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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  Highly Impressed - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Bob - December 14 - 8:33 am

  Have a little over 700 miles and getting almost 22 MPG with A/C on. V-6 extremely quiet, has plenty of power. Interior is so quiet. Night and day diffeernce over 2005 Hyundai Santa FE, which was a piece of junk.

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  Love My Mariner - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By Gretchen - November 28 - 6:13 pm

  Having had a full size SUV, I like the more nimble, smaller Mariner. It is easy to maneuver, peppy, and fuel efficient. I have the rear sensor and heated seats plus keyless entry....what more could I ask for?

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  Love our new Mariner! - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By bslate - November 19 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I just purchased an off lease 2009 Mariner Premier with V6 and everything except navigation. So far, we are thrilled with the car. It replaces a Honda Civic that was totaled. We have a baby coming in 4 months, and we were shopping Mariners anyway for more space. What you get for the price, in a manageable size, in such a nice looking vehicle really sealed the deal for us. Some of the "newer" designs were more expensive and did not offer as many features. We feel we got a very nice vehicle with lots of options in a nice package that well still have a very reasonable car payment and actually be able to put some cash away in the babys college fund!

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  Mariner is a Great Vehicle - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By FearlessBear - November 3 - 9:10 pm

  Great ride, great comfort, excellent handling and good performance. A bit of a gas drinker, but not really bad, and it takes regular. I have driven Jeep Grand Cherokees, Land Rovers, Suzuki, but this vehicle is better. Its ideal in size, style, comfort, roominess and performance.

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  Lovin My Mariner! - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Nick - October 11 - 1:16 am

  Bought 4 months ago with 38K miles, just clicked over to 50K today! Took two trips to South Carolina (about 1600 miles roundtrip) and averaged 23 MPG with cruise set between 70-80mph. Got rid of the JUNK stock Continentals and bought All-Terrain tires with a high treadwear rating. Difference between these and the Continentals is night and day! Love the interior (black and creme tu-tone) and get compliments on it all the time. Would buy again for sure. Radio is fantastic,and the keypad entry is great for those times when you dont want to carry your keys with you! Only major complaint is the lack of available power after 55 MPH and not being able to get more than 275-280 miles/tank.

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  Peacock Process - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Peacock - September 21 - 5:26 pm

  I like everything about this car, except the mileage. Wish that I had bought a hybrid, as Im doing a lot of driving. I was told that it would pay for itself, but the cost of gasoline has risen dramatically since I bought this car, and Im reconsidering my choice of car. 20 - 22 mpg in town, and 22-24 mpg on the road.

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  Another great vehicle! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By smt921 - July 20 - 9:00 am

  This is my second Mariner and I could not be happier. I previously had a 2005. The slight changes made to this model have been well appreciated. Love that the base price came down as well.

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  From Suburban to Mariner - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By jbrooksws - May 21 - 9:46 am

  We have always had suburbans and decided to go small for insurance and economy. Wanted to go with hybrid, but replacement battery is $8000 and initial car price too high. Really good car. 4 cylinder is OK but look at the gas mileage. Seats are too short for thigh, but heated leather is good. Wish Ford would make 6 way power for all. Averaging 24 mpg in city 28 on highway. No maintenance issues so far and we have 8000 miles on car. We have been to beach and mountains no issue. Have not noticed that car is particularly noisy or that fans are noisy. Have had two or three "clunks" when shifting. Decided I need to come to complete stop before shifting. We would buy again.

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  Rate this vehicle - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Lisa - March 22 - 8:26 pm

  I love the style of the vehicle however the fuel economy is not what I expected. Currently the Mariner is only averaging 15.5 miles per gallon and on the sticker it stated 19-24 mile per gallon. I currently have 7,000 miles on the vehicle. Other than the mileage I am pleased.

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  2005 White Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By R E Prue - December 22 - 6:56 pm

  Lots of pep and great handling. Mileage about 3-4 mpg better than 2002 Explorer that was previous vehicle. Ride is about equal even tho it is smaller.