Overview & Reviews

Small SUVs like the Mercury Mariner represent one of the near-perfect compromises of the automotive world. They allow consumers to sit up high with a broad view of the road, load up children and cargo without bending and twisting, and plow through freak winter storms without stopping to put on snow chains. Yet, unlike larger SUVs, they're easy to drive, easy to park and (mostly) easy on the wallet when it comes time to refuel.

As such, having a compact sport-utility in the lineup is a must for any successful automotive brand. Mercury was a latecomer to this segment, adding the Mariner to its portfolio for 2005. Only three years later, it received a thorough cosmetic freshening and that was followed the next year by mechanical improvements. Sadly, this addition to the lineup wasn't enough to save Mercury, as the brand was gone after 2011.

A sibling of the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute, the Mercury Mariner compact crossover SUV used all the same underpinnings as its relatives, but gained unique styling touches inside and out. In general, it was a mid-pack choice for a modern compact SUV; other top crossovers typically offered greater refinement, versatility and overall performance.

Most Recent Mercury Mariner
The Mariner was sold for two generations. The more recent version was offered from 2008-'11. Compared to earlier Mariners, these newer models featured an exterior and interior makeover that improved quality.

Mercury offered two trim levels: base and the more upscale Premier. In that first year, a 2.3-liter inline-4 rated for 153 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque powered the base Mariner. The base V6 and Premier models came with a 3.0-liter V6 good for 200 hp and 193 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the board.

For 2009, mechanical changes were made. The inline-4 grew to 2.5 liters and 171 hp, the V6 was pumped up to 240 hp and both were matched to a new six-speed automatic transmission. That year also saw the debut of Ford's Sync multimedia voice control system and a revised suspension that improved ride quality. In light of all that, the 2009 and later Mariners are the more desirable ones. A number of high-tech features arrived for 2010, including Ford's MyKey system (which allows parents to limit speed and audio volume for their teen drivers), a back-up camera and a nifty Auto Park feature that steers the car during parallel parking.

Although the Mariner had some desirable technology features, its subpar brakes and aged overall design were fairly apparent when compared to rivals from Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota. As such, if you're shopping for a used compact SUV, we recommend that you also consider those competitors before making a decision.

Past Mercury Mariners
The Mercury Mariner was introduced for 2005 as a slightly more upscale twin to the Ford Escape. As such, the pre-2008 models suffered from poor interior materials just like the Escape. Still, this "original" model was pleasant to drive, with tight and responsive handling that only fails to impress when compared with newer compact SUVs. From '05 through '08, the Mariner was powered by either by a 2.3-liter inline-4 that made 153 hp or a 3.0-liter V6 making 200 hp -- both of which came with a four-speed automatic transmission. The '05 to '07 Mariner came in base Convenience, midlevel Luxury and high-line Premier trims. The Convenience model offered basics like air-conditioning, a CD player and power accessories, while the Luxury moved you up to a V6 engine and a few more features. The Premier's highlights included leather seating, rear parking sensors and side airbags.

User Reviews:

• 

  Bad transmission(s) - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By 09mariner - July 2 - 11:00 pm

  Overall, the worst car weve ever owned. With 26,000 miles, its already on the second transmission, and this one is not right. Its been in the shop more than 60 days so far this year. My wife is scared to drive it, as its sometimes in the wrong gear at the worst possible time (other transmission issues too). There are others online (and in person) with transmission issues also. As nice as the other features are, none of them make up for this aweful experience. My suggestion is to wait a year for Ford to figure out the transmission before taking the plunge on this car.

• 

  Not my best choice - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Lyn - February 15 - 6:30 am

  3 months have passed since I bought my new Mercury Mariner. Not especially crazy about the vehicle. Somethings may not seem important but it is the little things that count. Do not like the hidden ignition. Very hard to find since there is no light to help find it, especially in a black interior car. I will put glow in the dark nail polish on the rim of the ignition. No lite under the hood. Car is very noisy. Could have used some sound insulation in the body of the car. The biggest problem I have had is the front end pulling to the left. Have taken it in 3 times. Have heard others with the same dangerous problem. Would I buy again? No!

