2008 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER DEBUTS TWO INDUSTRY-EXCLUSIVE FEATURES

• Getting Connected. Mercury Sync™ hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system (late availability) joins the suite of high tech offerings on the Mountaineer for 2008.

• Industry Innovation. Mountaineer comes to market with Ford's industry-exclusive capless fuel filling system (late availability).

• New Options. New features for 2008 include 20-inch wheels (late availability) and seven new packages, including: Mountaineer Chrome Package, Navigation and Moon and Tune Elite Package, Comfort Package, among others.

• New Exterior Colors. Three new exterior colors: White Suede Clearcoat, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic and Stone Green Clearcoat Metallic.

The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer offers an expressive alternative in the SUV market, delivering impressive driving dynamics, refined interior choices along with premium convenience and class-leading safety. It escapes the mainstream with many package choices that allow consumers to express their individuality and satisfy their personal needs.

For 2008, Mountaineer also addresses consumers' tech-savvy wishes with the addition of Mercury Sync™ – an industry-exclusive, voice-activated and hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system (late availability). Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, the system fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity. Mountaineer's navigation system is improved for 2008 as well, now offering voice-activation capability for greater ease of operation.

Another industry-first feature that debuts later in the model year on Mountaineer is Ford Motor Company's exclusive capless fuel filling system.

Seven new package options are offered on Mountaineer in 2008, ranging from a selection of Third-Row Seat Packages to the unique look of the Mountaineer Chrome Package.

Mountaineer is available in two arrays: Mountaineer and Mountaineer Premier. Both are available with either 4x2 or all-wheel drive. All Mountaineers are produced at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Ky.

Never Lose Your Gas Cap Again

The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer comes to market with a capless fuel filling system (late availability). This technology not only eliminates the inconvenience of forgetting to put the gas cap back on after fueling, but it also saves time during refueling by doing away with unscrewing and replacing a fuel filler cap.

The system could prove to benefit the environment as well. The capless fuel system provides a much better seal than a cap, as it isn't opened until the fuel pump nozzle is inserted. When capless fueling is completed, the nozzle is removed and the system seals shut automatically.

Sophisticated Design

The exterior design of the Mountaineer reflects the design sensibility for the Mercury family of vehicles. The refined front fascia flows around the body to touches like the distinctive shape of the side mirrors and continues rearward to cues that subtly reflect and integrate design elements from the front end on the rear bumper fascia.

Primary design points on the Mountaineer capture its refined yet rugged sensibility:

• The signature Mercury waterfall grille is highlighted within the front-end design and accentuated with satin aluminum finish on the center of the front bumper.

• Clear taillamp lenses and a satin aluminum highlight on the rear bumper serve to integrate design from front to back.

• 18-inch machined aluminum wheels are available on the Mountaineer and standard on the Mountaineer Premier for further distinction. A new 20-inch wheel option is added later in the model year.

• Available power-deployable running boards were carefully engineered and designed to integrate fully into the rocker panels for a clean look when tucked away.

• Mountaineer adds three new color options for 2008: White Suede Clearcoat, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic and Stone Green Clearcoat Metallic.

For the interior, Mountaineer engages a sense of sophistication and subtle luxury while still providing generous passenger and cargo space. Mountaineer boasts nearly 85 cubic feet of cargo space and versatile seating options for up to seven passengers.

Mountaineer continues to offer several segment-exclusive features, including PowerFold™ third-row seats, power-deployable running boards and a heated windshield for added driver and passenger convenience.

Performance

Premier models are available with a three-valve 4.6-liter V-8 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This advanced V-8 features variable cam timing and creates a robust 292 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Using technology more commonly found in luxury sport sedans, Mountaineer's 6-speed transmission provides smooth, seamless performance that makes the most of the V-8's power band while improving fuel efficiency.

A 4.0-liter V-6 with a 5-speed automatic comes standard in both Mountaineer and Mountaineer Premier. Both V-6 and V-8 Mountaineers are available with all-wheel drive.

Advanced Safety

For 2008, Mountaineer can still claim the most standard safety features in its class, including an array of more than 10 advanced safety features.

Standard safety features include:

• Adaptive safety. A five-level front passenger occupant classification sensor, enhanced restraint control module and a driver-seat track position sensor help provide information used to adapt safety systems in the vehicle.
• Driver and front passenger seat air bags adapt to an occupant's size and the severity of a crash. Mountaineer also features adaptive technologies for load-limiting seatbelt retractors and a collapsible steering column.

