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:

• 

  huge let down - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By pincer78 - February 18 - 5:44 am

  i like many others had the problem with the transmisson cooler leak, which was fixed, but now my transmission is out, i have 65,000 miles on my vechicle and had to buy a new transmisson, i was wondering if anyone else had this problem or did i just get the lemon. i havent had any other problems until i noticed the leak, got it fixed immedately then a month later my transmisson started slipping, couldnt believe it, i will never by another FORD again, apparently they dont take pride in their vehicles otherwise why just the 60,000 mile warranty instead of 100,000 like the other competetors. if anyone else has had this problem please let me know, thanks

• 

  Youve got to drive this car!!!!! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Tyrs - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I needed to replace my vehicle and stopped by my LM dealership. I own a Ford Escape and WOW does this put that vehicle to shame. The comfort, the ride, the handling. Awesome. I recommend everyone at least test drive this vehicle. I was torn between the Mariner and the Mountaineer and I know I made the right choice.

• 

  Noises - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By Mike - January 25 - 4:36 am

  Nice little SUV to drive but the road noise gets on my nerves. Dealer tried new tires but they did little or nothing to help the problem. Also was surprised at the disappointing mileage. The readout states 19.5 mpg while city driving but the gas tank sure seems to empty fast.

• 

  Glad I went with the Mercury - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By DMS - January 24 - 12:56 pm

  I have had my vehicle since November of 2008. Initially I was interested in the Ford Escape, but I realized I liked the style of the Mercury Mariner better. I really have no complaints so far. The gas mileage is about 20 MPG. I had some concerns about not being able to engage the 4 wheel drive manually, but it was great for me this winter and I had no problems in the snow. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone wanting a small SUV.

• 

  Disappointed with the paint. - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By hov - January 24 - 12:50 am

  I really enjoy driving the Mariner. It is fun to drive and handles really well. I was disappointed in the design after I found that the paint below the rear passenger doors (where the body flairs out) was badly chipped after only 2k miles of careful driving. We put on mud flaps and it was re-painted, 2k later, the same result. Ford claims this is a vehicle trait. A very poor trait to have in an otherwise good vehicle. I am curious to see if anyone else has noticed this premature wear.

• 

  Just got it - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Stephanie - January 20 - 12:40 pm

  Ive only had it for a week (Luxury FWD Satelite Silver), but I love it. (I sold my 2001 CRV no power at all, but reliable). It is a bit fuel greedy, feels solid, sturdy, rides like a car, rides better than my Honda, acceleration is good. I noticed some vibration in the gas pedal below 60 miles per hr, but that seems to be disappearing the more I drive it. (I only have 650 miles on it).

• 

  Unhappy - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Unhappy - January 10 - 4:10 pm

  We purchased the Mariner over the Escape because of the nicer interior. The light grey seats seem to hold water stains and other stains and do not clean well. We have a very bad squeak on the rear left side - and drivers side window squeaks loudly when opened. Disappointed.

• 

  Most Reliable Car Yet! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By shane52sk - January 9 - 4:57 am

  I have owned this car for 3 years and I cant say enough about it. I have had very few minor problems and absolutely no major problems. I am the second owner and Ive had it since it had 44,000 miles. It now has 110,000. No Problems! The car drives great and I average 25mpg city driving. The car has good pick up for a 4cyl SUV. Its very comfortable and is fun and easy to drive. I have received nothing but compliments since I have owned it. If you want a vehicle that is reliable; impressive; and wows others...This is absolutely one to look at!

• 

  ...crazy bout my Mercury - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Chugalug - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased our Mariner for my wife on 10/04/2004. We chose the Mariner because of the refinement and class that it has. This is more upscale than the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. There are also far fewer Mariners out there for now. The quality exceeds our expectations. Handleing and performance are exceptional as well. The fit and finish are excellent too. I am a tall big guy and I fit in the Mariner with ease and am very comfortable. There is also plenty of back seat leg and head room. Great lighting from headlights and fog/driving lights. The ride is smooth and responsive.

• 

  Go buy one - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By JAC - December 25 - 6:16 pm

  Me and my wife just bought a Mariner and we love it. This is our first SUV. It has great visibility, and is roomy. Has good pick up with the V6, and rides nice. It looks good inside and out. If your looking to get a small/mid size SUV check out the Mariner.