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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  Warranty - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Michael - October 20 - 2:46 pm

  Be aware that the Ford warranty states that if your vehicle must be kept overnight, they owe you NOTHING. No loaner, no rental, no reimbursement. NOTHING. My eight month old Mariner began losing transmission fluid at 8800 miles. I took in in to the dealer and a WEEK later they tell me that they are waiting for a replacement axle. This is a recurring problem for the Ford and Merc Escape/Mariner which is leading to a shortage of parts. Service Manager told me he has two vehicles waiting for that axle. This is the last Ford product for me.

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  Lovin My Mariner! - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Nick - October 11 - 1:16 am

  Bought 4 months ago with 38K miles, just clicked over to 50K today! Took two trips to South Carolina (about 1600 miles roundtrip) and averaged 23 MPG with cruise set between 70-80mph. Got rid of the JUNK stock Continentals and bought All-Terrain tires with a high treadwear rating. Difference between these and the Continentals is night and day! Love the interior (black and creme tu-tone) and get compliments on it all the time. Would buy again for sure. Radio is fantastic,and the keypad entry is great for those times when you dont want to carry your keys with you! Only major complaint is the lack of available power after 55 MPH and not being able to get more than 275-280 miles/tank.

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  Drip, Drip, Drip...but oh well I love it - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By aingel - October 4 - 3:06 am

  This was my first time buying an SUV. Good gas mileage, fun to drive. I bought the black with the black/cream interior. Although it looks sharp, I imagine it will be tough to keep clean even without kids. Roomy, and easy to manuever.

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  Peacock Process - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Peacock - September 21 - 5:26 pm

  I like everything about this car, except the mileage. Wish that I had bought a hybrid, as Im doing a lot of driving. I was told that it would pay for itself, but the cost of gasoline has risen dramatically since I bought this car, and Im reconsidering my choice of car. 20 - 22 mpg in town, and 22-24 mpg on the road.

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  great ride - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By mick - September 10 - 9:30 pm

  i have driven explorers for the last 12 years, and i can say i enjoy my little mariner more than any of my previous fords. also with gas prices the way they are going a smaller suv for me is the way to go. handles well and is a pleasure to drive.

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  interior - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By MarinerDriver - August 11 - 10:26 am

  Overall, happy with Mariner Premier FWD. I get 26 mpg on mostly highway. Fun to drive! Heated leather seats get too hot, too fast. Other reviews correct about headliner having frayed exposed cut edge. Dealership says its a Ford design flaw they cant do anything about. Navigation system is not the easiest to pick up without reading manual. Rear view camera is great. Like watching TV! My new car had a scratch in paint that dealership smoothed out, but is still visible. Smooth ride. Side step bars, dont get: just get pants dirty when get in/out. Lots of head room. 4 cyl not too peppy but fuel economy makes up for that.

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  Love it!! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By smt921 - August 6 - 6:23 am

  I had a V8 Mountaineer and decided I needed to go with something smaller and more fuel efficient, but worried about the comfort/size of the smaller SUVs (especially with 3 dogs - one who is 100 lbs!!). I really like this vehicle and all my dogs fit good. Ive got the Premier V6 and thought after a V8 there would be no get-up- and-go, but this is pretty peppy.

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  Another great vehicle! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By smt921 - July 20 - 9:00 am

  This is my second Mariner and I could not be happier. I previously had a 2005. The slight changes made to this model have been well appreciated. Love that the base price came down as well.

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  Bad transmission(s) - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By 09mariner - July 2 - 11:00 pm

  Overall, the worst car weve ever owned. With 26,000 miles, its already on the second transmission, and this one is not right. Its been in the shop more than 60 days so far this year. My wife is scared to drive it, as its sometimes in the wrong gear at the worst possible time (other transmission issues too). There are others online (and in person) with transmission issues also. As nice as the other features are, none of them make up for this aweful experience. My suggestion is to wait a year for Ford to figure out the transmission before taking the plunge on this car.

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  commentary on my mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By pcerres37 - May 22 - 10:10 pm

  so far the only thing that I am not pleased with is the mileage it seems to use a lot more gas than I anticipated so I am disappointed