Press Release

On sale this fall

·          The refreshed 2006 Mercury Mountaineer mid-size premium SUV starts at $29,795 for a well-equipped V-6 with five-speed automatic transmission and at $35,195 for a well-equipped V-8, class-leading six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

·          Most powerful, quietest, safest and comfortable Mountaineer ever built featuring a host of value-driven, segment-exclusive premium amenities.

Lincoln Mercury today announced the refreshed 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will feature a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $29,795 when it goes on sale this fall. Mountaineer models equipped with a V-8 engine, class-leading six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive will begin at $35,195. All prices include destination and delivery charges.

"More powerful powertrain choices, all-new interior, and safety advancements make the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer the most stylish, functional, and sophisticated SUV available today," says Al Giombetti, Lincoln Mercury president. "Mercury is injecting a refreshing dose of personality into the increasingly segmented mid-size SUV market."

The 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is Mercury's best Mountaineer yet - delivering an improved V-8 powertrain, the quietest ride in the mid-size SUV segment, many segment-exclusive safety features and an all-new interior loaded with premium features.

An all-new, more powerful three-valve segment-exclusive V-8 is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. This advanced V-8 features variable cam timing and creates a robust 292 horsepower and 300 foot-pounds of torque. A segment-exclusive for Mountaineer is the "6R" six-speed automatic transmission, a feature typically found in luxury sport sedans. Mountaineer comes standard with a 4.0-liter V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that improves idle quality by 50 percent while reducing emissions - and yet still deliver 210 horsepower.

The 2006 Mountaineer is more fuel-efficient and meets rigid federal government emissions standards - with no performance penalties. The V-6 meets Tier II Bin 4 emissions standards, making it ULEV II qualified (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle), while the newly configured V-8 meets Tier II Bin 5 standards, making it LEV II qualified.

The 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is quieter than ever. Reduced climate control system noise, carpets and headliners constructed from advanced, lightweight sound deadening materials and rearview mirrors designed for better visibility and lessened wind noise all combine to offer Mountaineer's occupants the quietest ride in the mid-size SUV segment.

Mountaineer takes the lead in showcasing a myriad of new safety technologies, with ten cutting-edge features now standard. This suite of technologies, featuring AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, seat side airbags, available Safety Canopy™ systems, and new adaptive energy-absorbing steering columns, occupant classification systems, adaptive safety belts and tire pressure monitoring systems, meet all known federal safety regulatory requirements through 2010.

The 2006 Mercury Mountaineer receives a complete interior makeover for enhanced looks and functionality. New seats and materials, door trim and instrument panels, and satin aluminum styling cues throughout deliver comfort, best-in-class seating flexibility and the kind of sophisticated style that remains unique to Mountaineer.

Mountaineer offers improved comfort, improved and unparalleled seating flexibility and a new level of sophisticated style. Fold-down second- and segment-exclusive power-folding third-row seats have been engineered to give the flattest cargo load floor in the segment. Standard leather 10-way power driver seats ensure that all Mountaineer interiors are both practical and stylish.

Mountaineer offers many sophisticated and advanced premium customer-friendly enhancements, such as segment-exclusive power-deployable side running boards, a Mercury-first DVD-based navigation system with street and intersection voice readback, Audiophile AM/FM CDx6/MP3 player with eight speakers, 18-inch machined aluminum wheels, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, all-wheel drive capability, reverse sensing, heated leather seats and keyless entry pad.

Below are starting manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRPs), including destination and delivery, for each of the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer's available trim series: