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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Bad Transmission - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By speedlump2 - August 9 - 5:09 pmI bought a brand new 2008 Mercury Mariner from Malloy Auto Mall in Woodbridge, VA. In 2009 the transmission starting skipping gears. Took it to the shop, it was fixed under warranty. 2010 took it back to the shop for the transmission again. Not covered by warranty. Cost over $800 to fix. Jump forward to 2011, took it back to the shop, for what you ask? The transmission again. This $2235 to fix it. Ford refuses to do anything about it. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE. I wish I would have read other reviews before I purchased. I will never buy another for vehicle. Dont take my word. Read other reviews and see the same problem I have.
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I soooo love it!! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By a. skoutas - July 9 - 4:03 pmIm lovin this car! The interior is as roomy as my husbands Jeep GC, but so much smaller! I traded in a Volvo that I loved, but I am not missing it! This vehicle is my perfect "mommy-mobile," but I still feel very stylish in it. It holds the 2 carseats plus another person well in the back, and the front is very roomy. The pick-up is substantial, the AWD works great in the Cleveland winter, and it handles like a small car. It is comfortable to drive and the ride is quite smooth. I Absolutely love it!
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Mercury Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
By Debbie A. - July 2 - 11:40 amNice exterior - I have the red with the beige interior (would have been much better if gray interior was offered), handles well,
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Where does the Gas Go?? - 2009 Mercury Mariner
By NJ Mitch - June 14 - 12:43 pmI just purchased my 09 coming out of a 07 Mariner. Both trucks are night and day. I have a fully loaded Mariner ,some days I do not want to stop driving. Only issue is fuel economy. I am getting close to 270 miles per tank and that is with 75% hwy driving. I am hoping this is the break in period and will improve. This is the best bang for your buck in SUV class. Kudos to Ford for making such drastic improvements and driver friendly features. Oh did I mention the Sync package with Nav, oh it is one of the best I have seen. It does things my friends Lexus wishes it could!
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Bad Transmission - 2009 Mercury Mariner
By Travis - June 5 - 10:30 pmBought brand new this March. Noticed a little slip or gear miss when the car would shift into 2nd gear. Took to dealer and had a solenoid replaced in October. This took 7 days to repair. Two weeks later all noticed it was slipping now in all six gears. Took car back yesterday and found out that they now need need to replace the transmission because the piece they need to replace is not sold individually.Now they have it and will take another week to get the transmission in and who knows how long that will take. GOD love Ford transmissions. They should stop making those new 6 speed transmission.
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Accident Review - 2009 Mercury Mariner
By connieintexas - May 29 - 2:00 amI have had my Mariner for a year and a half and had my first accident in my life. I am waiting to find out if it was totaled, but hope it is not. I was able to walk away from an accident that totaled the other vehicle. All of the airbags went off, and I feel very lucky. I love my car and have truly enjoyed driving it! Gas mileage is good, the dealer was/is great and I wouldnt think of buying anything else! If there is one thing that is truly important, it is the safety of myself and family.
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Fun & Secure - 2006 Mercury Mariner
By Jeanne Compagnone - May 13 - 10:33 amI really feel secure in the SUV. Its a fun car to drive and extremely easy to handle. Makes great turns, seems to hug the road. Added heated seats and rear-sensor monitor.
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New Mariner - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By terih2os - April 30 - 10:50 amI am impressed with the manueverability. Only downside I see currently is the noise from the auto fan cutting on. Perhaps I need to learn to control this better. Having difficulty discovering this easily if it is present.
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Good Car - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By owensry - April 22 - 12:43 amThe Mariner runs well except the transmission pump went out and leaked all over my driveway, and it was slipping bad, the transmission was very rough when I drove it off the lot. Anyway, not very good. Overall it is a nice car.
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If you have sophisticated taste... - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By MARTIN SANCHEZ - April 21 - 2:50 pmIlove my Mariner... I saw it once coming out of a parking and I decided then from the outside look that was the SUV I wanted, just the right size not too small or too big. when I drove it, excedeed my expectations. This vehicle has the whole package; comfort, elegance and reliable. I was one of the first lucky ones driving around in my Mariner when they came out and boy Did I turned heads. Overall I am very pleased with it.
