Overview & Reviews

The Mariner, based on the successful Ford Escape, is new for 2005.

• Powerful V6, large cargo capacity, comfortable and stylish interior, carlike handling.

• Faux wood trim is unconvincing, fuel-thirsty V6.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 91.00

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  I love it - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Sean Jester - May 29 - 12:13 am

  7 months in, I havent had a problem. Looks much nicer than the Escape or Tribute. Mercury has done an excellent job making the interior of their vehicles look very upscale. The engine has problems finding a gear and revs loudly a lot, but overall the ride is smooth and quiet at cruising speeds. Love the space, can easily fit 5 adults and luggage at the same time, however folding rear seats down can be a pain and over time could damage the leather. The suede seat insets are already getting dirty and I dont know how to clean them. CD/Stereo w/sub sounds great -- better than wifes Accord. Gas mileage is poor, but gas tank is small so it wont kill your wallet to fill up.

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  Nice looks, tight ride. - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By The Monsignor - May 26 - 6:53 pm

  This vehicle nicely fills a niche between the larger luxury SUVs and the more expensive, smaller luxury SUVs (I consider it entry-level luxury). The engine is wonderful and peppy (V6), and the two-tone leather trim is nicely done. The suspension is smoother than the Escape, and it drives more carish than truckish. Brakes are quite responsive. The interior with chrome trim and very dark faux wood is quite handsome, and helped seal the deal. I went with white (living in a hot climate and beige leather). Mercury has done a nice job, and I expect to see more of these on the road soon.

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  my little fun suv - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By sheila - April 15 - 10:23 am

  I have had this car since the 31st of december and have had a ball driving it handles very well and really enjoy the heated seats on cold mornings. Would like the suv more if it had a navigational system or onstar available on ford products.

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  Affordable Luxury - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Slider - March 31 - 8:30 am

  We test drove a bunch of vehicles including the Chevy Equinox, Isuzu Axiom, Honda CR-V, and the Mitsubishi Endeavor. Being in our late 20’s, my wife and I didn’t ever think that we would be looking, let alone buying a Mercury, but we did. We fell in love with everything from the two-tone leather to the “waterfall” grill. My wife is 4’10” so the larger SUVs were out of the question. The seat had more than enough adjustment to suite her needs. The Mariner is far from a cloned Escape. It is definitely in a league of its own.

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  Too Much Vibration - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By NYC Commuter - March 27 - 2:26 am

  I leased a 4 cyl. 4wd Mariner for commute purposes. The size is perfect, and it has been a champ in snow and rain. Unfortunately, the car has an annoying whine at 1,000 rpm that the dealer says in "normal" and under various condition vibrates excessively. At 55 and 75 mph the vehicle feels like the tires are unbalanced (they were checked by two dealer). If parked on a steep downhill, the vehicle vibrated very strongly in park. The pretty interior finishes and materials are not very durable. In retrospect, I should have gone with the Chevy Equinox.

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  Drivin In Style - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By D. L. H. - March 3 - 7:03 am

  When my minivan was ready for retirement I knew I needed something that could work hard but look good. I had been reading about the Mariner since forever and was eager to test drive it. Well one test drive was all it took! THE MARINER is IT!! It has the roominess of a van, the handling of a car, the solid feel of safety, and enough of a trunk that we can pack up the family and head to the beach for a week. Plus its so pretty! We definitely made the right choice!

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  Upscale Ford Escape...Very Upscale!!! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Jay - January 7 - 11:30 am

  Ive driven a Ford Escape and traded it in for this beauty. Excellent interior and exterior design althought I know its all Ford Escape within. I loved my Escape and didnt think it could get any better. Boy was I wrong!!!

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  I like my Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Andrea - October 28 - 7:40 pm

  This car handles very well, has excellent acceleration, and is basically fun to drive. The base model includes all the essential features (auto.,A/C,CD,cruise,p/w,p/l,etc.), and the gas mileage is very good. Personally, I dont like giant gas- guzzling SUVs, so the economical and compact Mariner was a good choice for me. It gives you the utility, seat height, and road view of an SUV without being cumbersome and wasteful. Also, a lot of people have complimented the looks of the vehicle.

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  My ultimate dream car! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Shannen Wirgau - October 26 - 3:03 pm

  My Mariner drives like a dream, in fact it is my dream! I feel as though I am extremely secure and am at the utmost safety while I drive. The leg room and space it provided is incredible. I feel extremely comfortable while in unsafe conditions outside because my car is sturdy and rides like a cloud!

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  A good ride - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By MIke - October 2 - 8:33 am

  A solid small SUV. Nice looking styling in and out. The only drawbacks (So far) are the high door sills and the very poor fuel economy, 15 city, 20 on the interstate, but a good 25 at 60 mph.