People who regularly shop at Saks Fifth Avenue rather than K-Mart or who take annual vacations in Palm Springs California rather then the Wisconsin Dells will more than likely be in the market for Mercury's Mountaineer. This sport utility vehicle (SUV) is designed with the upscale shopper in mind. Quite simply, Mountaineer is a top-of-the-line, high-powered Ford Explorer, with Mercury badges and front waterfall grille. Not a bad marketing ploy since Ford's Explorer is the best-selling SUV in the country. Mountaineer debuted last summer as a 1997 model. It's the first SUV ever offered by the Lincoln/Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. Unlike Explorer, which is available in either two or four-door versions, Mountaineer comes exclusively with four doors. Explorer has been on the scene since 1990. And while Explorer has several different powertrains to choose from, the five-seat Mountaineer comes standard with a powerful 210-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8. This engine provides solid acceleration. Other notable standard features include dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, automatic transmission, fog lamps, cruise control, power windows/locks, dual power outside mirrors and power rack-and-pinion steering. Options include choosing between two-wheel, rear drive or permanently-engaged, all-wheel drive. Mercury charges $2,000 more for all-wheel drive. Two optional equipment packages are available. Power moonroof, six-disc compact disc changer, exterior running boards, integrated child seats and outside temperature gauges are the most notable options Mountaineer shoppers get to choose from. Two-wheel drive models start at $27,240 while all-wheel drive editions begin at $29,240. Our test vehicle, a red, two-wheel drive Mountaineer with preferred equipment package and cloth sport bucket seats, totalled $29,320 including a $525 destination charge. Both Explorer and Mountaineer have the longest wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) in its class, which provides a smooth ride. Inside, all riders enjoy plenty of headroom. Just like in the Explorer, drivers have decent visibility in every direction. Power window and radio-present buttons are large and easy to find. Temperature and fan speed regulate from easy-to-grab dials. Two molded cup holders, located in front of a center storage bin with elbow rest, can accommodate 12-ounce cans and "biggie" cups from fast food eateries. When folded down, the back seat rests relatively flat. With the 60/40 split rear seat up, Mountaineer holds 42.6 cubic feet of cargo. With the rear seat flat, 81.6 cu. ft. of materials can be hauled. The rear hatch door open as a single unit, or the glass window may be opened separately. A power lock button near the hatch entrance allows all door to be locked from the back; a nice touch. The spare tire stows under the vehicle, opening up room in the hatch area for greater cargo capacity; another practical design. With standard equipment, Mountaineer can tow up to 3,500 pounds. With an optional towing package, the two-wheel drive versions accommodate up to 6,700 pounds. The only area where Mountaineer rates below average is in fuel economy. Both two-wheel and all-wheel drive editions rate at 14 miles per gallon in city driving and 18 mpg highway. With 5,400 odometer miles, our test vehicle registered 15 mpg in combined driving. The gasoline tank holds 21 gallons of unleaded fuel. Mountaineer's target market includes customers between the ages of 35 and 49 with a median income of $70,000. Three in five are college educated. Mountaineer is assembled in Louisville, Ky. |