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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  Warranty - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Michael - October 20 - 2:46 pm

  Be aware that the Ford warranty states that if your vehicle must be kept overnight, they owe you NOTHING. No loaner, no rental, no reimbursement. NOTHING. My eight month old Mariner began losing transmission fluid at 8800 miles. I took in in to the dealer and a WEEK later they tell me that they are waiting for a replacement axle. This is a recurring problem for the Ford and Merc Escape/Mariner which is leading to a shortage of parts. Service Manager told me he has two vehicles waiting for that axle. This is the last Ford product for me.

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  rear differential - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By markm - January 30 - 2:20 am

  lease 3 vehicles all mercurys.my 2006 mariner has by far been the worst lease in last 10 years.after rotating tires,then purchasing 4 new ones,still road as if i had snow tires .sound was loud u couldnt have conversation. rear differential was replaced under warranty. 15 miles out of service dept rear fell out -almost got killed after swerving into oncomming traffic. lets see if ford reads these reviews!

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  Continuous transmission issues...company refuses to fix. - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By desert7rain - November 21 - 1:08 pm

  My mom has a 2009 Chrysler Mariner and from the beginning it has had transmission issues. Shifting rough, jerking into gear and lagging between gears then rough shift. They have have had it in the Chrysler shop at least 8 times and it has never been fixed. Even with it obviously not shifting right they would tell us that they could find nothing wrong. When we are able to get a diagnosis, it will be fixed for a week and then its back to mal-functioning. Now they are completely refusing to pay for any further repairs. This car is not worth the money simply because the company does not believe in fixing issues and it has been in the shop so much that it is difficult on day to day life.

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  Stay Away - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Chelly - October 10 - 9:20 am

  I bought the 2008 Mercury Mariner in March 2007. I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. During the first 12 months, the car would stall without any warning and when I brought it into the dealer, they told me nothing was wrong with it. I had to bring it in an additional two times before they fixed it correctly. Recently, I was driving on Interstate 80 going about 65 when the car completely stalled again without warning and reduced in speed rapidly. This car is not reliable. I will never buy a Mercury, Lincoln or Ford ever again. Stay away from this one.

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  Transmission!! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By lb330011 - October 18 - 8:05 am

  I had to participate in the recall on the transmission a couple years ago after having my car less than a year. Today I go to start it and the transmission is completely out! Never again will I buy a Ford. The customer service is horrible and of course the new transmission issue has nothing to do with them.

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  Big disappointment - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By bill - February 6 - 10:40 am

  Its like driving a basketball, mileage isnt what it supposed to get and a typical Ford with brakes. I cant wait to give it back.

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  Worst Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By NoToMariner - April 9 - 3:30 pm

  I have owned my Mariner less than a month and I have already determined this is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. After only two weeks, permanent stains showed up on the side panels from some liquid that had been thrown up by the tires. The dealer claimed it was Armour All from the tires but agreed to repaint all of the panels because they shouldnt have stained so easily. That process took over a week. There is also a noise inside the door that sounds like a ball bearing rolling around--the source cant be found. A $32,000 vehicle should not have this many initial problems!

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  Model A Ford - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Georgr - August 19 - 10:26 am

  The model A ford was a more comfortable riding car than my Mercury Marinar. Its rough riding and and very noisy. The seat are like setting on lava rock. poor gas mileage 10 to 17 miles per gal.It is a very difacult car for Disabled people to get in and out off. Now power going up a Steap hill. I would trade it in a minute if i could afford to. The model A had the Mercury Mariner bet by 100 to 1

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  Drive a lot before buying - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Not Pleased - August 21 - 8:03 pm

  This is my fourth Ford/Mercury I have owned and also the worst. The gas mileage is fine and was the reason I downsized from an Explorer. But the noise level inside this car is awful. My 10 year old Explorer was a quieter ride than this vehicle. The roads I tested it on near the dealership must have been very smooth. I will never buy another car without going over all types of roads, including bad ones. Please turn every knob to maximum level before buying. Turning heat/AC to anything above the lowest level is very noisy. The dealership says it is normal tire noise when I complain about the noise inside the vehicle. The radio has to be turned up loud to hear over the outside noise.

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  Worst vehicle Ive ever owned - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Jason - February 20 - 8:56 am

  Seriously the worst vehicle I have ever had. 40,000 miles the transmission blew and needed a completely new one with no help from Ford due to the warranty ending at 36K. Now the front end is starting to go and the brakes are shot. I cant wait to get rid of this car.