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:

• 

  100% Class - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Ron - December 9 - 9:46 pm

  It is difficult to believe sometimes that this is the same essential vehicle as the Ford Escape. Mercury has done a VERY impressive job of tailoring the Escape platform to the tastes of those who want some style to go along with their versatility. The interior is the best of any vehicle I have ever owned. The exterior is sharp, lots of understated elegance. The ride is smooth and quiet, and the handling is reassuring. It is fun to drive. The only issues I have had with the car is that the heaters on the front seats frequently come on without being turned on, and that the offical EPA mileage estimates have so far proved unattainable. But I still love it. I truly love it.

• 

  I Treated Myself - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By normkol - November 25 - 3:16 pm

  I had a Mazda Tribute ES for the last 7 years, and was very happy with it. I decided to treat myself, and moved up to the top of the line Mariner Premium for my new car. This has a new V6, new 6 speed auto, and most options. The optional stereo with Sync is great, Im still learning the features. The ride is comfortable but solid, acceleration is comparable to the old V6, but much quieter. My daughter said the ambient lighting gives it a spaceship feel.

• 

  Its Okay - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By EP - November 21 - 7:40 am

  Ive had our Mariner for 5 months and its okay. Im tall and I have plenty of head and leg room. The exterior looks great, and it does good on poor road conditions. However, the back latch went out after only 3,000 miles...not impressive. The center console is structurally weak. If I push it from the side a little, it will deflect and creak. You must memorize the cruise control buttons if you use them at night because they are not lighted. Overall, it is a good looking car with poor quality.

• 

  Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By C.L. Clark - November 19 - 11:03 am

  The Mercury Mariner Premier is the sharpest vehicle I have ever owned. Ive owned other suvs and they could not compare to the way the Mariner handles the road.

• 

  Nice small SUV for the price - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Noel - November 3 - 7:43 am

  A comfortable small SUV with great traction in the snow. It performs well and has good around town MPG

• 

  Left Volvo v70XC, AWD for this Mariner - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By EMMA - October 27 - 7:40 am

  So far, so good. Hopefully the gas mileage of all cars will improve in the next 39 months. Went for the basic model this time. Not bad at all. Like the height and handling and new safety features. 360 visability is awesome. Great tailgate options of opening the window or the whole back...rear wiper too! Quiet, smooth ride. Love the Moon and Tune package, sunroof and Sirius radio. Senior parents found it a bit tough to get into, but they made it. Center console is well designed and there are plenty of cupholders. Great in the rain, lets see about the snow.

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By msass - October 22 - 5:43 am

  Overall this is a great vehicle. I have only had one major problem (with the cd player) and it was covered by the warranty. Very comfortable to drive, good pick up, great AWD! Handles very well in the snow, especially compared to the 2wd model.

• 

  Many problems... - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Freddo - October 22 - 4:50 am

  I was excited when I bought this car. Unfortunately, it has proven to be dangerously unreliable. 1. Tire pressure warning kept going off for no reason. 2. GPS lost signal and also couldnt find its way to Oakland airport. 3. Transmission started jerking and failing. We reported the transmission problem and brought the car in to the dealer. They told us there was apparently no problem even though AAA was called at one point because the car wouldnt start. When put into Neutral, it started. This morning I had to run out to the highway and pick up my wife because the transmission was making weird noises and the car was lurching forward. Total transmission failure.

• 

  Outstanding - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By James - October 18 - 11:50 am

  I bought my Mariner with 5mi on the odometer. Drove it off the lot and was very impressed with the power that the I4 motor has. I used to drive a 4cyl Honda CR-V and it didnt have the power my Mariner has. For the price I paid, the amenities you get (i.e. leather steering wheel, 6-disc changer, etc...) are well worth the purchase.

• 

  An Okay SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Car Guy - October 9 - 1:46 pm

  At first, we were very happy with our Mariner. It had the nice heated leather seats, Intelligent-4WD system, and a roomy interior. However, it has gotten to a point where road noise is nearly unbearable, wind noise is too noticeable, and nearly every bump we go over is transmitted into the cabin. On the plus side, we are getting 21.5 miles per gallon, we get good comments about its exterior, and it has good handling. If you want a practical SUV, the Mariner is a good choice. If you want a comfortable SUV, look at another one.