Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

mountainowner

You should do some research on 4WD vs AWD before you make your decision. Is 4WD a must have for you, or is AWD ok for you?

icefan1

I bought a 2002 XLT last Saturday with the V6. I really wanted the V8 as I found if to be much smoother during my test drives. However, I could not find an XLT V8 in my area (Seattle metro)that wasn't loaded with many options I did not want, bringing the price way up into the Eddie Bauer and Limited range. My dealer did a three state search for me, and could only find one reasonably priced V8, but it had been made last October, and I wanted a 2002 1/2 with the seat and fog light upgrades. A special order would have taken 6-8 weeks minimum according the the dealer, too long for me to wait as I had just sold my other car and was without wheels.
So I took a V6 for a good price ($20 below TMV and $1750 in rebates). Still had to pay a $235 advertising charge (junk). Got 3rd row, aux. climate, leather, 6 disc CD radio, reverse sensing, safety canopy, upgraded tow, and running boards. I know this sounds like a lot of options, but all the of V8's had all of them plus pricey add ons like "Advanced Trac", moonroof, and the XLT sport group. The V6 is quite in the cabin, but you can feel it vibrating under the accelerator. The power it provides is adequate, pretty smooth locally and on the highway.
To make an already too long story short, get the V8, but expect to pay for it most likely as there does not appear to be many moderately priced ones made. Either way you get a good vehicle, not perfect of course, but which car is. Also, don't forget to laugh at all the fools paying over MSRP for MDX's and new Pilots (hideous!)

jposter

Do you find the Aux.climate control to be necessary. BTW, I've decided to go with the v8 if we end up with the Explorer. Also, strangely around here - Kansas City, the side air bags seem very rare, but there is a little problem finding low end XLT's with v8 and leather (my 2 main requirements).

Thanks for your input.

icefan1

I think it is a worth while option, especially with the hot/humid weather you have in K. C. Although you might only use the third seat less than 10% of the times the car is driven, I would hate to be the person(s) back there on a hot day w/o my own A/C vent. It wasn't and option I really cared about having initially with the mild weather up here in the N.W. Now, I'm glad I have it 'just in case'. Good luck in your search and decision.

kenttrudiw

Yes I would highly recommend dual air. We came out of a Windstar with dual air, very good system it would freeze you out! The Explorer's air is not the same, on a hot day it takes a long time to cool the interior down when out in the sun, even with dual air.
Kent

twoof1

We found the same pricing issue when looking at the Explorer VS Mountaineer. We ended up with a V8 Mountaineer and have been very pleased with it to date.

nickm2

Has anyone had a problem in their 2002 Explorer or any other year for that matter with a rattle in the B-Pillar of the driver's side door? It is not consistent when the sound occurs, sometimes it happens when you go over a bump, and sometimes it doesn't. This inconsistency is having me dread bringing it in for warranty work as I can just imagine the "could not duplicate" response and nothing being done on it. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks in advance

expy01

I found some information on the changes for the 2003 Explorer.

https://web.msslib2.dealerconnection.com/RightSite/getcontent/myfile.pdf?DMW_OBJECTID=09000c58802bec26

awdv8

I just bought my '02 Mountaineer with the Luxury Package which per Edmunds, the Mercury Brosure and Mercs own website says comes with the 17" wheels. I got mine with 16" wheels. Spoke to a CSR at Ford who said that yep 16" wheels is what I get but provided no explaination to why all other sources said it should be 17". Heck even the Tire Rack offers 17" OEM replacement tires.

Anyone have any ideas? Anyone with 17" OEM wheels?

-John

steelersfan

My new 2002 Explorer XLT (with the Sport Group option) came with 17" Aluminum Wheels.
I'm at a loss as to why you have 16" wheels. Even the Mercury website says the Mountaineer Luxury Group comes with 17" Aluminum Wheels. Strange.

awdv8

Lucky ..
Even Edmunds (this site) has it as 17".. do they moderate this board?

Was considering the XLS as the dealor (Ford and Mercury) had a bunch of em about. Just got such a great deal on the Merc.

stever

Problems with new car data can be brought to the data folks' attention using the Feedback Form.

