New Car Review of the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

Description: Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $29,525 - $38,370
Invoice Price Range: $26,820 - $34,690
Where built: USA

Mid-Size Mountaineer the SUV returns in three versions for 2005 labeled Convenience, Luxury and Premier. The cabin supports up to three rows of seats for seven riders. Luxury and Premier editions carry second-row buckets seats, while a third-row bench goes into Premier.

Forceful styling for Mountaineer with a bulldog face and smooth body shapes conveys an image of strength as supported by two powerful engines. The standard 4.0-liter V6 engine musters 210-hp, but an optional 4.6-liter V8 rises to 239-hp. New standard equipment in all for 2005 is Ford's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC). The sophisticated device employs electronic controls to adjust brakes and throttle automatically to correct potentially dangerous lateral skidding and reduce the chances for a rollover accident. Optional AWD models use Ford's Control Trac system to automatically channel engine torque to any wheel.

A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is standard on Luxury and Premier, with Ford's Safety Canopy stock for Premier but available for other trims. Then a new Designer Series upgrades the cabin in rich suede upholstery with scuff plates on door sills.