Its relationship with the Explorer can be seen on the rear two-thirds of the vehicle. But the Mercury Mountaineer's expressive design distinguishes it in a sea of SUVs. The styling is intended to be up-market and consistent with the Mercury brand identity.
Mercury has been working hard on color combinations and offers a pleasing pallet. For 2005, there are Designer Series options, which include Preferred Suede interior trim, Mountaineer scuff plates and 17-inch chrome clad wheels.
Getting in is easy. Mountaineer's big over-or-under door handles can be operated easily with gloved hands, preferable to the small lever-style handles that sometimes snap away from your fingers when you're in a hurry. The optional running boards are convenient for those of smaller stature trying to enter and exit gracefully.
