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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  Cant Say Enough About This Vehicle! - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By kaerae01 - July 5 - 4:20 pm

  I work as a supervisor in the construction industry and was looking for something that could climb over "anything and everything" and through snowy mountains. Got exactly what I wanted with this. It zooms past other larger vehicles, although I did get the V6 Premium model. Got a great deal on it too, so dont limit yourselves to the base model as the premium is more affordable than one would think! Will keep this till it kicks the bucket. Had a Chevy Tracker prior and it couldnt hold a candle to this, and before that a Mercury Tracer. Love this as much as I did my Tracer.

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  Love IT!!! - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By ndcysyve - June 26 - 10:13 pm

  Just purchased today and I am thrilled. I was hesitant on buying American especially going from a VW to a Mercury but I love it. Very quick, full of pep and its an head turner.

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  Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By stephaniewesztergom - May 20 - 2:50 am

  It is a noisy drive. Extremely poor fuel efficiency. Uncomfortable. The rear seats are supposed to fold flat to make a larger cargo area. Good luck with this feature. The seats do not fold. They lean forward making the "feature" obsolete! I am 22 months into my 39 month lease and I am trying to find a way to get out of this vehicle. I am very disappointed as my previous expereince with Mercury made me try the Mariner. Not again!

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  My Mercury Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Melody - April 22 - 10:13 am

  In April of 2005, my family purchased a Premier Edition Mercury Mariner. We love it. It is a fun to drive vehicle and is an easy keeper. It is roomy and has a plush black leather interior with all the bells and whistles, including a sunroof, premium sound system and heated seats. It is a joy to own.

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  Awesome ! - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Sue - March 20 - 8:06 pm

  Great little SUV. Terrific pick-up and handling. I traded in a Mercedes for this and have no regrets. Elegant styling and trim. Gorgeous, luxe, comfy leather interior. Rich exterior colors - - had trouble deciding on which one.

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  Long Term Review - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Brian - March 18 - 9:23 pm

  In short, this has been a really pleasant vehicle for the past 5 years. This was my first SUV, I wanted something with storage but not something huge. I have a small roadster that I drive most of the summer, and every time I get back into the Mariner Im reminded about how comfortable it is. Easy to drive & park with a very comfortable interior for short and long trips. My only problem was a radio with a defective speed sensor (which was replaced under warranty). Recommended if youre looking for a small SUV.

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  Mercury Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By William Raban - March 15 - 9:36 pm

  Excellent experience with vehicle. Very reliable, and dealer is very responsive. Would definitely buy again.

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  No Regrets - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By ernie - January 28 - 6:43 pm

  Being that dad worked for FORDS, I figured it was time to get rid of the Honda Odyssey and downsize into the Mariner. It is a great vehicle and coming from a minivan I was impressed, I dont feel like I am missing anything. The quality is outstanding, and I simply have no regrets!!

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  Cool - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Chris - January 13 - 3:06 pm

  Smooth Quite ride. I test drove the 2006 Rav and CRV and found the Mariner to be much more luxurious than others.

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  New Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Michael - January 11 - 7:13 pm

  We bought the Mariner right after the holidays, so weve had a month with it and absolutely love it. Very comfortable ride and quiet, almost like a car. We were hesitantly traded in our aging subaru outback, but now couldnt be happier. Exterior styling is excellent. We opted not to get the luxury enhancement package and comfort package (which would add power seat, driver message center, auto headlights), but we dont miss them. The manual driver seat is plenty adjustable for me and my wife to both drive comfortably, and the car is still very functional without the other features.