Overview & Reviews

All 2009 Mercury Mariner models are equipped with a new six-speed automatic transmission. The base four-cylinder engine gets a bump in displacement, power and fuel efficiency, while the optional V6 gains a useful 40 horsepower. Additionally, Ford's Sync multimedia integration system is now available, the suspension is tweaked for an improved ride and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are standard across the board. A new Premier I4 trim level rounds out the changes for 2009.

• Comfortable interior, decent performance and fuel economy, full array of standard safety features.

• Poor braking from outdated front disc/rear drum setup, hard-to-fold rear seat.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 41.00

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  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.

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  Mariner Premier V6 FWD VOGA Edition - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Bill - September 16 - 1:13 pm

  New engine and transmission deliver smooth performance with more than adequate power. White suede paint looks good. The black and cashmere interior is very sharp, and the stylish look has garnered many positive comments particularly from women. Controls and displays are well laid out and easy to use / monitor without diverting attention from the road. Getting almost 20 MPG in 65% city / 35% freeway driving in the Austin heat with the AC on. Steering gives the car a very light feel but is accurate. AC very powerful for front passengers on hot days even set at 78 degrees with fan on a low setting. Very little sun glare on dashboard or center displays.

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  Happy so Far - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Desert Mariner - September 11 - 3:43 pm

  I never expected to buy a Ford product, havent owned one in over 25 years. I fully expected to by a CRV, RAV4, or Saturn Vue, only reluctantly looked at Ford/Mercury. Ended up with the Mariner because it was the best combination of styling, comfort, power, and features. The Saturn was my favorite styling but the seating was not comfortable - just too much smaller than the competition. The CRV had bland styling and no bluetooth or any cool features. The RAV4 had roomiest seating but cheap looking interior and the spare on the door was a minus, plus bluetooth only on fully loaded vehicles. Like the Mariner styling; like front grille & rear tailights better than on Ford Escape.

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  Great Little SUV - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By sjmst - July 23 - 10:40 pm

  I just bought a used 09 Mariner I4. I had a V8 07 Ford Explorer. I actually like the Mariner better. The Explorer was smooth and quiet, but still felt a little sluggish, even with the v8. The Mariner handles better and is more fun to drive. The 4 cyl is buzzy on acceleration and at times at stoplights. Cruising at highway speeds it is quiet and smooth and plenty powerful, even with four of us and luggage.

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  Great Ride - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Nat69 - June 17 - 10:56 am

  I just traded in my 2004 Rendezvous for a new 2009 Mariner Premier. It took the dealer a couple of days to find the color and options I wanted but it was worth the wait. I got the Premier version to get the color and options I wanted at a lower price. This is a Great Ride, Tunes and Style, it is not boaty like the Buick but has a very smooth ride. I love the USB port where I have ALL my 12Gb of music availabe via SYNC. Went for a ride through the mountains this pas weekend and got 22.8 MPG with under 500 miles on it, this is absolutly the best and exceeded my expectations. SYNC - you will need to speak clearly and break up your phrase into single words and it works great!

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  Fun Driver, Sync is great, reliability? - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By B. doyle - June 8 - 11:50 pm

  Fun vehicle to drive, great gas mileage gets 27.9 mpg highway on trips. 4 cylinder runs rough at idle due apparently to trying to maximize fuel mileage, the hood even shakes. Also had computer controlling the transmission break causing the car to downshift 2 gears on the highway, scary. Brought it to the dealer and was fixed the same day, had to reset the computer.(Dealer says its a common problem with 09s) The car now has 6,000 miles on it and I truly enjoy it but be careful. At high speeds the vehicle feels like it is going to tip over.

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  Very Safe Ride. - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Paul K. straker - April 17 - 9:03 am

  I just got my 2009 Mariner early Oct. 2008. On Oct.17 2008 I was taking my boys over to their friends going 40 MPH on a main street when a car ran a stop sign. Never seeing the other car I plowed right into it. Both front airbags deployed. Myself my oldest age 11 and my youngest age 5 all walked away from the wreck with a couple of bruises. My youngest was also in his booster seat which is a must for anyone of his age. I am very great full on how safe they made this vehicle. I can not wait until I get my new one and I will be getting another Mariner.

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  Lovin my ride - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Happy Mariner - March 12 - 3:46 am

  I was a confirmed hater of driving until I bought my new Mariner. I would have gone with an Escape, but the ice blue interior lighting hooked me. (Went with the 4 rather than the 6 to stay within budget). Theres a tad less pickup with the 4, but Ive merged onto I-95 and reached 60mph with ease. Once in a clutch situation, I had to brake suddenly and hard - there was no fishtailing nor did the brakes lock. Nice. My SO pointed out the three color interior styling on the dash - theyre all neutral tones, very classy. Got my exterior color - Ice Blue - and I am one happy motoring sistah. Icing on the cake - chosen as a recommended vehicle by Consumer Reports.

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  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.

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  One Month and Going Strong - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By William Koonce - October 13 - 7:33 pm

  One month of driving...for whats its worth. I drive a Lincoln...the Mercury is for my wife. The Mercury cabin is quiet on the highway. For an SUV, the ride is incredibly soft, yet possessing none of the roll for a soft, high-sight vehicle. The interior finish is quality, with lines, not gaps. The GPS and all readouts easily show up in reflective sun (something important to me). The vehicle accelerates quickly, possessing power to pass on a hill. The exterior exudes an affluent demeanor. Regarding the platform, I found the “expert” reviews humorous, as some considered the proven platform “old” and in need of an upgrade. Give me a proven mature platform over a young, flashy platform any day!