Ford by its luxurious interior and elegant vertical line style and polished chrome accented exterior. This mid size SUV features all wheel drive capability and seating for up to 7 passengers. Due to their gas guzzling nature, larger SUV’s have lost potential owners to more fuel efficient vehicles, but for those who have the need for a great deal of passenger and cargo space combined with all wheel drive and towing capabilities, the Mountaineer is very nicely equipped and priced right. Changes for the 2008 model year include taking a few of the features that were previously included on the standard equipment list and moving them over to the list of options. A few new optional features are now available, including 20 inch wheels and the ‘Mercury Sync’ system which was designed in conjunction with Microsoft and enables centralized operation of iPods, cell phones, and other electronic devices either by voice or manually.

The Mountaineer is available in base and Premier trim levels and both come standard with rear wheel drive, while all wheel drive is optional. The Base model has two rows of seats and accommodates 5 passengers. A long list of standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, a six-way power driver seat, cruise control, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls and a CD player stereo with auxiliary audio jack. Options include is a 3rd Row Seat Package that bundles a 50/50-split fold flat rear bench seat and auxiliary climate control. A Comfort Options Package is also available and will add heated leather seats, dual zone climate control and power adjustable front seats.

The Premier trim comes standard with the third-row seat and most of the equipment from the Comfort Package. Options for this model include a Third-Row Seat Elite Package that allows for power operated folding of the 3rd row seat. Many a la carte options are also available and include upgraded premium sound systems; power operated running boards, a towing package, a navigation system, a rear seat DVD entertainment system and rear park assist.

Power is provided by either the standard 4.0 liter V6 engine or the optional 4.6 liter V8, which is only available for the Premier trim. The V6 is mated to a 5 speed automatic transmission and delivers 210 horsepower. The V8 comes with a 6 speed automatic and produces 292 horsepower. Both engines can be outfitted with either rear wheel drive or all wheel drive and the maximum towing capacity is 7220 pounds. The Mountaineer received EPA estimates of 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, regardless of drivetrain configuration. The 0 to 60 speed is respectable at 8.3 seconds.

The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will appeal to consumers who need ample passenger space and a reliable vehicle with towing capabilities but want a smooth riding, agile handling, plush, well equipped cabin. With below average fuel economy and a resale value that is expected to be poor, the purchase of a Mountaineer should be based on the need for its practical functionality, with the upscale look and feel being a really nice bonus.

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