2008 Mercury Mountaineer

Don’t you just love great vehicle names? Names you can pronounce, understand and remember, instead of confusing alphanumeric badges. So it is on today’s Mercury cars and trucks—midsize Milan and full-size Sable sedans, compact Mariner crossover (CUV) and midsize Mountaineer SUV. The latter is not only poised and ready to take on mountain roads and trails, towing a boat, wave runners, mountain bikes or snowmobiles, but completely at home on the highway or a night on the town in style and comfort.

Mercury’s first Mountaineer, an upscale derivative of Ford’s best-selling Explorer SUV, was introduced in 1997. Its successor arrived in 2002 boasting more luxury and features and a more contemporary look, and a major element of that new look was satin-aluminum in place of traditional chrome, which set the direction for future Mercury designs. Generation three came just four years later boasting an all-new interior, an upgraded chassis, a segment-leading array of safety features and an optional 292-hp V-8. The 2008 models bring further refinement and a pair of exclusive new technologies: the industry’s first capless fuel filler system, and the voice-activated, hands-free entertainment and communications system called Mercury SYNC.


Developed in collaboration with Microsoft, Sync fully integrates mobile phones and media players into the vehicle using wireless Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The innovative, Ford-exclusive capless fuel filling system eliminates the possibility of forgetting to replace the gas cap after fueling, saves time by doing away with unscrewing and replacing a cap and provides a better seal, which isn’t opened until the pump nozzle is inserted. When fueling is completed and the nozzle removed, the system automatically seals shut. Also for 2008, Mountaineer’s optional DVD navigation system is improved with addition of voice-activation, and there are seven new option packages, including several third-row seating combinations.

Sophisticated Design

Mercury says that Mountaineer’s exterior design theme boils down to “rugged sensibility.” Its Mercury signature waterfall grille is flanked by large, wrap-over headlamps and complimented by satin aluminum finish on the front bumper. Its front fascia flows around into the bodyside protective cladding, and clear taillamp lenses and a satin-aluminum rear bumper highlight subtly integrate elements of the front design into the rear. Distinctive 18-inch satin aluminum chrome clad wheels are standard on Mountaineer Premier, and new optional 20-inch wheels give an even brawnier look. Available power-deployable running boards integrate completely into the rocker panels when tucked away.


The interior projects an ambience of subtle sophistication and luxury while fulfilling the SUV promise of generous passenger accommodations with versatile seating options for up to seven passengers and nearly 85 cu. ft. of cargo space. Among the segment-exclusive features are the power running boards, a heated windshield and PowerFold third-row seats.