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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  Transmission. Seems to be the common denominator - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Ken - June 9 - 2:40 pm

  Our car has been garage kept, low mileage, driven smoothly. Transmission has been a nightmare. Has been to the dealership 8 times for exact same transmission issue without long term repair. They simply reset the computer. So its obviously a software problem. They deny there is a recall or even a service bulletin regarding same, even though I have found proof otherwise. Now that its out of warranty, they want to charge $175.00 each time they "reprogram " the computer. As it turns out, a FORMER service tech explained that this involves disconnecting the battery for 30 mins. Thats it! Our dealer will not stand by any one these so called repairs, and thats the real issue. No real repair, no long term fix, no support or warranty on service. Next vehicle model will be more thoroughly researched with long history of good service ratings, likely a Subaru. UPDATE: 8-16 car remains in our possession, but sadly we cant trust it for longer trips, so it stays in the garage.

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  Nice Looking Car; lacks comfortable driving - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By nikki626 - August 29 - 8:48 pm

  This 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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  Bad Transmission - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By speedlump2 - August 9 - 5:09 pm

  I 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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  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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  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

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  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.

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  Not Up to Par - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By vanz73 - June 10 - 11:10 pm

  This is an okay vehicle after 20K miles. My prior vehicles were a Ford Explorer and Expedition. I loved both of these. The Mariner is decent. Low priced compared to competitors (about $3K less than the Japanese models). Would I buy it again? No. The continuously variable transmission robs a great deal of power from the engine. It has had several issues that were covered by warranty except one that the mechanic has yet to fix (the gas pump keeps turning off before it is full even at the slowest setting). The vehicle often struggles trying to accelerate at highway speeds (40 to 70 mph range).

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  Bought a ford with a problem - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By BCampbell - September 4 - 2:06 am

  Bought a Mercury Mariner in Nov. 2009 in Jan started making a squeal when started in a certain temp out side took back to dealer 4 times contacted ford customer care and basically since this only happens at a certain temp and they do not know what causes it they will not fix it or do anything about it stuck with a 20,000.00 dollar vehicle with a problem that is now my problem.

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  Good but not good enough - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Vanz73 - April 25 - 6:20 am

  I bought this because my old expedition would not fit into my new company garage. I wanted something small but still in the SUV range. I was initially impressed with the features of the vehicle but in time I have found this vehicle lacking. It uses way to much gas with weak acceleration. The brake rotors are so cheap I spent more than $400 getting them replaced after only 19,000 miles (yes I drive hard - thats why I drive an SUV!). I have had it in for warranty service to replace the gas tank intake and several switches (window, sunroof). My brother has the same vehicle and he likes it. For me, I am counting the days to trade it in.

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  I hate this SUV - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Mercury Mariner - April 22 - 10:26 am

  I had read the Mercury Mariner was the top of the line SUV. I bought the best one they had, thinking I got everything. It cost about four thousand dollars more then the Escape, or the Jeep, and it has less features. A lot of things I thought were standard on the car, that most 1990 cars have on them, they dont even put on this car. They told me it was my fault, I should have asked if the car had them before I bought it. I had a 1995 Grand Prix, and it has more features on it then this one dose, and you cant even order them on the Mariner, because it isnt even an option. They have not perfected this car enough. I went to work the other morning, and the defogger on the back window doesn