Overview & Reviews
Hybrid SUVs like the Mercury Mariner Hybrid are aimed primarily at green-thinking car buyers who want it all. By sport-utility standards, fuel economy is high and tailpipe emissions are low. At the same time, the Mariner Hybrid allows one to live the hybrid car lifestyle without losing the everyday versatility provided by all-wheel drive and a decent-sized cargo area.
As part of Mercury's demise, the Mariner Hybrid will only be produced through 2011. Mechanically, it's identical to the Ford Escape Hybrid. Differentiation comes about mostly through altered exterior styling and the Mariner's higher-quality interior.
Most Recent Mercury Mariner Hybrid
The Mercury Mariner Hybrid compact SUV was produced in two generations. The more recent ran from 2008-'11.
This Mariner was available in one well-equipped trim level. Standard amenities included full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, the Sync phone/MP3 player interface and an in-dash CD changer with MP3 audio input. Options included heated leather seats, an upgraded seven-speaker audio system, a navigation system, a sunroof, a rearview camera, MyKey (which allows parents/owners to limit speed and audio volume) and an automated parallel-parking assist feature.
A two-wheel-drive Mariner Hybrid should be able to deliver close to 30 mpg in real-world city and highway driving. Its powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a pair of electric motors and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Under full acceleration, both power sources work together to provide maximum oomph, but under lighter load conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic, the Mariner Hybrid alternates between the two, oftentimes running purely on battery power alone. A regenerative braking system converts energy normally lost as heat into electricity to recharge the vehicle's batteries.
Although the cumulative horsepower rating of 177 doesn't sound very impressive, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid was quicker than the regular four-cylinder Mainer. Two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive models were offered.
The Mariner Hybrid's cabin was tastefully accented with faux aluminum, chrome and wood-grain trim. The backseat was roomy and comfortable enough to keep a pair of adults content on road trips, and there was almost 28 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with up to 66 cubic feet when folded.
With its gas engine and electric motors working in concert, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid returned outstanding fuel mileage. Unfortunately, its engine made a lot of noise under hard acceleration. Ride quality was acceptable for a small SUV, but handling was unimpressive because of the additional weight of the hybrid components. Braking performance was poor due to the Mariner's lackluster front disc/rear drum setup.
There were only a few changes during this model's time. For 2010, the Mariner Hybrid benefited from a few more high-tech features including the "Auto Park" automatic parallel-parking option and MyKey (which allowed parents to limit speed and audio volume for their teen drivers). Most importantly, a new electrically driven air-conditioning compressor arrived as well. Previously, the A/C would shut down with the engine when the vehicle stopped at a light or was stuck in traffic. You could override this, but then you wouldn't get the fuel economy savings auto stop/start provides.
Past Mercury Mariner Hybrids
The first-generation Mercury Mariner hybrid was produced for 2006-'07. These earlier Mariners had a hybrid powertrain similar to that of the second-gen version, albeit with a slightly smaller, 2.3-liter 155-hp engine. All-wheel drive was standard. Also, they lacked the newer Mariner's updated styling and features.
User Reviews:
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13 YEARS LATER STILL 33MPG!!! - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
By Kenny Brooks - March 9 - 9:50 pmIm from Oklahoma and couldnt find a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid anywhere with low miles. People keep these cars once they get them because theyre so great. Finally found one in San Diego California with 90,000 miles. It was a one-owner garage kept with all the paperwork from the beginning. Didnt have any scratches or dings on it...absolutely perfect I would give it a 9 out of 10, and Im very critical. Gas mileage still gets 33 consistently combined. Glad I bought it in California because it has never seen snow or ice until here this past winter in Oklahoma. Ive seen these things with over 350,000 miles on them and still going strong with original hybrid battery ,transmission ,and powertrain. if youre thinking about getting an older car with great reliability you cant go wrong because this things gas mileage is through the roof... plus its spacious and roomy inside. Next year Im going to slap some 20-in rims on it and ride it out until the end. The heat is dual climate control and is very strong in the winter at 90° and ice cold during the summer months. The only thing I wish it had is that it should have had some sort of converter to keep the air compressor on once Im in hybrid mode. I think they fixed that in 2010. Absolutely love this vehicle!!!
