2008 Mercury Mountaineer in Litchfield, IL - $4,999

Completely redesigned in 2006, the Mercury Mountaineer SUV continues to offer consumers something more. As the mechanical sibling of the popular Ford Explorer SUV, the Mercury Mountaineer is offered in Sport or Premier trim levels and available in rear- or four-wheel drive configurations. Power for the upscale Mercury SUV is generated by an improved 4.0L V6 engine bolted to the automaker's 5R55W5 five-speed automatic transmission or an optional three-valve 4.6L V8 prime mover mated to a 6R six- speed automatic transmission.

The optional 4.6L V8 shares the same variable cam timing and three-valve cylinder heads used on the successful Ford Mustang GT and 5.4L Ford F-150 truck engine. The six-speed automatic transmission features a wide 6.04:1 gear ratio, enabling the engine to spend more time in its optimum powerband -- either at peak power for acceleration, or at peak efficiency for more fuel economy.

For 2008, Mountaineer comes to market with a capless fuel filling system. This technology not only eliminates the inconvenience of forgetting to put the gas cap back on after fueling, it also saves time during refueling by doing away with unscrewing and replacing a fuel filler cap.

Also new this year are the following features: 20-inch wheels (late availability) Mercury Sync hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system and several new equipment packages including: Mountaineer Chrome Package, Navigation & Moon Package, Tune Elite and Comfort Package. Mountaineer’s navigation system also now offers voice-activation capability.

On the road, the Mountaineer, equipped with the optional V8 prime mover, is mannerable, smooth and sure. Comfortable, practical and very maneuverable, the Mountaineer is a rolling example of efficient functionality.

The impressive goodness of the Mountaineer SUV starts with its robust body-on-frame construction. The Mercury SUV utilizes the Ford F-150's tube-through-tube frame design, where the cross-members pass through the section of the frame-rails, creating an inherently stronger joint. These joints are then completely welded around the perimeter for a fully boxed seam. The stiffer frame provides a smooth ride with good road feel, crisp handling and precise steering response. In addition the Mountaineer's solid foundation also helps significantly reduce long-term squeaks and rattles.

Mountaineer's control hardware features a front suspension that retains its basic geometry with upper and lower control arms and a sway bar. At the rear, the independent suspension now features trailing arms and is more robust to accommodate the vehicle's increased towing and payload capability. As before, the rear half shafts pass through frame portholes, lowering the rear control subframe for better third-row seating and a lower center of gravity. While the suspension components are stronger, they are also lighter overall.

Inside the cabin, Mercury engineers fought to eliminate unwanted noise with a vengeance. As a result, the Mercury SUV's third row is just as quiet as some competitors' front row at highway speeds. The upscale interior features the use of advanced materials that dampen vibrations and lessen noise. Insulation materials used along the headliner, door panels and floor of the passenger compartment help provide class-leading interior quietness.

Cabin seating and sophisticated interior configurations provide more comfort, enhanced safety and more possibilities when the need for carrying both people and cargo arise. The instrument panel is a study in modern capabilities. Crisp, clean and functional, all the gauges are easy to read; all the switchgear, simple to operate. The driver's side door controls come in for special mention -- the placement of the power window and mirror switches, door-release handle and door pull is the best combination of convenience and function in any vehicle ever reviewed to date.

The Mountaineer provides a virtually flat floor when the seats are folded -- increasing cargo capacity. It also pampers owners by offering a third-row power-fold option -- a first for this segment.

The midsize SUV still features its separate window and hatch rear access capabilities -- allowing easy access to small items in the rear cargo area without having to open the rear hatch.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 113.7; overall length: 193.5; width: 73.5; height: 72.8 -- all vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 4.0L V6 -- 210 hp at 5,100 rpm and 254 lbs-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm; 4.6L V8 -- 292 hp at 5,750 rpm and 300 lbs-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed automatic or six-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy: 4.0L V6 -â€" 14 city/20 hwy., (2WD); 13 city/19 hwy., (4WD); 4.6LV8 â€"- 13 city/20 hwy., (2WD); 13 city/19 hwy., (AWD).

Cargo capacity: 85.8 cu. ft.

Towing capacity: 7,220 lbs.

Parts content -â€" country of origin

Final assembly point: Louisville, Ky.

US/Canada: 75 percent.

Engine and transmission: USA.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, head curtain airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, automatic power door locks, engine immobilizer, remote keyless entry, automatic headlamp control, AdvanceTrac stability control, tire pressure monitor, traction control and full-size spare tire.

Optional safety features include a garage door opener, rear parking sensors, navigation system, power adjustable pedals and remote control engine start.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile.

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2008 Mercury Mountaineer SUV starts from $26,050 for the Base Sport 2WD up to $32,115 for the V8 Premier AWD. Destination charges add $735.

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