Description

Don't expect massive modifications to the 2006 version of Mercury's Mountaineer sport utility vehicle. Nevertheless, the SUV gets exterior refinements and an all-new interior. Available power running boards are integrated into the rocker panels. The Mountaineer and the closely related Ford Explorer have body-on-frame construction; both models were last fully redesigned for the 2002 model year. The top Mountaineer engine is now a 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 with three valves per cylinder; it drives a six-speed-automatic transmission. In 2005, the available V-8 developed 239 hp. Mercury says the Mountaineer has a stiffer frame with a revised front suspension and an all-new trailing-arm independent rear suspension. The brakes are bigger than before. The standard AdvanceTrac electronic stability system features Roll Stability Control. A DVD-based navigation system is available for the first time.