New Car Review of the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle.

Description: Mid-Size SUV
Base MSRP Range: $21,240 - $24,740
Invoice Price Range: $19,461 - $22,611

The SUV from Mercury tucks into the mid-size class and can carry as many as seven passengers.

Revamped in 2002, Mountaineer rides on a long and broad chassis that's stiff and stable. It uses a suspension system that's unusual for a truck-based vehicle, as there are independent elements for rear wheels as well as front. Such enhancements to chassis and suspension revolutionize ride and handling traits.

Forceful styling for Mountaineer with a bulldog face and smooth body shapes conveys an image of strength as supported by a choice of two powerful engines. The standard V6 musters 210 hp, but an optional aluminum V8 sparks with 239 hp. A five-speed automatic links to either plant.

In the cabin, Mountaineer carries three rows of seats. Editions of 2004 contain more standard features and options, with trim designations labeled as Convenience, Luxury and Premier.

Ford's AdvanceTrac dynamic stability control system -- which adjusts brake and throttle automatically to correct potentially dangerous lateral skidding -- is now available on Mountaineer's two-wheel-drive (2WD) models. Optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) models employ Ford's Control Trac system to automatically channel engine torque to any wheel.

A tire pressure monitoring system becomes standard equipment on Luxury and Premier issues, as an in-dash six-disc CD deck is available on the Luxury series.