]

That’s a nice clean old truck! It is a hidden gem. Someone is going to get a rake ally nice old car.

[@aaronbehindbars]

The 302 truck engines were very understressed. Bot a ton of power, but made great low end torque, especially just driving around light on the throttle. I had a 91 F-150 with that engine and and it would hit OD at 42 mph and around 1100 rpm and that thing would chug up hills without needing to kick down. The GT40 heads and intake were a common upgrade for the pickups to gain a few extra ponies, but they probably diminished some of that low end grunt to a small extent. If you took one of these Explorer/Mountaineers and tossed in a E303 or B303 cam, high flow cat, and 3 inch single exhaust, you'd be sitting at 250-260 hp which "probably" isn't too much for the stock awd system. Lowered 2/3" on some nice 17's, you'd have a pretty slick performance SUV.

[@TheKelvala]

I have a 2012 Ford Escape (sibling to this one and the Mazda Tribute). Its also the last year of this body style. I love it, sunroof, bluetooth radio (gen 1 sync), AWD, heated seats, parking indicators and it cost me around 8k. I've had it for 4 years and its only needed oil changes. 140+k miles on it and running strong. I would most definitely get another one.

[@user-pgchargerse71]

There was also a Mercury version of the escape, I think it was called the Mariner

[@danielwells5032]

WOW that engine bay is immaculate…

[@PaddyBoy644]

My favourite presenters on TFL are Brendan and Andre. Keep up the great work guys! Cheers Pat 🇦🇺

[@felixbaum48]

Super reliable cheap-to-free 4x4 Vechicle. That's actually great on the highway? Don't tell anyone!!

[@rtcturnemup7028]

The nostalgia with this explorer/mountaineer. Personally my family was always into ford suvs but I had a thing for the trailblazer and Tahoe duo just a little more.

[@2H2521]

One of the best SUV’s ever made!

[@ChubbyJontheBartender]

I have a 1998 Mountaineer, 2wd. And it will still burn the tires. Paint is failing but the engine and drive train is still top notch at 320,000 miles. AC Dryer finally rusted out this year, but other than routine stuff, its been rock solid in the 18 years I've owned it. Still have the OG window sticker, it was 38k in 1998!

[@RonnN-gf8tm]

Not too many of those models in Canada... I used to see only one in town..nice square body style.. good video TFL

[@gqami]

Case in point, manufacturer’s had rear air vents and yet today, for 2-3x more money, no rear seat vents. Great video guys.

[@CamBamTYman]

This car saved my life when I got into my horrible accident. ❤

[@lanceripplinger8352]

That dash looks exactly like the one in my dad's 2000 Ranger, and my 2004 Ranger (just a different different instrument cluster in mine versus that). I didn't even know they had a 5.0L V8 option. Maybe that is why on KZbin, you can find videos of people doing the 5.0L swap into their Rangers from the 4.0L V6.

[@joesciandro8478]

Keep up the Great videos I had an old explorer v8 i think with the 4.6 great old suv.

[@grantman64]

My wife and I were car shopping many moons ago and came across a 1997 Mountaineer in Willow Green, with matching green leather interior. It had the V8, which immediately grabbed my attention. We took it for a test drive, and I was ready to buy it, but my wife started in with carping about gas mileage. In the end we passed it by.

[@cartopia6161]

Really clean. I could see that selling for $7-8k on the private seller market.

[@twofjs6334]

We had one. I still see them around here in SW CO. The Mountaineer was a nice vehicle but the seat comfort was far from the three Explorers we had owned. The Explorer I had that had belonged the Harry Cary was rather plush. The Mountaineer was traded in on a 94' Saab 9000.

[@BRBNWolf]

TFL bump! 🎉 I’m sure with you and Tommy making videos at the auction has single handily divine prices up on the pre owned market 😂

[@1leggeddog]

The center console and onboard computer was very cool. Heck, all of the features seem useful.

[@bobbydavenport8941]

I had a 1997 mercury stable ls wagon I bought as a fixer upper it also had a power lock switch in the cargo area it wasn't in the worse shape the odometer showed it had only 127,000 but later I did a Carfax on it using the vin ,it came back showing 400,000 so that was the end of that

[@bricegraham8256]

I love love love these Mountaineers. And also the first generation Mountaineer based off the second generation Ford Explorer.

[@mc540flip]

Crazy, I was literally looking at one of these last night and this posts this morning!

[@laurabg379]

I have an 04 and I just had to have it painted. Rust was bad, started on the roof. Old car guy said to spray flex seal in the groves so it doesn't do it again. Said water just sits in them.