Steve
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avlv

I just bought 2002 Mountaineer Lux package came with 17" wheels. Another family member got their 02 in Oct. Theirs came with 16" wheels with Lux Package. They may not have been available in early production vehicles. A similar thing happened with the 2000 LS early production models did not come with a wood steering wheel as advertised, because they were not available at time of production. I believe Lincoln later on offered a retro fit. I would check your window sticker to see what wheels are listed. There were also a couple of other minor enhancements the early production models did not have.

awdv8

Under the Std Features it lists "16 inch cast Aluminum Wheels" though on the options list I have the "Luxury Group" $1,685 (no list is given for that package on the sticker). I wanted to see what it did give me which is why I referred to the Mountaineer brosure.. which says "17 inch premium cast aluminum wheels" among the other items.

I'd be happy if Ford would do something for me here like you said.. either provide me the wheel upgrade at their cost or retrofit for free (yea right). But they (the CSR at Ford.com) could not help me nor could they explain the variance in wheel size and referred me back to the Dealor for more info (whom referred me to Ford Motor in the first place). Circles I tell ya... oh well.

I am overall very happy with the car and did get a great deal (1,500 under invoice with the Cash Back) so am not complaining. Just that I'm an analyst by trade and need to know why .

-John

jerry2281

Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is just the information I needed right now to determine if 2002.5 will work or 2003 is better. Prices are up about $190 on XLT from 2002.5. Job 1 is scheduled about August 19. In showrooms early September. Big question. Will September incentives equal current incentives? $1500 rebate + $1500 Red Carpet Lease Customer Loyalty=$3000 smackaroos. Almost would pay Illinois Vehicle Tax, sigh!

awdv8

Thought I'd share this with everyone. I purchased my 2002 Mountaineer with the expectation of getting the $1500 cash back and using my credit union to get low (currently 5.75%/60mos) financing. Well the Ford finance guy said though I couldn't get a "promotional" rate from Ford Credit.. he could do better for me. He got me hooked up with 5.39%/60mos thru a local bank .

Another tidbit if you live in MD.. Apparently Sun Trust has a "special" financing package that will allow you to claim your int as a tax deduction. Apparently they put a temporary lien against your house which qualifies it as a home equity loan.

-John

gregb882

You mean you accepted them being able to take your house if something went wrong and you couldn't pay for your SUV? They aren't giving you a break, they're covering their butts!

awdv8

Sorry for being vauge about that. They write up the loan agreement with a "Temproary" lien.. which after you get the loan you can rip up.. i.e. no more lien. It's just for the initial borrowing to classify the loan as a home equity so you get the tax break. I live in DE so this plan is not avail to me.

So as long as you don't go bankrupt 24hours after you buy.. guess you're ok. Could always get the pmt protection plan to CYA.

jposter

We recently drove the Honda Pilot and have been looking at the 02 Explorer. Pilot was okay, but can only get for MSRP which is too much IMHO. Also the 3rd row on the Explorer is much larger and more comfortable (also easier to get to).

I think we've decided on the XLT v8 4x4 with leather, tow package and probably sun roof.

Question, on 2 separate vehicles I drove I heard a sort of wistle noise that appeared to be coming from the passenger side? Is this common? Anyone else notice something like this. It seemed very faint and came and went depending upon the speed and direction of travel (maybe the wind direction too?) I'm thinking tire noise or something related to the mast antenna? Any comments welcome.

Anyone with an 02 XLT hear this noise or any others? Has anyone replaced the Mast antenna with something smaller and aftermarket? I had large Mast antennas like that, I'm not sure why Ford wont integrate the Antenna into the glass like in my '02 Accord.

Another Question - I noticed on the XLT v8 I recently drove on a (90 degree day) that the AC never really blew that cold (even after a 20 minute drive including highway travel). I'm wondering if this was a freon thing or does the v8 XLT AC just never get that cold??

Otherwise I love the truck, great driving position and smooth v8.

A local dealer here is offering me $5500 off MSRP which seems like an incredible deal (seems to be below invoice less the $1500 rebate).

Thanks for everyone's help.

jv312

I own a 02.5 XLT. I had some slight wind noise due the factory rack/crossbar setup. Played with the adjustment and I haven't noticed it since. I think the price quoted is sounds good. Mine doesn't have any options except the tow pkg, but was a mid-year model. Its MSRP went up around $440 over first released 2002's. Dealer cut $4700 off sticker. good luck w/ your purchase.

j_l_kennedy

I purchased a Mountaineer at the end of April. In Phoenix, they were just transitioning to the 17" wheels at that time. Most on the lots had 16" wheels.

