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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  2005 Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By R . Klein - November 22 - 10:26 am

  Since buying this vehicle, I have had fun driving it. The gas mileage has been a little low, (1 or 2 miles per gallon difference) compared to my previous vehicle, a 1999 Ford Taraus. I contirbute this to the winter weather, and the newness of the vehicle. Also there is a difference in driving a SUV vs a car, which I havent quite mastered as of yet.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By gators - November 12 - 10:10 pm

  Overall this is a great SUV. We test drove almost every small SUV on the market including RAV, CRV, Vue, Rogue, Outlook, etc. We liked how this one looked and handled the best. Smooth, quiet and one of the best set of features available in its class. Excellent safety ratings and very good gas mileage for its class as well. Have had for 1 month and am very pleased.

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  Perfect Blue - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Perfect Blue - November 12 - 2:30 pm

  We looked a long time trying to decide between more pricey luxury brands and more basic offerings like the Escape. As soon as I saw the Mariner I knew it was the perfect compromise and bought it. I could not have made a better choice. Fully loaded it offers all the extras but with a very affordable price. It has been fun to drive and has not presented any maintenance problems. I only wish they offered the Navigation system offered with newer models.

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  Love it, but be careful - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By mep - October 26 - 1:16 am

  I love my car, but just had an issue with losing power and no warning. At @42,000 miles the throttle sensor malfunctioned and I lost all power without warning! I was traveling at night on the freeway, so this was especially frightening. That being said, I get aroun 30mpg on the highway and 27 in the city...love the size and feel. I am concerned about excessive tire noise...Ive been told this is a problem with the Continental tires which are hard. Ill be replacing them soon, but overall, with the hard driving Ive put this car through, its been a champ!

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  2006 Mariner Premium 4WD - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By peter1438 - October 7 - 5:43 am

  I went into this vehicle from an 05 VW Touareg and what I expected was to find a basic American truck that would be breaking down left and right. I was mistaken and I am very impressed with the Mercury, I am now thinking that the VW was the problem child. The interior is very well done, except for the cookie cutter central dash. The seats front and rear are very well done and quite comfy. I have had zero issues with the vehicle and the on road performance has been terrific. Its very nimble to control in heavy NYC traffic, terrific brakes and very good get up and go. I would highly recommend this vehicle over many foreign brands. American vehicles have caught up and surpassed.

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  2008 Mariner Premier FWD - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By marshismellow - October 4 - 6:00 am

  Let me start off by saying that I have never owned an SUV. Let me also say that my two previous automobiles were a Mercedes C240 and a BMW 325i. I have been incredibly pleased with my Mariner since purchasing it. I love the styling, I have all of the same options that I had in my luxury sedans (heated seats, moon roof, CD players, power everything). I actually have a few more options on my Mariner Premier that I didnt have on the luxury sedans (heated mirrors). The Mariner is fun to drive and extrememly roomy inside. It feels big but is actually shorter in lenght and width than my Mercedes was. I researched the hybrids, but for the lease rate I received I couldnt pass this up. I wouldnt have ever thought Id own a Mercury, but its elegant, stylish, and a better value.

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  Best Value for a Small SUV - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Gregg - September 24 - 1:46 pm

  When I decided to buy my first SUV, I decided to go small. I researched all of the SUVs in the class and decided on going with either the Mariner or Escape. I ultimately decided on the Mariner Premier 4WD. The re-designed Mariner is the best looking inside and out of all of the SUVs in the class. It is both bold, but yet has a sophisicated look. In my opinion it beats the Escape in looks. The interior is simple, functional and classy despite the heavy use of plastics on the doors. Against all of the other SUVs in the class, its the best value in terms of standard features and available options. Lastly, the fit and finish is superb.

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  Run-A-Bout - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Mike Focar - September 12 - 6:53 pm

  Great for local driving, has a lot of pep, a great size and handles well. On the highway however, its another story. You feel the limits of its V6. It churns and grinds when you try to get it up to speed quickly. But once up to speed its fine. I am very disappointed in the Malanos lack of mid-range power.

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  Awesome! - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By ernestb48104 - September 3 - 6:46 pm

  We traded in an 2007 Odyssey (118K) for the Mariner, sure the MARINER is going to be smaller, but it is a nicely built vehicle and suspect we will be keeping this for a while.

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  Love It!! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Karen - August 10 - 9:16 am

  I previously drove a Toyota Corolla and thought it was a great auto. Since driving the compact Mariner, I love the handling and sitting up higher. A very nice automobile.