[@laurabg379]

Best vehicle I've ever owned, a complete beast! 160k miles. I paid 5k for it in 2016 with 80k miles on it then. I've kept up on replacing parts before they actually go. If they look like they are going I order it. Lol still spend less than I would on monthly payments

[@J_Beazy223]

Thats the HO intake that ford put on the mustangs. I picked up one of these for my wife a couple of years ago. Has the 5.0l premier edition. Thing was pretty much cherry. With 136k original miles. Now have 150k on it now. Runs pretty good still. Has factory amp and sub in it. Im about to change the head unit and I wish i wasn't loosing steering wheel controls.

[@J_Beazy223]

Oh and paid 4600 from a dealer friend of mine. The previous owner only put about 1k a year on it for the passed 6 or so years. Guy was a snowbird and kept it at his florida house for riding on the beach.

[@MOBGaming4]

I had a 5 liter Explorer and loved the power. Only bad thing, the u joints in the drive train kept going bad. Eventually sold it for a XJ lol

[@unintendedpurposes]

The fact that Ford has had a keypad on the door to get into the car since the 90s and still few makers have it today, puts ford above the competition. I cant express how convenient it is to lock my keys and wallet in the glove box so i dont lose them on the trail.

[@ambienteterrazas]

About a year ago when i was looking for a cheap camping rig i came upon a second gen explorer with the V8, i defenitely wanted it since the V8 came paired with the more reliable transmission, it was in good enough condition and the price was perfect but i never realized it only came with awd, since i go camping deep into baja i absolutely needed an suv with a 2 speed transfer case, i never understood why ford didn't just slap a 2 speed transfer case in the V8's, there is a mod for it but i did not want to mess with it.

[@sx20Ramar]

I bought a 2000 Mountaineer, 302, black with beige interior, sun roof, AWD , around 5 years ago for $1400. Just passed inspection again today. 12 mpg sucks.

[@edwined82]

I like those types of vehicles

[@tonyc7435]

I have been wanting this gen so bad, but I have been looking for the Explorer version/ I am going to look for one of these now. I would love a clean one just like this one

[@deejayimm]

The second gen Explorer sport with the correct drivetrain was a little off-road beast.

[@notsureigaf]

I almost bought one of these last year, the V8 was enticing and they can be converted to standard part-time 4x4 without too much effort. Previous experiences with Ford reliability, if you can call it that, ultimately scared me off though.

[@VanessaCastano-hf1px]

My 2012 infinity broke I couldn’t afford to fix . I was praying to Jesus for a car . I meet this lady at work she told me I have a car in my house it’s been there for 5 years I lost keys she said if u can make it run it’s yours . To my surprise it was a 2001 mercury mountaineer 80k milles . I called lock smith and a new battery and I’m loving it ❤ thank u Jesus . Ask and it shall be given

[@bryanmenard9385]

I’ve had three. Leaking main seals on every one. Very expensive job to fix, doubly so on the AWD. Very challenging to perform some maintenance, particularly on the AWD. Two of mine were 2WD and the current is AWD. Horrible - and I mean horrible - gas mileage on the AWD. Maybe 11-12 mpg around town. 2WD is around 17. Very durable car. Very reliable. But they have known issues. The 5.0 is very tightly fit under the hood. They don’t break too often but definitely require a lot of labor for most tasks. The transmission on the 5.0 is far superior to the 5 speed on the 4.0. By no means a perfect car but they’re alright. Best thing about the Mountaineer over the Explorer? U-Haul will rent a trailer to be pulled by a Mercury. The Explorer is banned.

[@hkm_865]

I love these things. Couple inch lift and some meaty tires on stock wheels. Future classics

[@MCD1994]

I had one just like this one same color and everything. I loved that car mine only had 85000 when I sold it. I hated selling it but I needed the cash bad ihave two kids. And I was in CDL school and gas was 5 bucks gallon here in ohio.

[@Ruben-dr4yi]

Great job Brenden..really enjoy your videos

[@slowstang88]

I had a 1999 Mountaineer 5.0 2wd. I regret getting rid of it

[@alangrosinske3244]

I bought my 99 5.0 about a year ago now has 200,000 .. Runs amazing.. suspension is iffy though

[@gmanandhislady]

We briefly had a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer that was on its last leg. The AWD was messed up, and we were always running out of gas because the gas mileage sucked even more with it needing work. It was a POS. We ended up letting it go back because it was a lemon, and the car dealership was unwilling to help us get it fixed.

