I just wanted to say that I leased a 2005 Mountaineer in late 2004 and the vehicle has been an absolute pleasure.We got the 4.6 V8 and it's extremely responsive mated with a silky smooth 5 speed automatic.This drivetrain does Ford proud. This vehicle replaced a Windstar and it feels like a sports car compared to the minivan and it's almost as practical with the fold down rear bench we can still do 7 passengers in a pinch.I'm very fussy and the best I can do for a complaint is the heated seat controls are on the side of the buckets and should be on the center console.This was the first year for AdvanceTrac with RSC and I even like the full time AWD as it's one less control for my wife to figure out.The bad gas milage is a given with this type of vehicle and the excellent power of this engine makes that less of an issue for us.The only other thing that bothers me is the 18 gallon gas tank.A vehicle that gets poor milage like this should have at least a 25 to 30 gallon tank to provide decent range.I assume they had space issues for the tank as there's no other excuse that would explain this other than bad engineering.I wish we had bought this vehicle outright because I'm not going to want to part with it in late 2007. Maybe I'll get lucky and this type of vehicle will be in low demand so the buyout won't be unbearable.I've never leased a vehicle before but I assume they generally crush you on a buyout figure to encourage you to turn the vehicle over and give them more business.

 

i think your mountaineer should hold 22.5 US gallons. at least that's what it says on the msn auto data base

 

I saw that too but even when we run this thing down to Empty it only takes 18 to 18.5 gallons.The display will also say we only have a few miles until empty but I do know they aren't dead-on accurate.Maybe we've never tapped into the whole tank and it actually still has 3 or 4 gallons left in the tank.I'd just sure hate to find out the hard way.I know my old E-150 van would go way past Empty but on my 2003 E-350 V-10 Empty means fuel up ASAP or you'll be walking.

 

i agree about not wanting to walk, its always safer to get gas, especially if
you have loved ones with you. with my 2004 eb 4.0 4x4, i stretched it out once
and took on 21 gal. most times when the display/tones the "50 mile left" indication, i fill up with 18-20 gal.

 

I used to think it was one of these tanks that prematurely shut the pump off and had to be slow fed to top it off.The first time I tried to get more gas in after the first couple of clicks I got a nice blast of gas running down the inside of the quarterpanel.It's not enough of a problem to make me not love the vehicle but it could sure use a 30 gallon tank.After driving my mothers 2005 Cherokee the other day I like my mountaineer even more.In fairness she has the 6 Cyl but even at that I hit the gas and nothing happened.That new 6 they use is a dog and the Explorer/mountaineers are much more refined.I was floored at how poorly it drove and I know they will say the vehicle is great offroad, but for $35,000 it should be good onroad too.She's always drove Cherokees and I tried to tell her this time to look at other vehicles but she wouldn't listen.She likes it and that's all that matters, but that vehicle desperately needs their 8 Cyl.

 

I also have a 2002 Mountaineer Premier AWD 4.6 V-8. which is still the same thing for 2005. Mines got 43K on the clock

It has had it's share of problems.

--3 tranny's
--new rear end after it was howling
--Rear axel seals were leaking
--all 4 upper control arms replaced due to heavy noise in the suspension
--front sway bushings had to be replaced
--rear Wheel bearings had to be replaced from noise
--The frame had to much flex in it which loosened up a cross member frame to stiffen the frame which needed to be re-welded
--ABS light sensor gone bad and had to be re-placed
--Coil pack gone bad, needed to be replaced after truck died on free way
--Rattles in the cab most everywhere and Fit and Finish is about 5 out of 10.

I wouldn't buy another Mountaineer after owning this one. I hope to get a 07 F-250 when they come out as it's more practical for what I need a truck to do.

 

Sounds like yours has been a nightmare so I don't blame you for wanting something different.One big difference in the 2005 is the 5 speed auto which I've found to be very smooth and the 2005 4.6 has about 25 HP more than it's previous version.The fully independant rear suspension in the newer Mountaineers also was a fairly significant change for the better.I'm just curious, did you take your vehicle off road a lot or tow something that was very heavy.I'm shocked at all the front end and drivetrain parts failure you had along with frame and rattle issues with only 43K.If that's with normal driving only that vehicle is definitely a lemon.The F-250 is a nice truck and I'm sure if you get one you'll enjoy it.

 

We all have the same 5 speed Tranny from 02 till 05. Nothing has changed with it. There is also no change in engine HP of the 4.6 V-8 from 02-05. The only time Ford changed engines is with 2006, thats the first time Ford made a new 4.6 for the new Explorers/Mountaineers. Everything else on the Explorers/Mountaineers from 2002-2005 are Identical.

