It competes domestically with the likes of Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Acadia, Dodge Journey, Saturn Outlook and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Challenger imports include Hyundai Veracruz, Nissan Murano, Toyota 4Runner, Pilot and Highlander, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Endeavor.

The last time there was any significant change in body style was in the 2006 model year. Only minor changes this year, but one nice touch is the new trailer sway control. While the Mountaineer doesn’t particularly stand out, it is a sharp looking vehicle inside and out. It is considered underpowered, though, and the warranty is far from best in class.

The Mountaineer comes in two trims: Base and Premier. Either comes in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. With the right package, towing capacity can reach almost seven thousand pounds, closing in on double the class average. Cargo space is also nice, at better than 50 percent above class average.

The Mountaineer has two engines available. The Base model gets a 210 horsepower 4.0 liter V6. Premier can get the same engine or a 292 horsepower 4.6 liter V8. The six-cylinder engine is matched with a five-speed automatic transmission and the eight-cylinder is matched with a six-speed automatic, both with overdrive. Best fuel economy is with the rear-wheel drive eight-cylinder engine, which gets 15 miles per gallon in the city and 21 miles per gallon on the highway. Overall, fuel efficiency could be improved.

Mountaineer also does well on safety with five-star front and side impact ratings from NHTSA, slightly above class average. The three-star rollover rating is a rather low average for these vehicles. Mountaineer has child safety locks, tire pressure monitor, anti-theft system, antilock brakes with electronic brake assist, traction control, stability control and airbags everywhere - all standard. You can also get an electronic parking aid.

The Base model comes standard with automatic headlights, a full size spare tire, heated power exterior mirror, rear window defogger, leather covered tilt steering wheel, trip computer, power front seats, second row removable seats, power windows and door locks and tow hitch receiver. Available either as options or trim upgrades you can get a running board, adjustable foot pedals, six-CD changer with premium sound system, navigation system, DVD player, heated front seats with memory and power lumbar support, removable third row seat and sunroof.

Base price on the 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is an easy on the pocketbook $27,225, certainly among the best prices in class for what you get. With that in mind, Mountaineer’s “problems” just don’t seem large enough to keep it from getting a good look from anyone wanting a midsize SUV.

This mid size SUV offered ample room and flexibility for couples and families as well as an upscale interior which helped to make the smooth ride very pleasurable for the daily drive or longer adventures.

The Mountaineer made a fairly successful entry into the mid size SUV marketplace and continued to receive important updates between 1997 and 2002 that included stability and handling enhancements and a 4.0 liter V6 engine that improved performance. However, an increasingly large amount of roll over accidents came to a head in 2000 as a heated controversy and subsequent court case between Firestone Tires and Ford Motor Company ensued. With no one wanting to be responsible for the horrendous accidents, Ford argued that Firestone tires that were part of the standard equipment for both Explorers and the Mountaineer were faulty, while Firestone insisted that the vehicles themselves were not properly designed. Although the court case was settled with the increased amount of roll over accidents being attributed to drivers reacting in an extreme manner to tire blow outs, both the Explorer and Mountaineer received a totally new design in 2002 in hopes of addressing any consumer safety fears.

The 2002 model arrived with an all new independent suspension that was based upon the same concept as many luxury sedans, yet was still fun to drive and provided more ground clearance and capable off road handling. Additional air bags that included side curtain airbags that would deploy during roll overs were one of the safety features new for 2002. The overall dimensions were now 1.9 inches wider, allowing for more leg and shoulder room for driver and passengers. An optional third row, fold-flat seat and larger cabin provided greater comfort and more flexibility.

In 2006, the Mountaineer received an overhaul that included many important improvements. In addition to a sportier style highlighted by a more pronounced grille treatment and new tail lights, the interior was freshened and upgraded with more insulation to provide a quieter ride and a revised frame and shocks to provide a smoother ride. A new t4.6, V8 powerhouse engine produced an impressive 292 horsepower while increasing gas mileage. The handling was enhanced with AdvanceTrac Stability control and Roll Stability control and both features were part of the standard equipment package. New options included a power operated third row seat and a navigation system.

