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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  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!

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  Happy - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Happy - October 9 - 5:03 am

  I love my Mariner! I think it drives very smooth and takes turns like a champ! I love everything about my car! I feel safe and that was a number one concern I had when shopping for a car! So if you are thinking about getting one do it!

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  Love the Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By R. Vondenberger - October 2 - 5:20 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. It handles very easy. Very comfortable. Room enough for family and has room for lots of things. It has alot of power. Love driving it. Looks are excellent size is perfect.

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  Not all happy - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Is it me or? - September 24 - 2:03 pm

  Let me start on the positive. The Mariner is pretty inside and out,as compared to the Escape and Tribute. I have two major issues with this vehicle. First, there is an undeniable steering wheel vibration at highway speeds (70+). After 4 failed service appts., I demanded I drive another (no different). The dealer blames it on Continental Tires, but after replacing all with Michelins, same problem. They openly revealed that Ford/Mercury is aware of the issue and is "working on it." Another model issue is the brakes. Very loud in cold weather and snow and they are "developing" a replacement pad that wont be ready until March 05 (Im on the "list"). Lastly, horrible gas mileage!

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  Love at First Sight - 2011 Mercury Mariner
  By piqued - September 23 - 11:32 am

  Okay, we were at the car sale so my husband could get a feel of what kind of car I was interested in and what features I wanted. I wanted a small SUV that would fit in our garage that had two non-negotiable requirements. The glass on the back-hatch had to open, and I needed map pockets on the back of the front seats. I spotted the Mercury Mariner (complete with moon roof!) and it filled all of the requirements. The ride is smooth, the interior is quiet and I find braking assertive. I like the bluetooth phone feature and all the bells and whistles. Our car and truck are older, so everything is a marked upgade. The price was excellent, too! Bought it right away!

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  Great Vehicle! - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By C. Caban - September 17 - 2:10 pm

  I have had my Mariner for about 2 weeks now. I traded a Malibu for it. I love how high I sit and how well I can reach the dash and all my accessories easily. I love how well it handles. I drive highways and when I put it on cruise control my gas mileage gets better. I am running considerably lower than what the sticker says, but it will take it a while to break it in. I love the modern design inside and outside. The chrome accents make me want to sing the country song. LOL. Fun SUV and overall really great!

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  In love with my Mariner - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Donna - September 16 - 6:40 pm

  I did quite a bit of research before I made my purchase. It was between the Chevy Equinox and the Mariner. I found the Mariner a better buy for the dollar. It is such a quiet and smooth ride and I love the front wheel drive. My favorite thing is the ice blue display and the display at the top center of the dash. Its very comfortable to drive. I have dogs that go with me often, so the back seats folding completely flat was very important to me. My dissapointments are few. The plastic front grille, only one hanger hook in the entire vehicle and plastic covers over my wheels and last, only a four speed transmission.

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  Still wondering - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By lake girl - September 10 - 11:10 am

  Nice looking vehicle. In 2 months of ownership have had a problem with CD player- reading no Cd when there was one in player. Turning vehicle off and on again luckily corrected the problem. Muffler seems rather loose, but service dept says free play is normal. Makes a lot of creaking noise when backing up onto the road- live on a hill. Gas mileage Ok for an SUV. Not the greatest on zip going uphill- got to put the pedal to the floor for some zoom.

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  Luv my 06 Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By A King - August 2 - 4:50 am

  Ive had my Mariner for 3 1/2 yrs and like it so far. This is my 1st SUV and now I cant go back to a car. Love the decor, style, sunroof and stereo system. Cant support more than 4 passengers comfortably but thats ok with me. Has loud road noise and brake problems (weird sounds), took to dealer and was told everything was fine. Backseat headrest are bad, blocks view. Needs improvement in lowering back seats. Oh, please include more on steering controls for convenience and handling. These are things I can live with but think should be addressed. Looking forward to my next Mariner fully loaded!!

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  Wife Happy...Im Happy - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Wildkite - July 30 - 2:40 am

  I searched and drove vehicles for 14 months. No rush here. Ford stepped up on this one. Fit and finish is great. Same platform as the Ford Escape, just a step up on style. This Mercury Premier, AWD, possesses the options I wanted. Fully loaded. Ride is smooth, pickup surprises my wife continually, AC keeps you cool no matter the outside temp, SNYC works great, GPS/SIRIUS display situated on the console perfect, and our remaining two children have plenty of room on the back seats. My wife calls it the perfect Chic SUV. I ordered the wheel/tire upgrade...recommend you do the same because that option caps off the look. The vehicle rides quiet < 75 m/hr and takes road bumps unusually smooth.