Can someone who has this car tell me the pros and cons of this car? I am thinking of buying it, but l wanna get some opinions first. Thanks!
:-D

First of all, it really is a Ford Escape underneath. They just market the Ford Escape in their different sister brands to make more money.

The car is actually pretty good, seeing as Ford is now rising in product quality & design, so that is a good thing. It is not too expensive, & gets reasonable mileage, although the Toyota RAV4 gets great mileage, even with a V6.

l think that the old model was quite unsafe, & this model is only a bit better. The old model tipped up in an emergency handling test in Consumer Reports, which is something a car should never do. Also, it has extremely long braking distances, so u may not be able to panic stop in time for an emergency.

Other than that, it is an okay car. l tend to recommend more Japanese cars, for they r more reliable, safe, & cheap. A great competitor would be the Toyota RAV4, V6 version. Also worth considering is the Honda CR-V, pretty much as good as the RAV4, just a bit weird in the design department. Just be sure to check all crash test ratings & get it with electronic stability control, which is a vital safety feature.

Good luck!

Sorry the poster CL2 has no clue what she is talking about. The Escape is a version of the Mercury Mariner NOT Mountaineer, & is a small SUV not a mid size like the Mountaineer.
The Mountaineer is one of the nicest mid size Suv is u can get. It is class leading in safety & comes standard with roll stability control. Depending on how much u want to spend, l would recommend a premier package with the V8. The gas mileage is almost the same as the V6, but it comes with a 6 speed transmission which is very smooth. You can also get power folding 3rd row seat, 18' wheels, SYNC, navigation, power running boards, heated windshield & more. The standard model is very well equipped also, so pick the one that suits ur needs & budget the best.

The Mountaineer is the Mercury version of the Ford Explorer. Mercury Moutaineers r mechanically r identical to the Explorers, the difference is really in the appearance packages.

Both vehicles r very reliable, ride very well, fuel mileage is good for the type of vehicle you're buying. It is a body-on-frame SUV afterall with a 4.0L V6 or a 4.6L V8.

If you're doing a lot of highway driving, l recommend the V8 because it comes with a 6-speed transmission that gives u better highway mpg than the V6 motor.

You might want to consider a Ford Edge or Ford Flex. Both r comparable as far as passenger space & amenities, but do not offer the tow capabilities of a Moutaineer.

I've had my Mercury Mountaineer (2003) & LOVE IT! It does not drive like a truck. l have the V6 premier. It is the Ford Explorer, though. As a matter of fact if u ever finace it, it is through Ford Credit usually.

My only concern is like most SUV is it is top heavy. So u do get the ''rocking'' from time to time. Be careful on any sharp fast turns for fear of roll overs. Also, V8 drinks alot of gas. l honeslty did not feel a difference & my salesman even said it is a waste to get the V8, yet it will cost u more in gas. The difference is so small.

All in all l can not complain. l am only a month away from paying it off & l will keep it until the wheels fall off. l recommend test driving it & comparing it to other SUV's. So far l have not had ANY major problems go wrong. (knock on wood). l am sure the 2008 has some upgrades & improvements but from what l see there really is not any major differences between the 2003 & 2008 mechanically.

CL2 is wrong it is NOT an escape.it is a very good truck,body on frame construction.safe reliable .you can put 140,00o miles on it easy.
the escape is a car(uni-body construction) it is truck that is why it is
safe .with 4 wheel dive it weighs 4400lbs. if you can afford it it is great.
it cost more to buy ,insure,and for gas. very dependable