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Mercury For 2001 |
By Carey Russ |
Mercury is on the move. The 2001 Mountaineer SUV will have a short life, making way for an all-new 2002 model early in the year. And a new high-performance model of the sporty Cougar coupe is available. The Grand Marquis and Sable sedans continue with minor changes. The Villager minivan has freshened styling.
Mountaineer
Previous Mountaineers have shared most of their sheetmetal and interiors with their Ford Explorer cousins. No more. The second-generation 2002 Mountaineer will not be confused with an Explorer, thanks to its bold "New Edge"-inspired exterior and interior styling. Its fully-independent suspension will be tuned differently than that of the Explorer as well. The 2002 Mountaineer will be about the same size as the 2001 vehicle outside, but will offer increased interior space and a standard third-row seat for seven-passenger accommodation. Designed for urbanites who need all-weather ability but not necessarily serious off-road prowess, the Mountaineer will have an available unique all-wheel drive system. A 4.0-liter, 210-hp V8 engine will be standard, with a 240-hp 4.6-liter V8 available.
Cougar
Mercury targets the young performance market with the sporty Cougar coupe. Freshened styling and new interior appointments highlight 2001. Performance is increased with the introduction of the Cougar S, featuring a 196-hp 2.5-liter V6 engine. All Cougars are well-equipped and feature a sport-tuned fully-independent suspension.
Grand Marquis
The Grand Marquis is the traditionalist's Mercury. One of the few remaining body-on-frame, full-size sedans, it gets the "Personal Safety System," optional power-adjustable pedals, and other interior revisions for 2001.
Sable
Restyled last year, the mid-size Sable sedan has new child-safety seat anchors this year.
Villager
There are 24 different ways to configure the Villager minivan's interior. That interior has been freshened for 2001, as has the exterior styling.
Mercury Specifications 2001 2002 Mountaineer ENGINE 4.0-liter V6 Peak horsepower: 210 @ 5250 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 255 @ 4000 rpm 4.6-liter V8 Peak horsepower: 240 @ 4750 rpm Peak torque, lb-ft: 280 @ 4000 rpm DRIVE TRAIN Front-engine, rear- or all-wheel drive 5 - speed automatic CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Body-on-frame construction Front suspension: independent short-and-long arm Rear suspension: independent short-and-long arm BRAKES 4-wheel antilock disc EPA ESTIMATED FUEL ECONOMY City / Highway: 14/18 to 16/22 depending on configuration Fuel tank: 22.5 gallons
