2006 Mercury Mountaineer Published 1/19/2006

Mercury Mountaineer is all new for 2006 with a quieter ride, more power and refinements galore. From the foundation up Mercury has stiffened the frame improving ride and handling while decreasing noise at all speeds. This attention to noise vibration and harshness is expected from Mercury but the real news comes from increased performance.

My test vehicle sported the new three valve 4.6 liter V8 engine. Pumping out 292 horsepower and 300 lb. ft. of torque, this beauty becomes a towing beast capable of pulling 7,230 pounds properly equipped. The V8 version of the Mountaineer is mated to a new 6 speed automatic transmission designed to provide the ultimate gear in every situation. Even with the big V8 powering a sophisticated All Wheel Drive system this Mercury still rated 20 MPG on the Highway and 14 MPG in the city.

Sport utility vehicles are an important segment to the American auto buyer. In fact, of the 17 million new vehicles purchased last year almost 1/3 were classified as Sport Utility Vehicles. While much of the new attention is directed at car type unibody crossovers, the traditional body-on-a-frame design like the Mountaineer is still the workhorse.

The 2006 Mercury Mountaineer and Ford Explorer share the same platform as well as many components. The big difference between the two vehicles is that the Explorer offers a four-wheel drive system while the more sophisticated Mountaineer is an All Wheel Drive design. While both drive systems offer power to all four wheels the Mountaineer is always looking for a loss of traction in any wheel so that power can be re directed. Its full time system could be called "Best Wheel Drive." The Mountaineer is most capable on pavement while the Explorer's traditional 4X4 system is best in off-road situations.

The 2006 Mercury Mountaineer has its own sophistication apart from the Explorer. I especially like the chrome guards on the rear taillights suggesting additional protection. The waterfall grill is distinctively Mercury and up-market from the Ford Explorer. Yet aside from the AWD system and a few cosmetic touches, this is a very close cousin to the Ford Explorer.

The new 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is the best ever but as with all vehicles there are flaws. The most noticeable "bone head design flaw" is noticeable every time you enter or leave the vehicle. Someone thought it "cute" to place the grab handles so low that only a knuckle dragging orangutan would be comfortable closing the door. How this passed the focus groups is beyond me for everybody that I asked listed this as the most annoying feature. Everything else from the two-way lift gate to the heated exterior mirrors providing proximity lighting on approach speaks of sophistication.

The optional power running boards are the coolest feature of the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. For $695 these always clean and always-ready boards will remain a "gee-wiz" feature for years to come. Unlike the Lincoln Navigator's power boards these tilt up and tucked away to keep clean until the door is open.

GPS Navigation and Rear Seat DVD Entertainment options are expected on this class of vehicle and the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer does not disappoint. The interior is stylish and lavishly appointed. Greatly improved from earlier attempts at GPS Navigation systems this new system is very useful and easy to learn.

A base two-wheel drive 2006 Mercury Mountaineer starts below $30,000 but my Premium AWD with the powerful V8 raised the commitment to over $40,000. For this money you should expect a premium ride and Mercury delivers with a complete array of features. It is by far the best Mercury Mountaineer produced.

2006 Mercury Mountaineer AWD Premium

4.6 L 3V V8 Engine

$40,780 MSRP as driven

14/20 MPG

Additional Web only Information and Resources

For Additional Reviews: