Reader Review of the Week: 2007 Mercury Mountaineer
This week's reviewer hails from Chicago and decided to replace his beloved 1997 Mercury Mountaineer with an updated version from 2007. It sounds like he's missing his old gal a bit, though, because the '07 seems to lack some of his favorite features. Check out what he had to say below, and if you want to post your own car review, click here.
"I bought a new 2007 Mountaineer and traded in my 1997 Mountaineer. After 10 years I figured it was time for an update. My new '07 was premium, loaded with AWD, a 4.6-liter V-8 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, power running boards, Class 3 tow package, heated leather seats, rear seat DVD player, and a moonroof package.
"I must be partial to my old girl, because my fully loaded '07 is missing things the '97 had. My '97 had some nice things, like when you put the key in the door and turn it twice it unlocked all the doors. Not on the '07. The '97 was able to lock the car from the cargo compartment; as an airline pilot it was nice to grab my bags, put my keys away then lock the car and shut the tailgate. Again, not on the 07.
"The seats are comfortable, but after only 1,300 miles the leather started to wrinkle and look worn down. It seems like it will be hard to care for. The independent rear suspension gives the '07 a less truck-like ride, but it’s not bad. The turn-signal stalk is also at an odd angle, and good luck looking out the rear cargo compartment window with the backseat headrests up.
"I am still not sure if I will keep it."
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I believe your Mountaineer has the same keyless entry keypad mounted on the driver's door that my '05 Freestyle has. Instead of turning the key in the lock twice to unlock all the doors, did you know you can enter your code on the keypad then press the "3-4" key and all the doors will unlock? Regarding not being able to lock your car from the rear, try using the keyfob your vehicle came with and your can lock and unlock wherever you like.
Aside from the comment about the leather (which I can second)- it just sounds like this guy doesn't want anything different. When I drive my friends mercedes, the turn signal stalk is at a wierd angle for me, but that is because I don't own a MB (though I wish I did). I think he needs to give it time- the 07 is way more car than the 97 was, literally- the old ones drive like trucks and even though the new ones are not crossovers, they are about as carlike as at truck can be and the newer is bigger.
My mom has an '03 with about 120K and will not get rid of it, and even with gas prices rising wants to replace it with a new one since the interior has been upgraded- it has been a great car.
Broq
Broq,
Good point except that MB stalk is ALWAYS annoying. ;)
I definitely agree this guy is stuck in his ways. With the keypad on the door AND the remote on the keychain, why anyone would be missing actually having to put the key in the lock and turn it twice to lock the doors in 2008 is beyond me. I can't remember the last time I put a key in a car door of my own car.
Same thing with the tailgate...simply open the tailgate, press the lock button on the remote, put your keys away, grab your bags, and shut the tailgate.
The headrests on the back seats are there for safety, but if they bother him, I'm sure they can be removed when no one is sitting back there...again, not a big enough deal for me to get rid of a car.
Ironically, the things people complain about like the door handle location, he doesn't mention at all...interesting.
I own the same vehicle and this guy sounds like a whiner. I do agree with the lack of quality in the leather department, but for all his other complaints - get a life! I personally like the stalk placement as it allows you to slide your hand up on the steering wheel for engagement. I pretty confident that's why they put it in that position to begin with. As for the headrests you simply tilt them forward. It states exactly that in the owners manual. Geez, I'm surprised he didn't whine about the door pockets being too big!