This mid size SUV was popular with those who need more than a small, compact SUV can offer, and less than a full size SUV’s hauling capabilities and lack of fuel efficiency. The 2007 Mercury Mountaineer offers practicality in an extremely attractive package. For occasional off road driving and hauling and a reliable, comfortable vehicle for every day use, the Mountaineer fits the bill nicely. With six trims from which to choose that include all wheel drive versions, and a handful of upgrades including an audio input jack, heated windshield and larger entertainment system screen, the sharp looking 2007 Mercury Mountaineer is worthy of consideration by anyone seeking the utility of a mid size SUV with comfort and convenience features often associated with more luxurious and more expensive models.

Premier front-wheel drive at $28,150; and the Premier all-wheel drive at $30,000. The Montego is powered by a 203 horsepower, 3 liter Duratec V6 engine that gives 2-7 lb.-ft. of torque. Estimated fuel consumption is 21 mpg city and 29 highway with the six-speed automatic transmission (FWD) and 19/25 on the AWD.

The interior has satin-aluminum accents against rich woodgrain and leather. The Montego is a five-passenger sedan with 128.7 cubic feet of interior space. Its command-style raised seating offers a higher view of the road — nearer to that of an SUV. The front passenger seat has a folding seatback, which, when combined with the rear split-folding seatbacks, creates nine feet of uninterrupted cargo length (measured from the edge of the trunk forward to the instrument panel.)

Technological options on the 2007 Mercury Montego include a navigation system with combined DVD mapping and GPS; a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and a seven-inch, flip-down color LCD; and an upgraded “Audiophile” sound system with AM/FM, a six-disc, in-dash changer, and MP3 capability. (The upgraded sound system is standard on the Premier models.)

 The 2005 large sedan was equipped with an automatic transmission and a 203 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 engine. Options for this full-size sedan included an all-wheel drive configuration. With a two tone interior, a distinctive grille and tail lights, plenty of leg and head room and chrome accents, the look and feel was definitely upscale. In addition, the trunk was large and accommodated a lot of cargo, yet if you needed even more space the rear seat folded down to allow more cargo space.

For the 2006 model year, the Montego received some technological updates including a rear seat DVD based entertainment system and a GPS navigation system. On all 2006 models a leather steering wheel and brushed aluminum trim contributed to a sportier appearance.

This roomy and comfortable sedan arrived with traction control and front side impact airbags. It also had standard front and rear head curtain airbags on all 2007 models. The base model and Premier model are both available with front-wheel drive while the Premier can be configured with all-wheel drive. Both models are equipped with a 203 horsepower 3.0 V6 engine. New options include 18 inch chrome wheels and satellite radio.

Anyone who is looking for seating for six passengers and a lot of trunk space should consider the Mercury Montego. With its comfortable ride, agile handling and sharp looks inside and out, this sedan may just be a welcome alternative to a more costly minivan or SUV.

There are no NHTSA or IIHS numbers for the Milan Hybrid, but there are IIHS numbers for the 2010 Milan line in general. It gets a G, Good (the best rating) in all categories but two. It gets an A, Acceptable (the second best rating out of four possible) for the likelihood of head and neck or right leg and foot injuries.

The Milan Hybrid has a number of the more common safety features including child safety locks, antilock brakes with traction control and vehicle stabilization system, remote keyless ignition and start, electronic parking aid and inside trunk release. However, some common safety features are missing, such as electronic braking assistance and a first aid kit.

Whether considered as a midsize or a hybrid, the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid beats class average on price, starting at $27,500. Sooner or later they’re going to make these things pay, and the Milan Hybrid may be a step in the right direction.

One, that the Milan Hybrid was going to deliver 38 miles per gallon of fuel (city/highway combined) - and that the electric motor would be able to propel the car up to 47 miles per hour, for up to eight miles in distance, without the assistance of the gasoline engine. The combined 38 mpg fuel economy rating beat out that demonstrated by the segment-leading Toyota Camry Hybrid by 5 miles per gallon.

The 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid, and non-hybrid versions, arrives at dealers in spring of 2009 and promises to advance the realm of hybrid automotive technologies across the board. Along with units sold of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Ford company anticipates doubling its annual hybrid sales from 25 thousand up to 50 thousand. Both the Milan Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Hybrid utilize a 2.5L 155hp Atkinson Duratec 25 4-cylinder gasoline engine in conjunction with a 106hp electric motor that is classified as AC synchronous. The powertrain will be completed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) .