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I love this SUV! - 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
By Bob - November 10 - 5:33 pmIve had my new 2010 Mariner Hybrid now for a couple of weeks and I have absolutely no buyers remorse whatsoever! I love it! Im averaging close to 34mpg (highway and street combined). The ride is smooth, great visibility, love the NAV system and sync features. "So far" ... worth every penny I spent for it!
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Better than expected - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
By dolphins - November 10 - 2:40 amNot only am I a satisfied with the fuel economy; this vehicle is versatile. Build quality is top notch, navigation system is easy to use. Sound system is all above average. I am now sold on Hybrids. While in grid lock you will always wear a smile on your face. The all wheel drive system gives you an extra sense of security
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2007 Mecury Mariner Hybrid - 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
By Jim - October 19 - 2:13 pmWe love our car, comfort, turning radius, excellent visibility. Fuel mileage runs 26 in town and 33 mpg on the highway. The front wheel drive is great and when it is needed 4x4 is seamless. We needed a car that will climb an 8% grade coming from our driveway. This has served us way better than all wheel drive. The body is nice and tight the doors close with no effort. Our car is front wheel drive with auto 4X4 when needed not AWD.
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Love my Hybrid - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
By rollin_steel - October 16 - 8:23 amWhen stuck in traffic I know Im not pumping carbon into the air in this already polluted city! $3,000 tax credit this year this model!! Drives like a small SUV but really seems roomy inside. Easy to park. Lots of storage, Comfortable interior designed with tall people in mind! very quiet ride! I only have 1200 miles on it so not totally broken in and Im getting about 29-30 mph in the city on average. Im still learning not to hop off the line (jack rabbit starts) smoother means better mph!
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Youve got to be kidding! - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
By Disappointed - October 15 - 6:30 amI recently acquired a 2008 Mariner with 25K miles. I could not imagine a more uncomfortable and noisy vehicle. The vehicle is extremely loud as the variable drive whines and the engine roars when engaged. The car in general is just loud. This car is loaded with leather, NAV, etc and it is extremely uncomfortable. I have a 25 mile one-way commute and I can not get to my destination fast enough. The only good comment I can provide is that the gas mileage is great as I am averaging 29+ consistently. Test drive and compare to other vehicles in this category thoroughly before you decide (btw, this is the brother to the Ford Escape and I would expect a similar experience)
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Good To go! - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
By Mariner21 - September 5 - 9:00 amMPG as advertised. 30-34 around town and highway. Great small turning radius. Very maneuverable. Environmental controls are excellent - heat/air/defog etc. Delivered fit and finish just fine. Interior molded plastic parts a little on the cheap side - not terrible but not a clean design - bolt/screw fitting visable. Overall - would buy another one. Dealer sales and service support adequate but could use some Toyota/Honda customer/service style training. Mariner Hybrid - good example of why you should buy American. Good wheels!
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Ford quality exceeds expectation! - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
By Michael Caty - June 8 - 3:53 pmThis truck if priced by the importers would be double the sticker. Value, quality, and of course MPG are outstanding. Looks like "Ford" woke up! Congratulations, and we thank you for the fine and reasonably priced product.
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Great Vehicle! - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
By SGOODFEL - May 4 - 11:53 amI totally love my hybrid. I am averaging 30 mpg on my daily commute. What a great change from the 16-17 mpg on my Venture mini-van. Beware - you will totally become obsessed with how well your gas mileage can be. My high is 35 mpg and my low was 28 mpg (highway miles on a trip through the WV moutains). There are a couple of small things I wish it had: bluetooth and the built-in garage door opener. Other than that, the vehicle is perfect! I definitely recommend.
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Pretty Good SUV - 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
By arockcastle - April 2 - 7:49 pmI got this SUV because it met my needs perfectly. It got good fuel economy, had four-wheel-drive, and was still big enough for me to fit me and my stuff. Despite this, the car isnt always that comfortable. The ride is bumpy, and there is a lot of engine, wind, and road noise. The exterior styling looks pretty boring, and the interior materials feel cheap. So far, Im getting about 30 MPG in the winter and 35 MPG in the summer (mostly highway driving). Overall Im happy with this car, but I cant say I would recommend it. There are many cheaper cars that are more comfortable and get almost as good of fuel economy, like the Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, or even a new 2012 Ford Focus.