I bought this truck used with 37K on it, after returning a Lemon 2004 Ford F150 that Ford bought back from me. So I replaced it with this SUV. Just my luck I end up with another problem medic Vehicle, but thank god for Certified Warranty I have till 75K.

I do not tow, but these truck from 02-05 have problems with the gaskets getting dry and making noise in the suspension, and the only way to fix it is to buy new parts. According to this trucks past, it was labeled as a "fleet" vehicle.

 

Come one guys I know they have there problems but they are go anywhere do anything Suvs that get bad gas millage, but come on guys what more could you ask for. I have a 98' Explorer E.B I know I know not the same at all but with 138,000 miles and daily abuse it runs like a champ and I have had my fair share of problems but the engine and 5 speed trani are all in good shape so lets love our FUEL SUCKING SUVS AND LET THE TREE HUGERS B***H ABOUT US HAVE A GOOD NIGHT GUYS

 

You're right. I forgot these changes came with the 2002 models.I should note that our 2005 Mountaineer has only 9,500 miles on it so it's way too early for me to know how reliable it will be going forward.I just find it a pleasure to drive and think it's exterior styling is also one of it's strong points.Of course I'm partial but I think it's the nicest looking SUV on the road even including some other vehicles that are much more expensive.My friend just leased a Honda Pilot and while I know all about Honda's legendary reliability that vehicle is nothing to look at.I'll take my chances with a Ford truck anyday as we still make the best looking trucks.You're Black Premiere Edition is quite nice looking by the way.

 

It's well known that the transmissions that they've been using since 2002 are problematic (afaik the 2005 has the same one).. I've been through TWO of them in only 60,000 miles, and I don't tow or abuse it. THe original was replaced with a Ford New one at 43,000 miles, and it tore up at only 60,000 miles. Ford made the dealer rebuild it this time, and there are many updated parts that go into the rebuild. It is much better right now... but this is the LAST Ford, or American vehicle, for that matter, I will ever buy. I had a ton of other problems with my 2002 in and out of warranty, mostly due to cut corners in design or manufacturing. It's little wonder that Toyota will be #1 in the US soon.

 

I didn't know the 5 Speed Auto has been such a problem.That's a shame because I find it to be a very nice shifting unit but only time will tell if ours will be a problem.I understand your frustration based on your experience with this vehicle.I've always had good luck with Ford products so I don't share your opinion regarding American vehicles.There are so many Explorers on the road that there will certainly be plenty of people with bad ownership experiences.I'm just not sure if that's the majority or not as they must have something going for them based on their sales volume.

 

Well, as far as the transmission goes, every shop in town here says that Ford royally screwed up when they stuck this piece of crap for a tranny in these new generation explorers... And, I have owned mostly american vehicles..all have had many issues "out of the box" that one doesn't get with Toyota, etc... Not that Toyota builds a perfect vehicle (they have their own issues), but they seem to be more about fixing the problem than copping out, as Ford and their dealers seem to do with alarming regularity. -- oh and Chevy too!

 

I understand the service issue. When there are problems we would like them to be fixed and if there are design issues, improve the design.From what I've been told the Japanese are very resourceful at taking other peoples inventions and/or dsesigns and improving them.I think the American car manufacturers are trying to improve their quality control.Of course it could still be better.We just brought our Mountaineer in for a problem with the directional.It was working intermittingly and of course it worked for the dealer so they did nothing.They should have at least replaced the flasher relay while they had it because sure enough it's stopped working again.The service after purchase is certainly something many dealers could improve as that is what leaves the last impression with the customer.I stll prefer the rugged looks of the American made trucks and my E-350 work truck has been an absolute Gem since I bought it new in 2003.

 

Even though I have had problems with my Mountaineer, its still one of the Best looking SUV'S on the road. They sure do beat out Toyota's and Honda's SUV's! The Explorer Technically is a "Truck" due to it's body on frame design and a strong truck as well compared to SUV'S that are all body and no frame what so ever. I would never ever buy a Toyota as long as I live, and Honda as well. I'm a Ford Man 100% which is why I will be buying my next vehicle as a F-250. You will never ever see me driving in a **** box toyota or Honda SUV or truck. Screw those things. If you wanna give the other countries your money, then move over there and get out of this country if you support them more then our U.S.A!

I understand Honda's and Toyota's are made in the U.S as well, but your money will still go over seas to them and only a little hand full stays in the U.S to pay there workers, but there profits goes over seas.