Mountaineer's state-of-the-art systems enhance driver confidence and convenience

Mercury boosts Mountaineer's reputation for performance, safety and luxury features with state-of-the-art changes.

"Mountaineer targets individualists who want the best of two driving worlds - the confidence and versatility of a sport utility vehicle and the comfort and sophistication of a well-appointed sedan," said Al Giombetti, Mercury group brand manager.

Since introduced in May 1996, Mountaineer has demonstrated a strong appeal to women, who list safety as a top priority.

Housed in the side bolster of the driver and front passenger seats, Mountaineer's new available side air-bag system is designed to provide occupants with incremental head and chest protection during side-impact crashes. The combination air bag inflates a bag for both the head and chest within 30 milliseconds of a side impact.

The Reverse Sensing System is a short-range warning system that helps alert a driver backing up to the presence of objects near the rear of the vehicle. Four ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper detect obstacles from approximately 10 inches to 5 feet to the rear. The driver is alerted by a beeping sound that increases in frequency until the obstacle is less than 10 inches from the rear bumper. Then the tone becomes continuous.

Mountaineer's interior receives a freshening with new seating materials and sew patterns for greater comfort and appearance. Also new is TravelNote, an optional digital voice recorder mounted on the driver's sun visor, and HomeLink, which operates up to three remote transmitters.

Engineers have tuned Mountaineer's ride with optional rear load leveling, which prevents the back of the vehicle from sagging during towing. Rear shock absorbers also have been tuned for improved ride and handling. A larger brake booster and upgraded rear brake calipers help to deliver smooth, sure stops.

Mountaineer's 4.0-liter SOHC engine delivers an added 5 horsepower, raising it to 210 hp. It is mated with a five-speed automatic transmission. Mountaineer's optional engine is a 5.0-liter V-8, which is linked with a four-speed automatic transmission.

To show how much Mercury cares about preserving the environment for future generations, Mountaineer achieves low-emission vehicle status with either engine.