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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  Overall nice car - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By can - February 1 - 7:26 pm

  Very comfortable car to drive. I have only had it for a few months but so far we really like it. Had some faulty paint issue on the metal strip between front/ back door window. Problem taken care and all seems to be good. Built in handles on back hatch are very nice but not practical for a shorter person. Could use a pull strap. Overall it is a nice car

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  Much Improved - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Phil from Cleveland - January 28 - 6:26 am

  I leased a 2005 Mercury Mariner and enjoyed the SUV, however it had some shortfalls. Well, after taking delivery of a 2008 Mariner recently, they fixed everything! It is quiet, responsive and the fit and finish is what you expect in a car. This vehicle is as good as any manufacturers product, no matter where it is made. Mercury has a winner in this SUV. If they make all their cars like this good things are in the future for the company.

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  We like our Mariner - 2011 Mercury Mariner
  By Andrea - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Love the back up camera in the rear view mirror. Noticed in riding in the back seat-no grab bars, and no mechanical lock release. We bought this car less than a week ago, got the premier V6, leather seats, dual climate,rear view back up camera and moon roof. So far like everything. We have a 2005 Toyota Highlander, which interior-wise is a lot nicer, even without the leather seats. Highlander doesnt have the modern amenities. My husband thinks it feels more like a truck then SUV, I think it is because it sits up a bit higher, and the front is slightly longer. Thought we would try Mercury-My dad has always bought Fords, and we always had good luck with them lasting a long time!

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  mariner value - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Ron W - December 26 - 3:30 pm

  We love this vehicle. My wife actually picked it out. Ive used it to haul cargo with back seats folded down and was amazed at the room inside. Although it is still quite new so gas mileage probably isnt correct yet, it seems to do very very well on a gallon of gas.

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  Nice, Comfortable Mariner - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By pop123 - November 21 - 5:43 pm

  I like my new Mariner, but i already found improvements that need to be made, i love the ice blue lighting, the premier model, the exterior design, the radio and HVAC control design. the engine i think is underpowered, and the transmission needs some work, i had to tramp it to the floor 3 or 4 times to finally get it to down shift around like 25-30 MPH. The premier model, go for it. And 4WD go for it too! Unfortunately I didnt get the 4WD, which is a huge mistake, it isnt that well in the snow.

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  My brand new mariner is a great vehicle - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Amanda Caputo - November 20 - 5:23 pm

  Drives and handles very well mercury did a great job on this suv.I love that everything is in hands reach you dont have to look down to mess with any controls and thats definetly a plus for a mom.

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  Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By ElleElle - November 6 - 12:10 pm

  First SUV Ive owned -- love it!! Minor annoyances include bad placement of heated seat control, gas guzzler, and poor rear view/back-up view.

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  Very high build quality and good mileage - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Bob - October 31 - 10:26 am

  This Mariner is a very handy size vehicle that has provided better than expected fuel economy (24 mpg on the highway). The all wheel drive works very well in northern Vermont winters. The build quality of the Mariner is exceptional. In almost 2 years of ownership we have not yet had a problem.

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  Love My Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Manitoba424 - October 23 - 12:00 pm

  This is one of the best cars I have owned. I love the luxurious feel of the interior. It feels like Im in an upscale SUV and its a Mercury! I have had an Escape and the Mariner is so much nicer. I cant say enough good things about this car. The V6 has loads of power. My only drawback is the gas mileage - but its an SUV so what do you expect?!

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  MercuryMan - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By MercuryMan - October 13 - 12:03 am

  Wow! I bought this little SUV for my wifes daily driver, and I love the thing. She cant keep me out of this thing. It gets 29mpg highway and 22+ in city driving. I never travel with a hang up bag so I didnt even notice the lack of hangers in the rear. The seats are firm and comfortable. My wife opted for the Redfire exterior and stone cloth interior. I about gagged when she said tht was her preference. We owned a Mitsubushi Montero that I also liked and prior to that we owned a Toyota 4 Runner, both were excellent vehicles but the love was not there. By the way my spouse loves her Mariner as well. She just has a hard time getting behind the wheel of this great little SUV.