The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is a midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV), which offers a variety of safety features, agile handling, and a comfortable ride. The SUV comes with four doors and the cabin has plenty of passenger room and ample cargo space. The 2008 Mountaineer is a carryover from 2007. It has a truck chassis for improved towing and hauling and offers good off-road capability.

The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is available in two trims: Base and Premier. It comes in rear-wheel drive (standard) and all-wheel drive (optional) configurations. The standard engine is a 4.0-liter V-6 that generates 210 horsepower. The Premier trim level can be equipped with an optional 4.6-liter V-8 engine that delivers 292 horsepower. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V-6, while the V-8 comes with a six-speed unit. Fuel economy ratings are estimated to be 13 mpg in the city and 18-20 mpg on the highway.

The Mercury Mountaineer is highlighted by a trademark waterfall grille with free-standing vertical bars and a robust Mercury emblem. Large headlights, rectangular fog lamps, and machined-metal fenders add some detail to the exterior design. The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer Base model can seat five. It is equipped with 17-inch wheels, a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, cruise control, full power accessories, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, and a CD player stereo with auxiliary audio jack. This model is available with an optional third-row-seat package and a comfort package. The Premier trim comes standard with a third-row seat and most of the equipment from the comfort package. Some optional packages are available.

Anti-lock disc brakes and a stability control system with a rollover sensor are standard. Reverse parking sensors are optional on the Premier model. Power-adjustable pedals with memory are optional on both trims. The Mercury Mountaineer earned a perfect five stars across the board in all National Highway Transportation Safety Administration frontal and side-impact tests.