One of the main attributable reasons for the excellent performance of this powertrain combination are the new technologies implemented in the Milan Hybrid’s battery packs. They are smaller, and therefore lighter, than the traditional nickel-metal-hydride batteries commonly used in hybrid vehicles. They offer increased power as well. Also, these battery packs utilize the atmospheric air from the interior of the vehicle for cooling purposes. Many other hybrid vehicles use a separate AC unit to cool the packs - and thereby consume more energy in the process. Also concerning the car’s AC, it can function solely from the power supplied by the electric motor, even with the car’s gasoline engine completely shut off.

One other cool and innovative sell point for the Mercury Milan Hybrid is the integration of the Ford SmartGuage monitoring system for vehicular performance. It was inspired by the system used in the Toyota Prius and is an excellent device for training drivers on how to maximize fuel efficiency and vehicle lifespan. It talks to you. In real time, the SmartGuage system coaches drivers to engage in fuel-saving driving habits.

Twin LCD screens offer high resolution displays of real time fuel efficiency readings, engine outputs, battery charge levels, accessory power consumption and more. Accentuating the Green philosophy, an animated vine of leaves grows to fruition through time as the driver becomes a more fuel-saving operator. The SmartGuage system also allows personal configurations of the display screens so that the driver is not overloaded with information.

Overall vehicle dimensions for the Mercury Milan Hybrid are 189 x 72.2 x 56.9 inches length, width and height respectively. The Mercury Milan Hybrid promises to be a big hit for the company - and to help advance the technologies that will drive the future of the entire automotive industry.

The two-mode hybrid engine makes the 2009 Mariner Hybrid one of the most “green” SUVs on the market. Not only that, the EPA ranked the Mariner Hybrid as one of their top ten fuel efficient models - a great accomplishment for any SUV. This model is a carryover from the previous model year.

Under the hood, the Mercury Hybrid features a 155 horsepower 2.3L 16-valve I4 engine and an additional electric motor. The electric motor can solely power the car up to a certain speed, but then the gasoline engine takes over or both combine for the best efficiency. One of the most distinctive aspects of the Mariner’s hybrid system is the regenerative braking. This brake system allows the electric motor to be recharged with every push on the brake pedal. Not only that, the NiMH battery will store any unused electricity for later use. So, the Mariner has the ability to power itself to a degree. Also, Mercury has a leg up on the competition when it comes to environmental friendliness. They are contributing to nationwide clean energy projects to offset the carbon output generated by their manufacturing plants. With an incredible 34 city MPG and 30 highway MPG, appreciably better than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the 2009 Mariner Hybrid does not just save driver’s money, it also uses less of a natural resource.

Inside the Mercury Mariner Hybrid is a leather-wrapped steering wheel, two-toned leather seating, and chrome accents. An MP3 auxiliary input jack is fitted with the Mariner’s audio system, and an in-dash six-disc CD changer is included as well. Buyers can upgrade to a more advanced 320-watt Audiophile sound system, and a three-month trial subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio is provided as well.

A wealth of safety features is standard in the Mariner Hybrid like stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brakes, and child-adaptable seatbelts. The tire pressure monitoring system will automatically alert drivers when a tire is flat or simply has too much or too little pressure.

Overall, the 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is both beneficial for drivers and for the environment. Base priced at around $28,750, the Mercury Mariner is one of the few affordable hybrids on the market. Families, individuals, and buyers simply looking to make less of a negative impact on the environment would do well to take a look at the new Mariner Hybrid.

$27,950. Under the hood there’s a 2.3-liter I4 hybrid engine producing 133 horsepower. Expect to get 33 mpg around the city and 29 when you’re on the open road.

The standard equipment package is impressive and includes keyless entry, a steering wheel wrapped in leather, a powered seat for the driver (as well as power locks, windows, and mirrors), trip computer, and air. Going with the premium package adds leather seats that are heated, seven speakers on the audio system, navigation based on CDs, and special fuel displays. There’s also an optional moonroof.

There haven’t been a lot of changes incorporated into 2007 Mariner Hybrid SUV. A couple of new body color are available and drivers can opt to have an airbag in the canopy position. Otherwise this is a close relative of Ford’s Escape SUV, to the point that it’s easy to mistake the two.

