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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  Crazy bout my Mercury! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Burner Bill - August 2 - 9:43 am

  This is a very beautiful vehicle. I bought the Premier 4WD model in Norsea Blue with Black Interior. It really drives and looks great. I got every availabl option except the moonroof. I wish they had more options though. This is more of a mid- size vehicle than a compact. It has plenty of room to spare.

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  this is a great mazda (mercury) - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By poppy joe - July 18 - 2:03 pm

  this was a really great suv i hauled flowers and pottery for three years and never lost a days work easy to get in and out of small spaces with i would like to keep it

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By Tom Walsh - July 1 - 6:46 pm

  I love the truly keyless entry where you cannot lock yourself out of the car. It has great pickup when entering traffic. I also like sitting higher than my previous SW.

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  Mileage/Sync - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Michael - June 25 - 8:36 am

  I have driven this vehicle for 2 months and I am very happy with the MPG. I am getting 25 mpg in the city and got 29.5 on my one highway trip. These figures exceed the numbers on the window sticker. Those who worry about performance, you need not. For a four cylinder it is snappy. I think the 6 speed transmission helps .

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  Great SUV - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Love my Mariner! - June 22 - 8:46 am

  Ive owned my Mariner for about 5 weeks now and couldnt be happier. It may be a smaller SUV on the outside, but it doesnt feel small while driving it and the interior is rather large and accomodating. The gas mileage, in my opinion is excellent for an SUV of any size. I came from a 2007 Grand Cherokee Limited with a V8 engine and assumed I would have some trouble getting used to the size and power of the Mariner, but that wasnt the case at all. The back seat is actually bigger than the Jeeps and overall, it feels like it is the same size. I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend the Mariner.

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  Love this suv - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By I like my Mariner 05 - June 3 - 1:53 pm

  I like the style of the body and the interior. I have gotten about 26 mpg on freeway and about 14mpg city. I like the cd player and the close controls for everything. The acceleration for a six cylinder is impressive. There is some road noise at higher speeds and the computer for mileage is not real accurate but overall does pretty good with mpg.

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  Love It - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Crnpeach - June 1 - 9:56 am

  After 10 yrs with a mini-van I did not want to move down to a car or up to a large SUV. Then I saw the Mercury Mariner. I love the looks inside and out, the solid color and chrome add a nice touch, no black molding to worry about. Handles great and picks up speed nicely. The Mariner was in the right price range for me. So far so good.

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  Considering a second one - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By padriver - May 21 - 7:00 pm

  Got my Mariner in November 2007 to replace my old Explorer. Was a little nervous about getting a smaller SUV as I am 600 and 200+ but wanted better gas mileage. Great move. The Mariner thus far has been fantastic. (3000 + miles in)Comfortable, fun to drive and Im getting 20 mpg which I consider great as I tend to fly on the interstate. My wife recently drove this for a few days due to bad weather and now we are seriously considering getting another one for her. She never had an SUV and didnt think she would like one but I had to wrestle the keys off her to get my vehicle back! Mercury did this one right! Also there are less Mariners out there than Escapes so it still looks more unique.

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  A Dream come true - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Branka - May 11 - 9:00 pm

  This car is like a dream come true.. I love it... after couple of mini-vans and such a disappointment in Mazda Tribute this is the car I will lease again and again. Easy to drive, very strong engine, comfortable seats... Love the warming seats option... works miracle on my back pain.. has two power outlets... no more fight who will charge the phone first.. or you can use one for phone and other for computer. Huge cargo area...

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  I hate this SUV - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Mercury Mariner - April 22 - 10:26 am

  I had read the Mercury Mariner was the top of the line SUV. I bought the best one they had, thinking I got everything. It cost about four thousand dollars more then the Escape, or the Jeep, and it has less features. A lot of things I thought were standard on the car, that most 1990 cars have on them, they dont even put on this car. They told me it was my fault, I should have asked if the car had them before I bought it. I had a 1995 Grand Prix, and it has more features on it then this one dose, and you cant even order them on the Mariner, because it isnt even an option. They have not perfected this car enough. I went to work the other morning, and the defogger on the back window doesn