Honda Pilot or Mercury Mountaineer?

Question

Hi, I am thinking of buying a USED SUV and am trying to decide on the Honda Pilot or a Mercury Mountaineer - both 2003 models or higher. I am definitely looking for 3rd row seats and decent trunk space with all 3 rows of seats in use. Fuel efficiency is another consideration. Please can I have your views OR is there any other SUV in this class I should also consider? Thanks.

Answer 1

Ford has had more recalls this year than Honda has sold units since it's inception.

The people that say the American cars are just as reliable have never owned a Japanese car, and have never driven a Japanese car with 100 or 200k mi on it. If they have, then they have only driven one or two bad examples. The American vehicles are loose and sloppy at those milages whereas the Japanese cars sitll feel a LOT newer.

Also, at 6 years old Ford's have more than twice the problems than Honda's.

Then there's the big thing DEPRECIATION. By far the most expensive portion of vehicular ownership. The Mountaineer isn't worth 1/2 of what they are trying to sell it for.

The only thing I'd wonder is if there's enough room in either vehicle for you to have the fully loaded with 7 passengers and their equipment/luggage behind the 3rd row. It's been my experience that only the Excurrsion and Suburban have that kind of space, and they both cost loads of dough to keep fed.

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Answer 2

Well, if you love blowing $$ on fuel, go with the mercury.
Honda is much more reliable, efficiant, and gets better gas mileage. Go on line and compare the 2.
Hondas are typically seen on the road for a long period of time. can't say the same for Mercury.
My accord has 232,000 miles, and is 11 years old. My CRV is a 2004, and absolutely no problems.
All vehicles need to be well maintained, but it costs less with Honda.
Good Luck

Answer 3

Of those two the Honda is probably a better choice. The main consideration in buying any used vehicle is the condition and to make sure it was maintained properly by the previous owner. A carfax and maintainence reports should reveal that. Good luck.

Answer 4

First of all, dont listen to all the Japanese car lovers who think only Japanese cars are reliable. Both are good, reliable vehicles. The Mountaineer (which Im sure you know is basically a Ford Explorer) will probably be a little more "truck" like but that will give it advantages over the Honda, primarily off road capability and towing. You cant go wrong with either so test drive and see who gives the better deal.

Answer 5

Can't go wrong with a Honda.

Can go wrong with FORD/Mercury.


If you end up not liking the Honda, you can resell it at close to what you paid. With a FORD/Mercury, you'll have to give it away. I know because we've owned FORDs and got hosed on repairs and resale value. Nevermore.

Answer 6

Honda Pilot, good on safety reliability and fuel economy. I have friend who owns one and he thinks its great. Or check out a Subaru Tribeca or Toyota 4 runner.

Answer 7

The Honda will cost you more topurchase, more to maintain and more to repair. Stick with the American producys and support our workers and economy. Do the Mountaineer, Explorer, Trailblazer, or Durango

Answer 8

My only complaint about them is that we have a 2005 and can not get the "change oil soon" warning to go away, even though the engine/oil is fine cause we get it changed every 3-5,000 miles

Answer 9

Honda - better resale value

Answer 10

Get the mountaineer! You can pretend Jill Wagner is in it with you! WOO HOO!