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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  My 2007 Mercury Mariner - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By Bradley - February 12 - 11:16 am

  Have had this car for over a year and am still happy with it. I enjoy the driving, even with a 4cyl it has enough pep for me. Average about 24mpg (better then a 6cyl). Great interior room, have been able to carry just about everything from my mountain bike to a big screen TV. Like the exterior design better then the 2008 model. The interior looks great, not as many features as the 08. Overall a great car!!

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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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  Mariner Premier - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By Robert - January 19 - 2:03 pm

  Car rated as 21 - 28 mpg. Was initially pleased as I got 22+ mpg in town. Then I took a trip to Nashville (902 miles roundtrip). Was disappointed when this 4 cylinder returned a miserable 24.3 mpg. I drove the speed limit using cruise control for almost the entire trip. Went back to the dealer who stated they had a quite a few people commenting on the weak mileage. They stated it was because most gas had 1-10 percent ethanol added. Did not believe it as the SUV I traded in averaged 29-30 mpg for the same trip. It had the same HP engine and weighed only 100 lbs less. Of course there is a disclaimer on the window sticker stating the mileage may vary between 23- 33mpg. Guess Im stuck.

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  Great Small SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Happy Owner - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great little SUV. I used to drive Explorers. Bought this to get better gas millage for a Minneapolis driving. Great in the snow and super reliable. Get rid of the Continental stock tires and it is very quite comfortable to drive. I have had zero problems, but do regular maintenance. Love the radio/6cd player, and leather. Love it Love it Love it. I would recommend to anyone

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  Many Improvements - 08 Best One Yet! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Mark Robison - January 5 - 8:00 am

  Had an 06 Escape, but the 08 made such great improvements. The Mariner offers more deluxe features over the Escape. Cup holders are a major improvement, as is the ice blue dash lights and the dash-top center display. Exterior appearance looks tough, yet elegant, and the ride is finally smooth and comfortable. Passengers compliment the feel of the rear seats and from the front, it feels roomier and slightly "bigger."

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  LUV IT! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Peggy - December 27 - 5:30 am

  Its about what you need. This meets all my needs with its style, p/up, leather, sunroof, back window defrost and wiper. I am a small person so it is plenty big enough for me interior wise. It has almost zero blind spot. I luv it!

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  I LOVE THIS TRUCK - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By metheman - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck after going to look at the Mountaineer due to all the commercials there have been lately. Very happy so far with the purchase. Outside of a smallish gas tank and hungry V6. Beutiful looking truck, well put together. this thing gets a lot of attention because there are not many out there. GO BUY ONE if you are thinking of an mid size SUV I drove them all and this is the beat of everything all in one

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  Fun and comfortable to drive - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Angela - November 20 - 12:33 am

  This is our 3rd murcury and from coming out of the Monterey to the Mairiner there is a world of difference. It drives more like a car and handles like one too...and did I mention comfort! We have the premier with the leather and leather heated seats and I totally recommend it. The gas mileage isnt all that bad, we are getting 18 mpg in the city which actually is the same that we were getting with a mini-van. I totally recommend this suv.

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  Middle of the Road - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By Ericd2day - October 23 - 11:50 pm

  My 2010 Mariner has had some transmission issues. Feels like the engine is breaking and slowing the car down. Dealer says this is normal. Heated front seats get too hot too fast and should have a temp. setting. Still a lot of outside noise and engine is noisy when accelerating. Climate controls very good. Brakes not firm enough for me, need rear disc. Gas mileage varies but for the most part is very good. The I4 engine labors to get up to speed but then does OK to maintain, cruise control helps with mileage on highways. Wish I had opted for the V6 but thought the mileage would be poor. Ok car for now but I do not know if I would purchase another one.

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  Love My Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By caroline - October 21 - 4:56 am

  Well, I have had my Mariner for a year now and simply, I love it! It is a great car that I feel safe in. It looks sharp and holds a lot for a smaller SUV. The only downside so far is that the gas milage is a little less than I expected and disappointing with the current cost of gas, but still I would never trade it!