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Mercury Mountaineer wagon rebuilt in a sophisticated package
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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TEMPE, Ariz. -- A single traffic lane -- defined by orange pylons on a parking lot for Arizona State University at Tempe -- suddenly expands to three lanes, each with a red traffic signal dangling overhead.
Send a sport-utility wagon at 30 miles an hour down the narrow chute and immediately before reaching the three-lane section an out-of-sight track official switches one of the three red lights to green.
The exercise then becomes a test of dexterity for driver as well as vehicle because you must react instantly to the changing signal, swing the steering wheel toward the open green-light lane, and hope the wagon follows your lead.
It's a classic quick lane-change maneuver, one which in real traffic could avoid a disaster by deftly moving out of the path of potential harm. With a typical lumbering sport-ute wagon, though, a quick-cut lane switch could also be risky if the sudden veering motion prompts the top-heavy wagon's body to tilt too far sideways toward a rollover.
But that's not the way it worked when we ran the route with the new Mountaineer wagon from Mercury.
Boldly styled with a strong new face and equipped with a powerful engine and optional automatic all-wheel-drive traction system, the Mountaineer rides on a new chassis that's broader and longer than the previous Mountaineer -- and far stiffer and stable.
More remarkable, this Mountaineer has a suspension system that's unusual for a truck-based vehicle: There are independent elements for rear wheels as well as the front.
Such enhancements to chassis and suspension virtually revolutionize Mountaineer's ride and handling traits.
The tail of the vehicle settles now when it passes over bumpy pavement so it maintains a smooth and comfortable ride quality. And when you trick it with a sudden swerve -- like that too-quick lane-change test -- the body doesn't roll in a dangerous tip to one side.
Instead, it simply complies with the driver's commands and sidesteps into the next lane in an agile move without pitching the body off-center in the process.
Such agility means the driver ends up with more control over the vehicle, and that ultimately translates to an important defense mechanism for safe motoring.
Mountaineer's optional all-wheel-drive system also relates to safety, as the device automatically monitors tire traction and selectively channels the engine torque to front and rear wheels in varying proportions to maintain a steady grip on slick roads.
A number of other active and passive safety systems appear on the redesigned Mountaineer, such as disc brakes with standard anti-lock controls, optional curtain-style air bags mounted over side windows, and smart frontal air bags rigged with two stages of force so they may deploy with lower energy during a minor collision but maximize inflation quickly for an intense incident.
In addition, Mountaineer will offer rollover protection for riders from curtain-style side air bags that will deploy if sensors detect rollover movement of the vehicle. These optional devices will be available later in the year following the vehicle's introduction.
The Mountaineer name first appeared in the Mercury line in 1996 as a '97 model derived from a second generational issue of Ford's best-selling Explorer wagon. Mercury's treatment included V8 power and optional all-wheel traction with deluxe interior features.
New designs for the 2002 Mountaineer also spin off a new platform developed for Ford's Explorer, but this time the exterior styling for Mercury's wagon varies dramatically from the Ford.
Likewise, interior styling of Mountaineer differs from Explorer with sophisticated designs and cushy appointments for a standard layout that contains three rows of seats for seven passengers.
Suspension tuning and wheels and tires also vary from Explorer to Mountaineer, with shock damping on Mountaineer set firmly for tight and precise rebound that effects a sporty posture and enables more agile movements.
The wagon looks bold and aggressive with sharp contemporary lines featuring taut planes and keen edgework for a high-tech appearance.
A two-inch expansion of Mountaineer's chassis width produces a wider stance that becomes apparent in the broad face with squared corner headlamps, wide grille with bright vertical bars in chrome and a thick bumper inset with foglamps and cast in a color contrasting with the body.
The bumper wraps around front corners and extends in wide band on side doors, then underscores the tailgate, as side fenders flare over gleaming six-spoke aluminum wheels.
Such forceful styling with that bulldog face and smooth sheetmetal shapes conveys an image of strength as supported by a choice of two powerful engines.
The standard plant, a single-cam V6 measuring to 4.0 liters, musters 210 horsepower with 250 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm.
An optional new aluminum V8 displaces 4.6 liters and sparks with 240 horsepower at 4750 rpm and torque muscling up to 280 lb-ft at 4000 rpm.
A five-speed automatic transmission applies to either engine and comes with intelligent electronic controls.
Trailer tow ratings for Mountaineer climb to 5940 lbs with the V6 plant aboard but bump up to 7300 lbs for the V8.
The wider platform of Mountaineer's new structure adds elbow room in the passenger compartment, as broad doors and a lowered floor make it easier for passengers to slip inside. Also, a reduction in the size of the driveshaft tunnel liberates floor space on the second row of seats, while in back the switch to independent suspension components with compressed vertical dimensions permits the installation of a third-row bench seat that folds into the floor when more cargo space in required in the back bay.
The cockpit carries two new form-fitting bucket seats separated by a multi-function center console with integrated cupholders, a concealed storage bin and padded armrest.
Overhead, a ceiling console has cubbyholes for sunglasses and a garage door opener or optional Homelink system for three remote-control devices.
Ahead, Mountaineer's new dash design incorporates an instrument panel with white-faced gauges. Dimpled plastic designed to look like satin-finish aluminum rings the central stack of controls with premium audio and a climate system that offers optional dual zones.
New Mountaineer reaches the market with prices spread in a range from $29,000 to $37,000.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size 5-door SUV wagon
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| Model Options: |
Mid-size 5-door SUV wagon
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| Wheelbase: |
113.7 inches
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| Overall Length: |
190.7 inches
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| Engine Size: |
SOHC 4.0-L V6
SOHC 4.6-L V8
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| Transmission: |
V6: Auto/5
V8: Auto/5
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| Drive: |
Rear 2WD, AWD
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS/EBD
opt. Advance Trac stability
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| Airbags: |
2 (front)
+ opt. 2 (side curtain)
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| Towing Capacity: |
V6: 5940 pounds, V8: 7300 pounds |
| Payload: |
1515 pounds |
| Gas Mileage: |
V6 2WD: 16/22 mpg
V8 AWD: 14/18 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 29,000 to $ 37,000 |
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