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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  From Suburban to Mariner - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By jbrooksws - May 21 - 9:46 am

  We have always had suburbans and decided to go small for insurance and economy. Wanted to go with hybrid, but replacement battery is $8000 and initial car price too high. Really good car. 4 cylinder is OK but look at the gas mileage. Seats are too short for thigh, but heated leather is good. Wish Ford would make 6 way power for all. Averaging 24 mpg in city 28 on highway. No maintenance issues so far and we have 8000 miles on car. We have been to beach and mountains no issue. Have not noticed that car is particularly noisy or that fans are noisy. Have had two or three "clunks" when shifting. Decided I need to come to complete stop before shifting. We would buy again.

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  Rate this vehicle - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Lisa - March 22 - 8:26 pm

  I love the style of the vehicle however the fuel economy is not what I expected. Currently the Mariner is only averaging 15.5 miles per gallon and on the sticker it stated 19-24 mile per gallon. I currently have 7,000 miles on the vehicle. Other than the mileage I am pleased.

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  Update for Our 2006 Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By NZ - February 26 - 3:00 am

  The Mariner has been a very practical vehicle with its roominess and reliability. We already have 16,000 miles on it and were finding that the more miles it has on it, the worse road noise gets. Also, theres not many places to store things. Theres two small overhead bins, a small in- console "cubby", and two cupholders up front. Its an average vehicle. Im sure there are better alternatives.

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  rear differential - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By markm - January 30 - 2:20 am

  lease 3 vehicles all mercurys.my 2006 mariner has by far been the worst lease in last 10 years.after rotating tires,then purchasing 4 new ones,still road as if i had snow tires .sound was loud u couldnt have conversation. rear differential was replaced under warranty. 15 miles out of service dept rear fell out -almost got killed after swerving into oncomming traffic. lets see if ford reads these reviews!

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  2005 White Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By R E Prue - December 22 - 6:56 pm

  Lots of pep and great handling. Mileage about 3-4 mpg better than 2002 Explorer that was previous vehicle. Ride is about equal even tho it is smaller.

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  2005 Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By R . Klein - November 22 - 10:26 am

  Since buying this vehicle, I have had fun driving it. The gas mileage has been a little low, (1 or 2 miles per gallon difference) compared to my previous vehicle, a 1999 Ford Taraus. I contirbute this to the winter weather, and the newness of the vehicle. Also there is a difference in driving a SUV vs a car, which I havent quite mastered as of yet.

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  Continuous transmission issues...company refuses to fix. - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By desert7rain - November 21 - 1:08 pm

  My mom has a 2009 Chrysler Mariner and from the beginning it has had transmission issues. Shifting rough, jerking into gear and lagging between gears then rough shift. They have have had it in the Chrysler shop at least 8 times and it has never been fixed. Even with it obviously not shifting right they would tell us that they could find nothing wrong. When we are able to get a diagnosis, it will be fixed for a week and then its back to mal-functioning. Now they are completely refusing to pay for any further repairs. This car is not worth the money simply because the company does not believe in fixing issues and it has been in the shop so much that it is difficult on day to day life.

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  Practical and Dependable - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By AtlantaMariner - November 13 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this car fresh out of college in 2006 and so far, no complaints. This is not the flashiest car on the road, but there are several times when I pat myself on the back for choosing this one. I disagree with any owner that criticizes engine power because for the size and amount of money, this thing has some punch to it. I am approaching 40,000 miles and I have had no mechanical issues what-so-ever. Overall, I rate this car very dependable, practical and a great every-day ride. My best friend even bought one because she liked mine.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By gators - November 12 - 10:10 pm

  Overall this is a great SUV. We test drove almost every small SUV on the market including RAV, CRV, Vue, Rogue, Outlook, etc. We liked how this one looked and handled the best. Smooth, quiet and one of the best set of features available in its class. Excellent safety ratings and very good gas mileage for its class as well. Have had for 1 month and am very pleased.

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  Perfect Blue - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Perfect Blue - November 12 - 2:30 pm

  We looked a long time trying to decide between more pricey luxury brands and more basic offerings like the Escape. As soon as I saw the Mariner I knew it was the perfect compromise and bought it. I could not have made a better choice. Fully loaded it offers all the extras but with a very affordable price. It has been fun to drive and has not presented any maintenance problems. I only wish they offered the Navigation system offered with newer models.