Mercury's on-line inventory came in very handy. I found a unit that hadn't even arrived at the dealers yet that fit our requirements one being the new 17" wheels. I placed a deposit on it, and when it arrived we bought it.

So fare it has been great, it is a replacement for a Lexus RX300.

japes

Has anyone seen the order guides for the 2003 Aviator? Was thinking about a 2003 Explorer Limited but would like to know what differences the Aviator has, plus the Aviator will be out sooner according to the message board so the sooner the better.

jerry2281

I too, am looking at Limited vs Aviator. Biggest difference is 302 hp DOHC V-8 on Aviator. Other changes listed on Edmunds Lincoln Aviator BB, messages 40-50 should answer most of your questions.

I have order guides for 2003 Explorer and Aviator if you have specific questions.

Major 2003 Explorer changes:

AWD option in addition to 4wd

Rear seat entertainment option w/DVD and wireless headphones. Late availability.

New NBX model (X-Gen) Yakima Load Warrior Roof rack among other smaller items unique to this model

Off Road Package w/skid plates

Tire pressure monitoring system now available on Limited model

Limited Model:

17" Chromed aluminum wheels
P245/65R17 all terrain BSW tires

Chrome grille

Chrome roof rack

Center console cover trimmed in leather

Updated woodgrain applique on center panel and doors

Order books closed June 8 for 2002 model build-out

Dealer said 2003 order book would open in a couple of weeks. Dealer has 2003 prices. Up about $200. from 2002.5 models.

expy01

Here is a link to the Aviator and the 2003 Explorer order guides.

https://web.msslib2.dealerconnection.com/RightSite/getobject/www/og?make=Lincoln

https://web.msslib2.dealerconnection.com/RightSite/getobject/www/og?make=Ford

g_husky

If you are buying you will need every bit of that $5.5K and then some to help make up for Explorer depreciation. I'd bet even with the deep Explorer discounts the Pilot will come up with much lower total cost of ownership in the end. A scary case in point, in 1997 I paid $27K for Explorer XLT (after $3K discount). A Honda CRV was running around $19K at that time, with nowhere near the level of equipment. Fast forward to today, that CRV is selling for $2K - $3K MORE than the Explorer. OUCH! I'm not saying a CRV would have worked for my needs, but the stark reality of this hurts. While the tire episode and ongoing Explorer SUV glut certainly did not help, the 2002 Explorers are already down to 37 or 38% residual on 3-yr lease. I did some quick math today, I could be wrong, but it seems with lease incentives Ford now has to float to get buyers into Explorers and help cover this level of depreciation, I can lease for 3-yrs, and if I bought it out at the end, I would have spent less overall than if I would have purchased it outright including all incentives, financing a portion, etc. (plus have the option of walking out at 3 years and letting Ford take it in the shorts). That would be an interesting twist.

a36

I have an early 2002 XLT V-6 that does an adequate job of cooling. All A/C since about the
94 model year have has been non freon.

Today it was 92 here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Hot, but not up to Texas standards, but
the humidity was about 50% which is more humid
than usual. The car sat out with the front
windows open and the rear hatch open for an
hour at midday. It was hot, but not super heat
soaked like it would have been if the car had
been closed. Within 5 min. of start up at 30 mph (about 1,200 rpm) a therm. in the middle
vents was reading 60. Fan on 3rd speed pulling
in outside air (not in MAX AC). Once on the
road at 65 mph incoming air temp. was in the low 50's. Selecting MAX AC (recirculated air) put
the temp. down another 5 deg.

After a shaded short stop for fuel it was stop
and go with max 45 mph between stops. Outside
air was 92 and incoming air was 60 with a 5 deg.
rise in temp. while at stop lights. Going to
MAX AC dropped the temp. to 55 with the same
about 5 deg. increase at stop lights. All this
was with the fan speed on 3rd speed. The car has rear A/C & heat, but it was not operating.

There is some advantage after start up, with a hot car, to using less than the max. fan speed
and normal AC. Too fast a fan speed passes the
air over the heat exchanger so fast it has little time to remove heat, and even 92 deg. air
is cooler than the 120 or so air in the car that you are recirculating when in MAX AC. Once
the air in the car reaches something close to
the outside air temp selecting MAX AC results in
a quicker cooldown.

