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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Transmission Issues - 2009 Mercury Mariner
By marinerowner - September 23 - 5:06 pmI bought this car and within 2 days it was back at the dealership. Brand new transmission. Still having issues. Lady in my yoga class having same exact issues with same exact car! This is not just one-off problem, seems to be a major concern with all the same make & model. Service techs at dealership act like this is my problem -- told me hesitation/delay on new cars is "normal". I have a 5-7 second delay with this car after pressing the gas -- car is lurching, zooming, hesitating, stalling. Almost had a few accidents. Not worth the $$$/aggravation. If it was NOT for this issue, this car would be a "winner".
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My Mariner, A Classic on its Own!!!!!!!! - 2006 Mercury Mariner
By Ev - September 16 - 5:56 amMercury Mariner is like the Ford Escape but with jewelry on it! The driving & steering are phenomenal. My Mariner hugs the roads & I could hardly feel it sway when making turns. The interior is very classy! One hardly has to press on the accelerator on my V6 without feeling its power. The seats are very comfortable & I like the fact that the back seats are higher than the front, making visibility for my back passengers easier. The moonroof is quite large. I do not like driving through heavy rain but I never felt so secure driving my Mariner through a rainstorm that I am confident she could securely drive through any weather conditions! My Lt. Tundra Mariner has everyone turning!
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Awesome Vehicle - 2006 Mercury Mariner
By cn03684 - August 23 - 5:03 pmThis is a great SUV. Has excellent gas mileage compared to other SUVs in its class. Plenty of room all around and the two toned seats make a nice touch for inside decor. Fun to drive, no complaints. Hats off to Mercury on this one, best vehicle Ive ever had!
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Full Tilt Evaluation - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By MH from Dallas - August 18 - 1:20 pmI got the Mariner based on its larger appearing exterior and sharp looks. I am very impressed with the options on my Premier. Leather, rear spoiler, Sirius Radio, running boards, the wood interior trim. I was (and am) traveling from Dallas to Tulsa weekly and the roads vary in quality. I found immediately that the SUV was very comfortable, and Im averaging 22 MPG over just less than 4000 miles now. It is surpassing my expectations in all respects. No defects, no rattles, no hassles and tight steering. Mercury made a good one for 2008 and I heartily recommend it to anyone who likes the economy and doesnt have a need for a huge SUV.
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Great Value - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By DGM - August 8 - 4:16 pmBought this SUV for my teenage daughters. The 4 cyl is a good choice for young drivers. the optional side and canopy airbags are worth the extra money to protect them. A great value for the money and also looks great.
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Barbara - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By Barbara - August 6 - 5:13 amI traded a different car in for the Mariner because I like the look and do not regret it. I love this car
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Good Little SUV - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By Jeff - July 19 - 4:03 amI bought this vehicle to use as my company car. I needed five passenger capability and enough cargo room to hold several demo cases. I wanted somthing that looks a little classy to take clients out for lunch. I also wanted better gas milage that most SUV can deliver. I get a solid 21-22mpg with a mix of city and hwy driving. I am 6-4" tall and found the car big enough to suit me. The head room is excellent. I leather seats are soft and supportive, I will probably put 25-30K miles on the car a year and comfort is importiant to me. The small V6 performance seems a little weak to me because I am use to V8 powered vehicles like my F150 truck.
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Better Gas Milage Please - 2006 Mercury Mariner
By John Holkmes - June 18 - 11:53 amI actually love the Mercury Mariner except when I was driving back from my brothers house last weekend the check engine light came on and the system monitor stated that there was an emission system problem and to push the start button to clear it so that is what I did and ever since I have been getting terrible fuel economy between 16 and 17 mpg when I should be getting 22 to 24 mpg I am not happy with the fuel economy.
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Love my daily driver w/180K+ - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By spchambers03 - May 21 - 4:44 amwe bought this feb. 06 with 7,000 miles on it, and started putting around 12k a year. strating in 08, new job, i started putting around 45-50K miles a year!(any and every weather condition you can throw at it, from bumper to bumper in the heat, to 18-30inch snow storms, and brutal -0 cold, and any type of road conditions, from interstate driving, to farm/logging roads, to putting the GREAT AWD system to use and foraging my own roads!) I currently have 182k miles and running strong, i religiously change my 5w-20 (summer months, 10w-30 winter months) Pennzoil SYNTHETIC oil every 5k miles, and FRAM extra tough filter every 10k miles. aswell as my fuel filter every 20k miles! plugs and wires
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This little thing goes - 2007 Mercury Mariner
By mercqwerty - May 12 - 7:00 pmThis is one great little SUV. Roomy inside, comfortable and really fun to drive. The AWD goes great in the snow. This Mercury is reliable as sin.