• New standards in safety. Front side-impact air bags are standard and the Safety Canopy? side curtain air bags covering all three rows are also standard on all models.

• AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control) This Ford exclusive system uses state-of-the-art gyroscope technology to sense a roll condition and then deploys countermeasures through braking and engine controls to attempt to bring the vehicle back under control. No other automaker uses this gyroscope technology in its system.

Major Features and Options

Mountaineer: 4.0-liter V-6 with a 5-speed automatic; Capless fuel filling system (late availability); 17-inch aluminum wheels with P245/65R17 all-season tires; Power door locks; Message center with four-line display; Auto-dimming rear-view mirrors; Dual power heated outside mirrors with security and approach lamps; Remote keyless entry; Fog lamps; Headlamps with auto lamp; Premium AM/FM stereo with single CD player and MP3 capability; Auxiliary audio input jack; First-row cloth seats with six-way power driver seat with manual lumbar support; Color-keyed and leather-wrapped steering wheel with speed and redundant audio and climate controls; AdvanceTrac® with RSC®; Intelligent Safety System™; Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags for the first- and second-row passengers plus rollover protection sensors.

Mountaineer Premier adds: Satin aluminum round exhaust tip; Satin aluminum roof side rails; 18-inch satin aluminum chrome clad wheels with P235/65R18 all-season tires; Color-keyed running boards; First-row heated leather-trimmed sport bucket seats with Preferred Suede inserts; Six-way power passenger seat; Second-row reclining seatbacks and access to the standard third-row seat.

Options include: Mercury Sync™ (late availability); Third-Row Seat Package; Third-Row Seat Elite Package (includes PowerFold™ third row seat and auxiliary air conditioning); Chrome Package; Amenities Package; Moon and Tune Elite Package (includes Power moonroof, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and Audiophile sound system); Navigation and Moon and Tune Elite Package (includes all previous equipment plus voice-activated navigation); Comfort Package; Heated Package (includes heated seats and windshield); Power-deployable running boards; Power adjustable pedals with memory; Power moonroof; Voice-activated navigation system; Rear-seat DVD entertainment system; Quad bucket seating; Heated front seats; Auxiliary climate control; color keyed running boards and third-row 50/50 split bench seat); Reverse Sensing System; Trailer Tow Package.

by Mercury

Debuting in 1997, the Mountaineer was all about luxury compacted into a SUV body style. The mid-size vehicle was sold by the Mercury division of Ford from 1997 until 2010. Many of its features were shared with the Ford Explorer, and under the hood the SUVs were basically the same. The Mountaineer was not only priced higher, but also featured more upscale features than the rugged Explorer.

The Explorer had been out in production for over two years when the similar Mountaineer was introduced as its twin. The Mountaineer only had slight differences from the Explorer and was offered as the 'premier' trim level. The new SUV featured a standard 302 cu in 215 hp Windsor V8 engine.

Unfortunately the first year didn't yield the sales that Mercury was hoping for. Customers weren't able to tell the two models apart, so for 1998 the Mountaineer received a front fascia flipped upside down, smaller headlights and a new rear hatch and distinct wheels. The standard powerplant was the new overhead-cam 4.0 L 205 hp Cologne V6 with a 5-speed 5R55E automatic that enhanced performance. Though the sales still couldn't compete with the Explorer, the Mountaineer sales steadily rose because of these updates that included stability and handling. Unfortunately the increasing number of rollover incidents caused the Mountaineer to lose some of its credibility as a roadworthy warrior. Both the Explorer and the Mountaineer underwent a brand new redesign in 2002 in an attempt to address any consumer safety fears.

The second generation of the Mountaineer arrived on the scene for 2002 along with a revamped Explorer. The Mountaineer received even more luxury features and was redesigned from the ground up. The luxury options included features like a rear-seat TV/DVD player, faux-brushed metal trim and rear radio deck. An unfortunate flaw in the second-generation design was rear hatch cracks near the Ford and Mercury logos. Other than this imperfection, the new design of the Mountaineer would be preview of what was to come on future Mercury models with more luxurious looks and features. The waterfall grill and barred taillights would become part of Mercury's new signature look eventually appearing on all future models.

The second-generation model featured all-new independent suspension that was modeled after the same concept as many luxury sedans. The SUV was still a fun ride though and featured more ground clearance along with skilled off road handling. Side curtain airbags that would deploy in the event of a rollover and additional air bags were part of the new safety features for 2002. The SUV was now 1.9 inches wider, which gave more leg and shoulder room for both the driver and passengers. Providing more room was an optional third row, fold-flat seat and bigger cabin. The Mountaineer's sales were a drastic improvement over the first generation models. Mountaineer owners have enjoyed their vehicles and are reported to have one of the highest owner loyalty ratings of an SUV.