• 

  2009 Mercury Mariner - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By ILS - September 23 - 9:00 pm

  Within the first 6000 miles the transmission began to "clunk". I took it to the Dealership and was told it was a "characteristic" of the transmission. It is loud and it sometimes takes a second to "engage" and then the "clunk". I am not happy about this. The material on the drivers seat is loose and "puckered up" where I sit. I weigh 120 lbs and I am the only driver. Looks terrible! Sync is a great feature for phones but it is not compatible with my cell phone! Forget trying to figure out the Media! Even the dealersip didnt have a clue. I buy a new car every 2 years and this is the first American Car I have purchased new, wont do that again.

• 

  Transmission problems - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By VIC - March 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car in august 2009. We have taken it to the dealer in 3 different occasions for transmission problems. The first time they said they had to reprogram the computer. The second time they said they had a recall and they had to reprogram the computer again. This week we took it in again and they said they can fix the problem since they cannot reproduce the problem while testing it. This is the worst car we ever owned. The rpm jump to 6000 in the highway, the car basically stops working and you have to get out of the highway to avoid an accident. This happens randomly. Once you stop and restart the car it runs without problems. This dealer has not help us in solving the problem.

• 

  Middle of the Road - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By Ericd2day - October 23 - 11:50 pm

  My 2010 Mariner has had some transmission issues. Feels like the engine is breaking and slowing the car down. Dealer says this is normal. Heated front seats get too hot too fast and should have a temp. setting. Still a lot of outside noise and engine is noisy when accelerating. Climate controls very good. Brakes not firm enough for me, need rear disc. Gas mileage varies but for the most part is very good. The I4 engine labors to get up to speed but then does OK to maintain, cruise control helps with mileage on highways. Wish I had opted for the V6 but thought the mileage would be poor. Ok car for now but I do not know if I would purchase another one.

• 

  Still wondering - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By lake girl - September 10 - 11:10 am

  Nice looking vehicle. In 2 months of ownership have had a problem with CD player- reading no Cd when there was one in player. Turning vehicle off and on again luckily corrected the problem. Muffler seems rather loose, but service dept says free play is normal. Makes a lot of creaking noise when backing up onto the road- live on a hill. Gas mileage Ok for an SUV. Not the greatest on zip going uphill- got to put the pedal to the floor for some zoom.

• 

  Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By stephaniewesztergom - May 20 - 2:50 am

  It is a noisy drive. Extremely poor fuel efficiency. Uncomfortable. The rear seats are supposed to fold flat to make a larger cargo area. Good luck with this feature. The seats do not fold. They lean forward making the "feature" obsolete! I am 22 months into my 39 month lease and I am trying to find a way to get out of this vehicle. I am very disappointed as my previous expereince with Mercury made me try the Mariner. Not again!

• 

  Jessica - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By jessica - December 15 - 6:30 am

  I bought this car after the escape I had transmission went on it at 80,000 miles didnt have this one a year and the transmission went very disappointed good thing it was still covered in the warranty dont think I will buy ford products ever again.

• 

  A Non so likeable SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By MechanicalAnimal - September 7 - 12:43 pm

  I leased our 2006 Mariner for my wife in 2006 in an effort to find a more economical replacement for her 2003 Nissan Pathfinder. I thought she would be able to live with a smaller sized four-cylinder SUV. I was sorely mistaken. She almost immediately complained about the lack of power. After spending time behind the wheel myself, I must admit the engine is not powerful enough for that size/weight vehicle. Furthermore the brakes are substandard in wet conditions and the gas tank is too small which results in having to hit the gas station more often than one would like. Overall not a fun vehicle to drive. My first (and probably last) Ford Motor Company product.

• 

  Tire noise will drive you crazy - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Ariel - August 17 - 5:43 am

  My husband drives an F-150 SuperCrew and it sounds like a quiet luxury vehicle compared to my Mariner. Also, I am disappointed with the lack of illumination on key controls for night driving. Unless you memorize all the controls, you are s.o.l. after dark. I had more illumination on my 10 year old Dodge Caravan.