Basically with the 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid you get an SUV with a good size, more manageable than its larger relatives, with hybrid technology in a very “normal” looking package. Like many hybrids, the Mariner isn’t perfect, but it does show automakers are headed in the right direction. With this one you’ll get slightly better mileage and fewer emissions while keeping the flexibility of a traditional SUV.

A larger grille with the satin waterfall (for which Mercurys are known) is augmented by a bigger logo and headlights with metallic surrounds, an overall package in keeping with the newly raised hood.

To the rear the tail lights have been retooled to mirror the front “eyebrow” design. The generous bumper insert also sports a satin finish with an embossed Mercury name in metal. (Additionally, the bumper houses the necessary sensors for the backup system, which are, unfortunately, black and can be quite obvious on lighter paint jobs.) Just so you don’t think the Mariner is just another pretty face, maximum towing capacity is 1,000 lbs.

Inside, satin trim is used on the door, dash, and center console. The driver receives vehicle information from a display atop the dash. Throughout the cabin all controls are clearly visible, lighted with a stylish, icy blue and are well-placed for ease of operation. Look for removable bins in the center console and generous cargo space behind the 60/40 split-fold seats. The liftgate allows rear access through the window as well as by raising the entire gate itself.

The basic engine choices are still a 2.3-liter four-cylinder or a 3-liter V6, but the biggest changes in the hybrid are software based. The new system allows for a virtually seamless transition between electric and combustion modes. The electric motor is a four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine producing 70 kilowatts and utilizing a CVT. Both two-wheel and all-wheel drive options are available. Add electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering and you’ll enjoy one of the smoothest rides on the road.

In terms of fuel economy the specs are shaping up for 34 mpg in town, a boost of almost 14 percent over previous hybrid models, and 27 to 30 out on the road.

Standard features on the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid include airbags in the side and curtain positions, automatic climate control, an anti-lock braking system, conventional AM/FM/CD combo unit, and reverse sensing. Option packages can add a six-disc changer to the audio unit, Sirius satellite radio, a navigation system, moonroof, and leather upholstery over cloth. Depending on the features chosen, expect to spend between $25,955 and $27,705.

With a wealth of standard features, the Mariner Hybrid beats most of the competition. The two-mode hybrid engine makes the 2009 Mariner Hybrid one of the most “green” SUVs on the market. Not only that, the EPA ranked the Mariner Hybrid as one of their top ten fuel efficient models - a great accomplishment for any SUV. This model is a carryover from the previous model year.

Under the hood, the Mercury Hybrid features a 155 horsepower 2.3L 16-valve I4 engine and an additional electric motor. The electric motor can solely power the car up to a certain speed, but then the gasoline engine takes over or both combine for the best efficiency. One of the most distinctive aspects of the Mariner’s hybrid system is the regenerative braking. This brake system allows the electric motor to be recharged with every push on the brake pedal. Not only that, the NiMH battery will store any unused electricity for later use. So, the Mariner has the ability to power itself to a degree. Also, Mercury has a leg up on the competition when it comes to environmental friendliness. They are contributing to nationwide clean energy projects to offset the carbon output generated by their manufacturing plants. With an incredible 34 city MPG and 30 highway MPG, appreciably better than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the 2009 Mariner Hybrid does not just save driver’s money, it also uses less of a natural resource.

Inside the Mercury Mariner Hybrid is a leather-wrapped steering wheel, two-toned leather seating, and chrome accents. An MP3 auxiliary input jack is fitted with the Mariner’s audio system, and an in-dash six-disc CD changer is included as well. Buyers can upgrade to a more advanced 320-watt Audiophile sound system, and a three-month trial subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio is provided as well.

A wealth of safety features is standard in the Mariner Hybrid like stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brakes, and child-adaptable seatbelts. The tire pressure monitoring system will automatically alert drivers when a tire is flat or simply has too much or too little pressure.

Overall, the 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is both beneficial for drivers and for the environment. Base priced at around $28,750, the Mercury Mariner is one of the few affordable hybrids on the market. Families, individuals, and buyers simply looking to make less of a negative impact on the environment would do well to take a look at the new Mariner Hybrid.

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