Works for me.

icefan1

Have had my 2002 1/2 Explorer XLT for almost three weeks now, almost 1000 miles. Only defect is the rear lift gate needs to be shut firmly or else it tends to not be fully closed. A/C performed well in nearly 100 heat today, as did the v6 with A/C on max both front and rear.

I also was concerned with the rapid depreciation that the Explorer suffers when I bought it. However, waiting god knows how long for a Pilot was not something I could do. Also like the looks of the Explorer much better. I plan on keeping this car 8-10 years at least, so depreciation won't be an issue. Most likely an extended warranty will be in my future, but I think I would have bought one if I had purchased a Pilot or other car. If you only plan on keeping an Explorer for four or five years, you probably should lease it or you will take it in the pants $$ wise. I have friends and neighbors with Explorers from the early and mid 90's who are still very satisfied with them, so take that for what it is worth, I know I did.

autolover3

I saw the link you provided for 2003 Explorers a few posts ago. Where did you find this? Was there information on other 2003 Fords (ie. Expeditions, Windstars, etc)? I tried playing with the link but had no luck finding out about others (but did the Explorer). Thank you for sharing.

expy01

Just scroll up or down. All of the fords and lincolns were there.

expy01

If the 2003 model is not listed, the information has probably not been issued by Ford.

autolover3

I will try that. Thank you!

siteexperts1

Anyone ave the figure for how much storage space is behind the 3rd row? (I am assuming it is usable)

Thanks.

gregb5

13.8 cubic feet. Practicaly speaking, it's only about a foot from the gate to the back of the seat. It's usable, but you're not going to stow the gear of all those people you're seating in three rows!

jv312

my brother-in-law opted for a Durango because his kids' stroller wouldn't fit despite the sales guy telling him it would. He brought it with him and it wouldn't fit. I own a Ex w/o the seat...No seat=lots of room.

mwmcdonald1

My sons' stroller does fit behind the 3rd row seat in my Mountaineer. I have to take the tray off of it, which takes about 3 seconds. The stroller is a full sized stroller, but not one of the "3 way travel system" ones that holds an infant carrier. Those are a bit bulkier.

beatfarmer

I can't imagine the Durango being able to handle anything more than an umbrella stroller behind it's third row. My wife's aunt has a '00 D and I quickly crossed it off my list because of the lack of space behind the 3rd row.

jposter

Hello,

just got a 2002.5 XLT, v8, tow package and love it so far. Question about the tow package, I thought I remembered reading previously on this board and also seeing myself in other Explorer's I test drove, a bag in the glove box with a wiring adapter for the tow system (electrical obviously). Am I imagining this? Was a I supposed to get something like this with my new truck?

Just noticed this after getting home from the dealership.

Replies appreciated.

Also, have the 3rd row seat. Noticed there is no type of floor mat back there. Has anyone found a long, narrow type mat to put back there (trying to avoid kid's muddy feet).

Thanks.

gregb5

You should have rec'd a wiring harness for use in installing a trailer brake controller. Mine was in the storage compartment under the rear floor when delivered.

I remember some posts mentioning that a 7 pin to 4 pin adapter was supposed to be included. That was NOT true.

I believe Ford sells an accessory mat for the third seat footwell. I recently saw an accessory catalog in my dealer's showroom and I think they had one in it. If not, there are others out there. Check http://www.huskyliners.com

Good luck with the new Explorer!

mountainowner

Regarding mats, I've posted before that www.niftyproducts.com has excellent mats for front, second, third and rear cargo area. I've had their products before and I have them in my Mountaineer.

jfmf2817

ALL FOUR DOORS ON THE MOUNTAINEER ARE CURVED AT THE BOTTOM AND HAVE SHARP EDGES ON THE CORNERS OF EACH DOOR. BE CAREFUL WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THESE SHARP CURVED EDGES CAN GIVE YOU A DEEP CUT ON YOUR LEG. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO FORD MOTOR CO. AND TO MY LOCAL DEALER. I HAVE THE SCAR TO PROVE IT.

jposter

Thanks for the replies on the mats and wiring harness. After much searching, I found the wiring packet with the tire jack in the back.

