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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  third suv - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By BRENDA SAVGE - May 3 - 10:10 am

  we went looking for another suv- had an explorer- traded in for expedition- which saved my life in a rollover on ice-- bought another expedition- and now we wher in of a second car/suv- in looking around at other models- we settled on the marnier on first site- bought the suv- without even test driving- and then drove it home 27 miles from the dealer-- and loved every minute of that drive- looking forward to taking the suv this weekend to las vegas- and given the expedition a rest...

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  fluid leak - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Em - April 25 - 2:43 pm

  I recently purchased my mariner used at 40,000 miles, 1 month later I noticed fluid leaking. Turns out Ford sent the transmission fluid through the A/C condenser and from what I have heard its been nothing but a problem! The good news is this issue has been recalled and I was able to get everything replaced for free. Other then the leak, I love my new car!

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  4 cyl Mariner runs great - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Joe - April 15 - 11:36 am

  Took delivery in March. In mostly suburban driving we are getting 22.5 mpg. Highway 27 mpg. This in northern New Jersey with AWD. 7500 miles so far and no issues. You have to push the car to get it to perform at times. But I expect that with only 153 hp. Cruises at 85-90 no problem at all. We have the convenience package which is the not loaded version. But includes 6 cd, sunroof etc. nicley packaged.

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  love it - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By mark - April 11 - 3:06 am

  Wife and I love most everything about this vehicle. Our 2000 Ford Explorer would only avg about 12-13 mpg in town and we never got over 19 on the hi-way We opted for the 4cyl FWD auto version. With lots of short trips we avg 18-20 mpg and Hwy mpg has hit 29mpg. Performance with the 4 cyl has been better than expected. The only complaint that we have is that of road noise. It is a great small SUV

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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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  I Love it!! - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Rice - February 24 - 12:56 pm

  Just purchased my Mariner and absolutely love it! I have the Premier model with all the toys. Cant wait for warmer weather to use the sun roof. I did alot of research and drove several different vehicles upon making my decision. Same gas mileage as the van I traded in so no real complaints there either.

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  Premier V6 AWD - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Marilyn - February 19 - 11:23 pm

  I was going to purchase a 2008 and learned that SYNC was available for 2009 along with a 6-speed transmission. I have previously test driven a 2008 and my 2009 is so much smoother and quieter. The steering is also much better. I have all the bells and whistles(moon roof, heated seats, dual air, navigation system, SYNC) and love my Mariner.

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  First time Mercury Owner - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By mariner10 - February 9 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used a few weeks ago and I am very pleased. It is almost 3 years old at this point but only had 11,000 miles on it. Its smaller than the Oldsmobile Bravada I used to have. I am pleased with the gas mileage (28.4) on the highway. I could whine about a few minor things but there is no point. Overall, I really like this vehicle.

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  I love the Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By twake26 - February 4 - 12:53 am

  I have had the Mariner for approximately a month now and I love it. I really like the sound system and how high you sit up. I traded in my 03 Mazda Protege 5. The gas mileage is worse, but I knew going from a wagon to this, it wasnt going to get better, so the MPG doesnt bother me. I like how everything is in reach for me and I like how you have to outlets for cell phones, cigarette lighters, etc. The storage compartments could have been a little bigger. I liked the cloth on the seats. The two-tone is very eye-catching.I also love the chrome on the Mariner. Adds a bit of class.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By lovemynewcar - January 30 - 10:13 pm

  I bought my car used a month ago and I love it!!! My only complaint is a few cosmetics scratches that were on it when I purchased the vehicle.