The third generation Mountaineer was introduced in 2006 as a redesign on a new generation of Ford's U2 platform. The outside of the model didn't change much which the biggest changes being found in the new all-white tail lamps, chrome side view mirrors, bigger wheels and enlarged Mercury logos on the tailgate and grille. The Lincoln Aviator was now discontinued and Ford wanted to fill the empty spot between that and the Explorer, so the Mountaineer was offered in a more upscale sportier version. The inside of the Mountaineer now super high-class with a DVD-based navigation system with voice control. This was the first time that this feature was available on a Mountaineer. The interior was upgraded with more insulation to make the ride much quieter and the frame was revised along with the shocks to provide a smoother ride. Added to the standard equipment package in 2006 was enhanced handling thanks to the AdvanceTrac Stability control and Roll Stability control. Producing an astonishing 292 horsepower was a new t4.6, V7 powerhouse engine that increased gas mileage. New this year was an optional power operated third row seat and a navigation system.

For those looking for a little more than just a small compact SUV, the 2007 Mountaineer was a perfect midway point with the capability to haul like the big guys without the hefty fuel price. Six different trims were available this year that included all wheel drive versions. Various upgrades included a heated windshield, larger entertainment system screen, and an audio input jack.

Changes for 2008 included side curtain airbags and the 'M-O-U-N-T-A-I-N-E-E-R' badging removed from the front doors. The following year the trailer sway control became standard. The handy navigation system received traffic flow monitoring and gas prices updates from nearby gas stations. Ford's MyKey was added as standard in 2010 across all trim levels.

For 2010 the Mountaineer was even better than before with a bevy of extra space for carrying groceries, luggage and even extra passengers. The inside comfortably seats up to seven passengers. Two trim levels were available this year: the Base and the Premier. Both trim are available in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. Drivers had the option of two separate powertrain configurations: a 4.0L 210hp V6 combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 4.6L 292hp V8 mated to an optional 6-speed auto transmission.

The 2010 Premiere trim level included 18-inch chrome wheels, leather upholstery, satellite radio, dual-zoned automatic climate control, third-row seating and the SYNC Communications System. Constantly monitoring the odds of the SUV overturning was Ford's AdvanceTrac stability control system with electronic rollover protection. The system would determine the probability 100 times per second. Other safety enhancements this year included anti-lock brakes, electronic traction control and side and curtain airbags and more.

New standard equipment included adjustable foot pedals, a power moonroof, position-memorizing heated front seats, separate climate control for the rear and a new audio system. The popular Ford Reverse Sensing System was new for this year and provided an audible signal whenever an object was within close proximity when reversing at low speeds. The audible signals beeps faster and faster the closer that you get to the object.

This would be the last generation of the Mercury Mountaineer as production ceased on October 1, 2010. As Ford was trying to do away with the Mercury marque the Mountaineer was caught in the crosshairs. No 2011 Mountaineers were production in 2011 like the rest of the Mercury lineup.

Following a large number of rollover accidents involving Mountaineers and Explorers the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA) contacted Ford and Firestone regarding tire failure on models fitted with Firestone tires. It was found that various models of 15-inch Firestone tires had high failure rates, especially tires made at Firestone's Decatur, Illinois plant. The rollovers were caused by drivers overreacting to the tire blowout according to Car and Driver. The Ford Motor Company refuses to equip any car they sell with Firestones, even to this day.

Sales in 1996 totaled at 26,700 Mountaineer models sold, and nearly doubled in 1997 at 45,363 models. A total of 47,595 models were produced in 1998, and 49,281 in 1999. For 2000 the sales held strong at 46,547 before dipping slightly the following year at 45,574. They rose a bit in 2002 to 48,144 models produced and once again in 2003 to 49,692. In 2004 they dropped to 43,916 models and continued to drop steadily from there with only 32,491 models produced in 2005, and 29,567 in 2006. 2007 was not any better as sales continued to drop to 23,850 before plummeting to 10,596 in 2008, 5,169 in 2009 and finally 5,791 in 2010.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Mountaineer

http://www.carseek.com/reviews/mercury/mountaineer/

http://www.carseek.com/reviews/mercury/2010-mountaineer/

by Jessican Donaldson