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:

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  The Mariner, just short of excellence - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Lou - July 4 - 4:06 am

  Love the car, not putting gas in it. I also miss having some more electronical gadgets in it. Too many gadgets have to be put in after market. Also not enough power outlets.

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  I love it - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Sean Jester - May 29 - 12:13 am

  7 months in, I havent had a problem. Looks much nicer than the Escape or Tribute. Mercury has done an excellent job making the interior of their vehicles look very upscale. The engine has problems finding a gear and revs loudly a lot, but overall the ride is smooth and quiet at cruising speeds. Love the space, can easily fit 5 adults and luggage at the same time, however folding rear seats down can be a pain and over time could damage the leather. The suede seat insets are already getting dirty and I dont know how to clean them. CD/Stereo w/sub sounds great -- better than wifes Accord. Gas mileage is poor, but gas tank is small so it wont kill your wallet to fill up.

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  Nice looks, tight ride. - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By The Monsignor - May 26 - 6:53 pm

  This vehicle nicely fills a niche between the larger luxury SUVs and the more expensive, smaller luxury SUVs (I consider it entry-level luxury). The engine is wonderful and peppy (V6), and the two-tone leather trim is nicely done. The suspension is smoother than the Escape, and it drives more carish than truckish. Brakes are quite responsive. The interior with chrome trim and very dark faux wood is quite handsome, and helped seal the deal. I went with white (living in a hot climate and beige leather). Mercury has done a nice job, and I expect to see more of these on the road soon.

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  my little fun suv - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By sheila - April 15 - 10:23 am

  I have had this car since the 31st of december and have had a ball driving it handles very well and really enjoy the heated seats on cold mornings. Would like the suv more if it had a navigational system or onstar available on ford products.

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  Lovin it! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By ramona - April 12 - 8:43 am

  I have owned my vehicle a week now and am really enjoying it. After researching several cars thoroughly for price, amenities, style, crash tests, reliability, and fuel economy, I settled on the Mariner. I am surprised at how many men actually like it because it is a pretty metallic green color. It is really quite sharp, with its black trim and slate interior. We love our sunroof and find it functional in Florida to let the heat out. The upolstery is the best--wipes clean easily and is very comfortable----the seats are cushy and the ride smooth and solid. I never wanted to touch a vehicle with dark interior, but this is remarkably cool and comfortable. We find our Mariner very roomy.

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  Affordable Luxury - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Slider - March 31 - 8:30 am

  We test drove a bunch of vehicles including the Chevy Equinox, Isuzu Axiom, Honda CR-V, and the Mitsubishi Endeavor. Being in our late 20’s, my wife and I didn’t ever think that we would be looking, let alone buying a Mercury, but we did. We fell in love with everything from the two-tone leather to the “waterfall” grill. My wife is 4’10” so the larger SUVs were out of the question. The seat had more than enough adjustment to suite her needs. The Mariner is far from a cloned Escape. It is definitely in a league of its own.

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  Too Much Vibration - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By NYC Commuter - March 27 - 2:26 am

  I leased a 4 cyl. 4wd Mariner for commute purposes. The size is perfect, and it has been a champ in snow and rain. Unfortunately, the car has an annoying whine at 1,000 rpm that the dealer says in "normal" and under various condition vibrates excessively. At 55 and 75 mph the vehicle feels like the tires are unbalanced (they were checked by two dealer). If parked on a steep downhill, the vehicle vibrated very strongly in park. The pretty interior finishes and materials are not very durable. In retrospect, I should have gone with the Chevy Equinox.

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  Buy it! - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By DOOBDOO - March 9 - 7:06 pm

  We have a 2005 Equinox & just got the 2006 Mariner. Go for the Merc. The Noxi has electronic steering (no fluid) that makes it handle like the Queen Mary in a turn - no feel whatsoever. The Mariner is a luxury car that is fun to drive. I am coming out of an Aviator and 19 mpg Mariner city driving is doubling what I got, so the fuel economy suits me fine. No built in "Ford rattle" - you can see foam inserts in the door jambs in addition to gaskets to eliminate noise. Just finished after Christmas shopping and put two 6 X 2boxes in the back with lots of room to spare for the shopping bags. Comfortable, too.

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  Drivin In Style - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By D. L. H. - March 3 - 7:03 am

  When my minivan was ready for retirement I knew I needed something that could work hard but look good. I had been reading about the Mariner since forever and was eager to test drive it. Well one test drive was all it took! THE MARINER is IT!! It has the roominess of a van, the handling of a car, the solid feel of safety, and enough of a trunk that we can pack up the family and head to the beach for a week. Plus its so pretty! We definitely made the right choice!

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  What a Great Vehicle - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Fred - February 29 - 5:23 am

  When I went to purchase this vehicle I wanted everything on it and I got it. I love almost everything about it. I like that is looks way more expensive than what it actually cost. Its classy. the interior is great too. I have plenty of room to take my friends/family along. I feel very safe when driving this vehicle.