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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  Be Prepared for a Rough Ride - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Rough Rider! - February 10 - 7:16 pm

  Bought this car used and was very impressed with the overall style of the the car from first sight. The car runs excellent, sound system meets standards as well. Not very impressed with where the seat warmer buttons are since the passenger seat automatically turns on when someone gets in and the loudness of the car is overwhelming. Takes ALL bumps big or small very hard. There seems to be no give in the suspension or shocks when riding over any thing that disrupts the smoothness in the asphalt. Does not handle water very well either. Likes to hydroplane even in the smallest amount of water. Not recommended for any type of off roading! Also very poor fuel mileage

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  Extremely Pleased So Far! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Joe - January 30 - 10:36 am

  First SUV and thought I would give Ford/Mercury a shot. Extremely pleased after 6 weeks with this vehicle. Not sure of the reliability, so I bought the extended warranty. Hopefully its what it appears to be and Ill have made a good choice.

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  My experience with the Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Kara - January 22 - 3:03 pm

  I purchased this vehicle because I wanted an SUV with decent gas mileage. I really like my Mariner, but have had a few problems with it. When I bought it, at 28K miles it still had its warranty in effect. Good thing because even though I test drove it, I hadnt noticed that there was a probem with its overdrive. I had it repaired under warranty, but soon after more problems with the trans surfaced. I had to take it back 5 months later because it was hesitating & loosing power when driving up steep hills. The entire trans had to be replaced. It has been a few months & I am noticing a clunk going into 2nd when I let off the gas. I am worried it is going bad again, the warranty is now expired.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By RancidDelirium - January 21 - 8:43 am

  I have a 5 year old who loves it, and the ride is smooth. Its definetly a great pick for a first time SUV owner.

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  1st Time Mercury Owner - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By Michelle - Chicago - January 8 - 12:53 pm

  Just bought my Mariner on Jan. 16th. Still learning all about it and getting use to it. I bought the Premier model and enjoy the upgrades. I purchased the 2WD and so far very sufficient for the Chicago weather. I do like the visibility of the SUV styling. Gas mileage..well see how that goes. Too early to tell but it is a SUV. My only complaint at this time is, the noise level. Chicago streets arent the best but when you hit a bump it sounds like the whole rear end of the vehicle is going to fall out. My old Explorer wasnt even that bad on the bumps. Maybe that will get better over time. I hope so!

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  What a surprise!!! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By FLASTV - December 20 - 12:13 am

  I was looking for space, but not necessarily for an SUV. I had always liked the Ford Escape but was put off by the interior. I checked the Mazda6 wagon and really like it and the Chevy Equinox and hated it. It was kind of weird arriving to my local Lincoln Mercury dealership, it felt like they wouldnt have anything for me. Was a up for a surprise. The minute I test drove the Mariner I know I had to have one. Felt classy and American. You feel intelligent driving this little SUV, especially knowing the price. Feels good, looks good, sounds good. After 1 week the good feeling hasnt faded. I miss things like the stereo controls on the steering wheel, but I love my Mariner a lot

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  transmission problems - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By 9102 - December 8 - 3:55 pm

  Car was great for the first 3 years then at 78,000 miles and all at once the front and rear differential went out, rear main oil seal was leaking, exhaust manifold leaking and an a/c line was leaking. $ 4800.00 later it seems to be all fixed. I really hope there are no more issues with this vehicle. I have never been a big fan of Ford products to begin with. Better off staying with the foreign brand vehicles, they seem to know how to make them last.

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  My Mercury - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Mike - December 3 - 10:36 pm

  Not a bad SUV except for the lack of outside temp and reading lights for passengers. This unit is the first Ford product I have ever owned and I am not sure it is not the last. I traded in a 2005 Equinox for it and am not sure it was a good trade. The equinox outside temp. and reading lights for the passengers also more room and easier to get in and out of. The flat floor pan made getting in and out easy. Did not like the Contential tires that came on it either. They were noisy and road hard.

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  got a great suv - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By ronald mack - November 6 - 9:06 am

  overall great suv fun to drive good milage great room

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  Love My Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Dan - October 16 - 10:33 pm

  Very nice ride. mpg not the best but what do you expect with AWD would like to try the Hybrid next time