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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Great Value Decent Performance - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By Joe - January 21 - 3:30 amOk - so we needed an SUV at our vacation home - Ford came out with the employee pricing and we took a Luxury FWD with a roof rack off the lot - yes, Out the Door" for $19,500 - including tax, license, dealer junk fees, prep, salesman commissions etc etc. The standard V6 auto luxury pkg., no options except the roof rack. Adequate performance [I own a Porsche and the wife a Saab], great vision out the front, decent seats, CD player, buy one now with ee pricing & $2000 rebate.
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Awesome SUV with some small issues - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By Sean - December 24 - 11:50 pmI love my Mariner. I bought it a week ago but I do regret buying it a little in the middle of this gas crisis... oh well. I have experienced some buzz/crackling with the speakers and the subwoofer is nothing close to the Infinity sub I have in my basement. However, the stereo sounds great when there is no distortion in the speakers. I wish Ford would update their plain and boring entertainment clusters. The rest of the car looks great. The suede insets on my seats are already a little marked up and I dont know how I should go about cleaning them -- if at all. The knobs on the roof rack were murder on my thumbs. Are those things meant to be turned? LOL Overall I am very happy with it.
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Youd be fool not to buy one - 2006 Mercury Mariner
By dre - November 14 - 12:16 amSo far its been a great suv. Weve driven it in some severe waether conditions such as flooding and it handled quite well! Hasnt seen snow yet! Its also a very comfortable vehicle,if you get the premier its more luxury than sporty!
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My favorite car ever! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By brooke - November 8 - 1:10 amI cannot say enough about this car. I have had it for about 13 months and absolutely love it. I get compliments all the time about its looks. It has power, it goes great in the snow, and it looks great. I have the silver exterior with the black leather interior, sun/moonroof, 6 cd changer, power everything. Love this vehicle!
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Couldnt ask for more - 2007 Mercury Mariner
By Ashley - October 18 - 11:16 amSadly, I only had my Mariner for 3 months when I was in an accident and totaled it. Luckily, I walked away with no injuries, which is why I will be purchasing one again. Ive never felt more safe in this vehicle. Very comfortable and smooth ride. I loved the extras: Reverse Assistance, information system, stock AMP, heated leather seats, moonroof, keyless entry.
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A lot of car for the buck - 2006 Mercury Mariner
By lvnorte - September 30 - 9:46 amMy wife recently wanted a every day small SUV that got good gas mileage She looked at all of the small SUVs in the market including the BMW X3. She was thinking about a Ford Escape and one look at the Mercury Mariner changed all of that. For the price difference which is not much the Mariner has many extra features that make it much more luxurious. Trading from a 740i BMW was a difficult choice, however the premier Mariner was what mife decided she wanted and she has not been disappointed. The vehicle is nice to look at has good performance and economy
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The suprise of 2005 - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By Mariner driver - September 20 - 10:00 amI qas looking for a small SUV to have for work and while shopping around I cam across the Mariner and fell in love with the interior (black leather with beige inserts) and just had to take it for a test drive and lets just say it was real nice. Some driving line and not jarring at all. So I bought it that day and I am happy so far and I am looking foward to many years ahead.
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Very Nice Small SUV - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By Donna - September 19 - 10:36 amOur first SUV. Drove Toyota Camry XLEs for past 10 years. The Mariner is missing some of those amenities, but overall, very nice. Very happy with Mariners interior cargo room and front seat area design and features such as dual heat and air controls and seat warmers. Not so thrilled with gas mileage so far. Have 3500 miles and only averaging 19 in traffic and 22 on highway. Hoping for better as mileage increases. Exterior look is great...many compliments on that.
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Nice Looking Car; lacks comfortable driving - 2009 Mercury Mariner
By nikki626 - August 29 - 8:48 pmThis car is really built nicely and it looks pretty but the drive is very forgettable. Cannot get Sync to work... will be trading in for something else.
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Model A Ford - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By Georgr - August 19 - 10:26 amThe model A ford was a more comfortable riding car than my Mercury Marinar. Its rough riding and and very noisy. The seat are like setting on lava rock. poor gas mileage 10 to 17 miles per gal.It is a very difacult car for Disabled people to get in and out off. Now power going up a Steap hill. I would trade it in a minute if i could afford to. The model A had the Mercury Mariner bet by 100 to 1
