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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  Nice roomy small suv - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Nic - May 14 - 10:53 am

  Great small suv and very good looking. Lots of wind noise on the highway. Metal seems thin on exterior. Windows make a clanging noise when closing them. Base of door sits on an outer ledge that just traps dirt.

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  A "WoW" ed - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Huey - May 12 - 10:30 am

  Once a Mercury owner, always will stay one I guess. I loved my Mariner since I first got into one. My GF have a CRV and I was never impressed with it, looks too boring. On the other hand, the Mariner just shouted out the word "FUN"! Great size! It is so roomy inside for a compact SUV! Head-room, knee-room is awesome and so is the storage. Hugs the corner nice, easy to steer with a very easy "U-turns". Rides very easy from the country roads to the highway. Carry the bumps lightly without any "clunks" than compared to a "heavier" truck-like SUV. Love the center of gravity feel, a way more stable feel than a Discovery. It does not feel "tipsy" at all on a curve. Great car again!

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  My Mariner - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By Jamey - May 2 - 4:43 am

  Very sharp SUV! Love the interior design and chrome exterior accents! Smooth ride for an SUV, handles great and peppy when you need it. Leaves a little room for improvement on MPG. I get roughly 300 miles per fill up in the city before im looking for another gas station, give or take 20 miles. Havent tested hwy mpg. Overall, very happy with the Mariner so far.

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  Excellent Buy!!! - 2011 Mercury Mariner
  By joenavy1 - April 28 - 5:35 am

  I have to say the braking and maybe MPG are the only things that need improvement. I have the V6 AWD Premier model and it has plenty of power, the comfort is awesome, and it drives better than most cars. For all intents and purposes I LOVE this suv and just wish Mervury was still around because in 8-10 years when I drive this one into the ground I would buy another in a heartbeat!

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  Great Little SUV (and a Bargain) - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By alday3 - April 27 - 5:20 am

  I tested the Mariner and the Escape and found the Mariner to be a much better vehicle for about the same price. The Mariner is quieter and much more appealing, inside and out. Its very comfortable for a big person to enter and exit.

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  Love it, and so does my wife! - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By LaddDez - April 20 - 11:50 pm

  I did a lot of research including Edmunds before buying. Was looking for the hybrid, but decided on the 4 cyl. premier version. The price difference will never be made up in gas cost. Ride is excellent, quality great, and I like the new low roll resistant Michelin tires this year. And I got a good deal in addition to the $1500 rebate. Great comfortable replacement for our Town and Country with plenty of storage space, and the back seats fold absolutely flat. Great for the dog! Buy this car and you will not be sorry.

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  Sporty SUV - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Tracee - April 11 - 10:43 am

  I just recently purchased the Mercury Marinier the end of March 2005. So far I think it is a great small SUV. I have driven 4 Explorers over the last 9 years & I feel the Marinier has a very roomy interior.

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  Great CUV for the price and package - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By TPATRO - April 1 - 8:20 pm

  I love this CUV. Drives great like a car. Have not any single issue so far. I also have an aftermarket Navigation system. Cant ask for anyhting better!

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Chris - March 29 - 7:53 pm

  I absolutely love the new Mariner. Rides great. I4 is kind of loud, but its okay. Huge moonroof! Ride quality is great. Great looking, awesome stereo. Excellent price for what you get.

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  2007 Mercury Marineer - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By Charles McCoin - February 15 - 1:10 pm

  Wiper control Switch is a little confusing and takes a while to get used to. Light switch controls are clumsy. Other than these this seems to be a good comfortable vehicle. It would help if it had heated mirrors to keep ice off the mirrors.