[@saysbadman]

That bit about the V8 being a couple seconds faster is not true from what I gather. The previous V6 cologne engine only had 160 HP, but the 2001 cologne V6 had an overhead cam and produced 210hp or the same as the V8. I couldn't tell you about the power band or exact 0-60, but they should be fairly similar.

[@LuisMunoz-be7mc]

I was like 21 when I actually realized and found out that the reason different car logos where the same manufacturer so they had the same design but different logos 😂 who's dumb idea was that I bet other cool concepts could've come out if the big car companies didn't have a hold on the whole automotive industry

[@kc0lif]

i be looking it on tflbids. but the next generation had a third row seat. mountainer always 4 door explorer had 2 doors that year.

[@fscottgray9784]

I would get a similar year Dodge Durango with real 4 wheel drive and pay about half of what a similar Explorer/Mountaineer . More power and 3rd row seats.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Those old Durangos had rust issues though, have to find a southwest one, though...

[@2H2521]

Durangos are junk!

[@anthonyc1883]

I don't recall the year but a co-worker of mine had a Mountaineer with the even more rare 351 cid V8

[@averageguylifestyle7092]

He must have swapped the engine for a 351. They never put that engine into the Mountaineer

[@anthonyc1883]

@@averageguylifestyle7092 Good catch, and thank you. I reached out to the guy and indeed, he put a rebuilt 351 2-barrel in his 1997 Mountaineer many years later.

[@AbuPaul]

My 2015 Explorer has 129K - this car is brand new :)

[@victoryfirst2878]

2:31 the H.P. of 210 is for a V6 engine fella.

[@bryanhill4516]

My grandpa gave me his so I had one for awhile with the same setup. The only thing it didn't pass was a gas station...LOL

[@petermandics1517]

Brenden, help me understand why you were minimizing the Firestone tire recall. While I guess you're right that "relatively few people had that issue", it killed 238 people, leaving another 500 with injuries, here in the U.S. alone. Wouldn't you agree that's exactly why that "bad reputation" that they got "caught up in" was well earned?

[@richonsound6531]

That red beard In contrast with that white old schoolgirl SUV. Majestic!

[@greggc8088]

I thought the "exploder" nickname came from the first few years of the exploding 4.0 OHC with the faulty back timing chain tensioner?

[@capesquirt]

Correct. It was us mechanics nickname for the rig. Not the tires. I owned a 97 with the 302 for seventeen years. With that good low rpm torque will blow away my 2010 5.3 Tahoe.

[@mattjohnson6227]

That thing is in great shape

[@markhavelka4924]

That’s one clean Mountaineer!

[@johnalexander6322]

I had a 1996 Explorer v6 OHV, and a 2000 Explorer v6 SOHC

[@derekbryant6137]

I had a 97 just like that the only difference was there was no controls down below for the fuel economy and all of that but none of that ever bothered me you technically don't need those features I drove mine all over the United States I miss mine it was a solid car it also had the 5.0

[@gpilsitz1783]

About $4k tops. Good, thorough, review.

[@austinreeves9112]

I have a 2000 mountaineer with only 130,000 miles and all original, the cosmetics are rough but it was given to me after my grandmother passed away and I can't part with it.

[@igarrett113]

My mom had an 99 Mountaineer lasted until 2021. 😊

[@JamesPhieffer]

The whole deal with the Explorer/Mountaineer was entirely a tire problem with the Firestone tires they came with, combined with the 29 lb air pressure recommended by Ford. Boost the pressure or replace the tires, and you have no problem. And even if you had a tire blow, the Explorer was entirely safe. Car & Driver repeatedly experimented with rapidly deflating or blowing a tire at speed, and the Explorer behaved like ANY other car. So long as you keep your foot off the brake - Driving 101 in the event of a blowout - it was easily controllable as it rolled to a stop. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one, for myself or anyone else.

[@xziang]

Bummer was hoping you were going tomshow what it sold for at the auction

[@kevinbarry71]

Faster than the six-cylinder? It depends which one. I remember seeing a drag race against the overhead cam version of the six cylinder engine. The eight cylinder engine lost. Not a lot of room to work under that hood

[@ousamaabdu794]

Im looking at buying a 2001 Mercury Mountaineer 4x4 with the V8. Can someone chime in with any personal thoughts how this unit does in the snow?

[@vwsandvettes3253]

Ya'll said the all wheel drive had a slower 0-60 than the rear wheel drive. How can that be?