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 Car - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Crystal - April 14 - 6:56 pm

  Great car to drive. Comfortable, hugs the road, quiet and fun. Got the Moon roof worth the extra. Getting 27 back and forth (12 miles) to work and 31+ on interstate driving.

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  Its the one for me - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By RayRay - March 30 - 5:26 pm

  Just bought this SUV and for the price I got my moneys worth. 4WD and all. Just wish it had a DVD player and drop down screen in the back I like to watch DVDs while I wait for my coffee at Dunkin D.

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  My first suv - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By NEIL THE THRILL - March 30 - 5:10 pm

  I drove to delray beach about 700 mi. And 12 hr in the seat the mariner was a pleasure to drive. The mileage was 27 mi per gallon .The four cylinder engine had plenty of power running on the turnpike at 70 or 80.This little suv offers more for the money than the imports.

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  Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Minnesota - March 24 - 11:53 am

  This has been the most trouble-free car Ive owned. I recently checked the highway mileage and was pleased to find I was getting 27 MPG.

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  Love it so far - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Jmbcoco - March 18 - 2:36 pm

  Bought a new leftover 2008 Mariner Premier with all the toys. Traded in a Explorer Sport Trac (V-8). So far I am extremely happy with the Mariner. Love the leather seats (wish they were heated) and I do miss Sync. Wish the Navigation system had Bluetooth. Overall nice vehicle.

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  We love this vehicle - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By FearlessBear - March 15 - 5:30 am

  This SUV is still new to us, but so far the whole family loves it. My daughter asked her mom to drive her to school today in the Mariner instead of the Jaguar. Kid you not. I feel the size is just right (better luggage space than the ordinary "small" SUV). It handles very well, drives smooth. Safety features make it an additional value, even for a budget conscious consumer.

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  We love this vehicle - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By FearlessBear - March 15 - 3:16 am

  This SUV is still new to us, but so far the whole family loves it. My daughter asked her mom to drive her to school today in the Mariner instead of the Jaguar. Kid you not. I feel the size is just right (better luggage space than the ordinary "small" SUV). It handles very well, drives smooth. Safety features make it an additional value, even for a budget conscious consumer.

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  Beware - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By LARRY BUMP - March 12 - 12:53 pm

  After 27,000 miles something is wrong and it is leaking transmission fluid. The sad part is it has been at the Ford dealer 3 weeks today because they dont have a replacement part. Today I was told they arent sure when the part will come in. Keep your eyes open if you own one, because it sounds like a common problem with this vehicle.

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  Great mileage, sporty, roomy - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By MP - March 6 - 11:53 am

  I love this car! I havent been excited about a car in a long time, and this one makes me very happy. I can get 32mph hwy and 26-28 city! My husband is just under 7ft tall and can drive and sit in the car very comfortably. When he is in the drivers seat, the back seat behind him still has plenty of leg room. Drives great on the highway and Ive put a lot of highway miles on it. My son has already put his claim to the car when he gets his license. Super cargo room. Sporty, fun and very economical to drive. Theyve missed a bet not promoting this vehicle more aggressively.

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  not bad at all - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By jason - March 6 - 9:13 am

  just purchased the mariner under the ford family plan. seemed like a good deal. we are pretty happy with the upscale look of this suv. handles well. roomy for a mini-suv. gas mileage is probably the only major weakness with this suv.