1997 Mercury Mountaineer I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1997 Mercury Mountaineer I ranges from 1760 kg to 2000 kg (3881 to 4409 lbs), depending on specific trim and equipment. The maximum gross vehicle weight is 2510 kg (5535 lbs). This weight balance ensures the vehicle's sturdy build while maintaining good road handling and towing capabilities that are typical for mid-size SUVs produced in the late 1990s.

The 1997 Mercury Mountaineer I offers 1205 liters (approximately 42.5 cubic feet) of luggage capacity with the rear seats in the upright position, providing ample space for daily luggage or groceries. When the rear seats are folded down, its storage capacity dramatically increases to between 2302 and 2310 liters (81.3 to 81.6 cubic feet), accommodating larger items like camping gear or bulkier cargo, making it a practical choice for family and adventure outings.

The Mercury Mountaineer I supports several tire sizes, including 235/75 R15, 225/70 R15, and 245/75 R16 S. These tires range in diameter and width to balance ride comfort, handling, and off-road capability. Larger tires like 245/75 R16 provide better ground clearance and improved traction on rugged terrain, while the 15-inch variants tend to support smoother rides and potentially better fuel economy on paved roads.

Most standard residential garages have a width of about 2400 mm (94.5 inches) and a height of approximately 2100-2200 mm (82.7-86.6 inches). Given the Mountaineer I’s width (1831 - 1875 mm / 72.1 - 73.8 inches) and height (1806 - 1830 mm / 71.1 - 72.0 inches), it fits comfortable within the width and height limits of a typical garage. However, care should be taken due to door mirror clearance and any added roof racks or accessories.

The Mercury Mountaineer I was introduced as a Mercury-branded counterpart to the Ford Explorer, from which it directly drew its platform and components. Compared to its predecessors or the Ford Explorer of that era, the Mountaineer I offered comparable exterior dimensions, with slight variations depending on trim and optional equipment. This model was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a more upscale version of the Explorer, with similar size but enhanced features and styling.

In the late 1990s, mid-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Toyota 4Runner were popular choices. The Mercury Mountaineer I’s length of approximately 4.79 to 4.99 meters (188.6 to 196.5 inches) and width of 1.83 to 1.87 meters (72.1 to 73.8 inches) placed it firmly within this segment. Its cargo capacity, especially with folded seats reaching over 2,300 liters (81 cubic feet), was competitive or superior to many rivals, highlighting its practicality combined with Mercury’s emphasis on comfort and refinement.

The Mercury Mountaineer I varies in height between 1806 mm and 1830 mm (71.1 to 72.0 inches). This height affords generous headroom for passengers in both front and rear seats, adding to comfort on long drives. From a handling perspective, the moderate height keeps the vehicle's center of gravity relatively low for an SUV of its class, which helps reduce body roll and maintain better road stability compared to taller trucks or SUVs.

While specific official ground clearance values for the Mercury Mountaineer I (1997) vary slightly based on tire size and trim, it typically ranges around 210 to 220 mm (8.3 to 8.7 inches). This clearance strikes a balance between on-road comfort and moderate off-road capability, allowing the SUV to navigate uneven or unpaved surfaces while still delivering a stable, car-like driving experience on highways.

The first-generation Mercury Mountaineer was generally equipped with V6 or V8 engines sourced from Ford's lineup, commonly a 4.0-liter V6 or a 5.0-liter V8, which influenced performance, towing, and fuel efficiency. Fuel economy typically ranged from approximately 13 to 17 liters per 100 kilometers (18 to 14 miles per gallon) depending on engine size, drivetrain, and driving conditions. The focus for this SUV was to blend power with practical capability typical of SUVs during the late 1990s.