On the 3rd row mats, I checked out www.niftyproducts.com, doesn't list where you can buy them though or pricing (the link says "under development"). Anyone have any insight on where to find and the costs?

I have the 3rd row package, but want some type of cargo liner for back there when carrying messy things, does anyone have any recommendations for me?

Finally, anyone have a mesh cargo type net for the back? Interested for carrying grocery bags, etc. but don't see how it would attach (if one is available).

Thanks again, so far 100 miles and loving it.

Opps one more thing, could someone with a 2002.5 XLT please check their rear view mirror for me. The small box like thing (I guess its the guts for the electronic mirror or something) on my truck is very lose (flops back and forth). Is this normal, or should it not move at all? I hate to return to the dealer 24 hours after delivery with a problem already. I suspect it should probably be clipped into place somehow though.

Thanks.

gregb5

The "box like thing" is the guts for the compass. It shouldn't move around much. The bottom piece does come off, though, so maybe it's just the bottom that's loose?

dbell42

Hello, all. I am a long time lurker and first time poster, and was hoping for a little guidance.

This afternoon, my wife and I test drove a white 2002 Eddie Bauer 4X4 with about 15.5k miles. The truck has every possible option and was very clean. It is being sold by the first owner, a housewife who is "moving up" to a Chevy Tahoe. She seems to have taken good care of the vehicle and claims never to have taken it off road.

After trying to do some research online, I found very little in the way of resale values or first year depreciation for MY 2002 Explorers. She is asking $31,500 for it; I think I may be able to get her under 30k. Does anybody think this is a particularly bad or good deal and, if so, why?

Thanks.

tidester

Welcome aboard!

Check out Edmund's Used Car Prices

tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

stever

I think Tidester is thinking your Explorer is an '01. Hard to find used prices for '02's yet, even though we're listing new pricing for the '03's. I'd ask the dealers who hang out Any Questions for a Car Dealer? discussion for advice.

Or maybe you and Tidester can play with the True Cost to Own tool and figure out the depreciation, etc. on it (I'd give it a shot, but you wouldn't want to trust my math ) Good luck!

Steve
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tidester

What was I thinking?? Thanks for pointing that out!

tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

tulsahog

$31,500 sounds a little high. Bought a new loaded EB 4x4 in Feb 02 for $31, 400. You should get this one for no more than $30,000.

wheelspinner

Any Mountaineer drivers who can tell me how AWD handles rain/snow?
I drove a Mountaineer v6 the other day and loved the ride. I was planning to buy a v8 with safety canopy, but had second thoughts about AWD. I'm not a big off-roader and we don't have to deal with much snow, but I do like traction when I need it. (The Pathfinder I drive now slips in the rain, my only complaint about it. )
I test drove a Ford Explorer to compare the ride. I was surprised that it was noisier and even though it was a v8 4wd, it felt like it had less power than the Mountaineer.
In short, I liked the ride and the styling of the Mountaineer, but don't want to slip and slide the few times a year I encounter snow/ice or more often on rainy days.

Also, 4wd Explorer owners, was the strained ride on city streets a fluke? I felt like I could hear the transmission working.
For the record... I also test drove the Escape and that was a whole lot smoother and faster pick-up than either of its larger cousins. I'm still hoping to find a decent, reliable, mid size American made SUV and getting frustrated trying. AWD, 4WD, beats me!

mrankell

AWD is fantastic in rain or snow. In fact, the AWD Mountaineer handles better than the 4WD explorer because 35% traction is always going to the front wheels. My wife has had an AWD Chrysler Town and Country ( a 94 and 99 Model and we have never been stuck with any amount of snow. We live in the Berkshires in Western Mass. where we get over 80" of snow as the norm.

The only thing I do not like about my AWD Mountaineer is the slight whine I get from the AWD System. I will have to get this checked out. They just replaced the transmission because it was shifting rough and they could not fix it with software fixes.

mrankell

mountainowner

I bought the mats at www.Macromotive.com, here are the part numbers for the Beige color interior mats:

NPI 607646 Front 2 pc
NPI 657646 Second and Third Row
NPI 617746 Cargo Area

You can call Nifty to verify or get the numbers for another interior color. When I called back in August, Macromotive didn't have the part numbers and told me to call Nifty.