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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  Love it, but be careful - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By mep - October 26 - 1:16 am

  I love my car, but just had an issue with losing power and no warning. At @42,000 miles the throttle sensor malfunctioned and I lost all power without warning! I was traveling at night on the freeway, so this was especially frightening. That being said, I get aroun 30mpg on the highway and 27 in the city...love the size and feel. I am concerned about excessive tire noise...Ive been told this is a problem with the Continental tires which are hard. Ill be replacing them soon, but overall, with the hard driving Ive put this car through, its been a champ!

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  Stay Away - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Chelly - October 10 - 9:20 am

  I bought the 2008 Mercury Mariner in March 2007. I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. During the first 12 months, the car would stall without any warning and when I brought it into the dealer, they told me nothing was wrong with it. I had to bring it in an additional two times before they fixed it correctly. Recently, I was driving on Interstate 80 going about 65 when the car completely stalled again without warning and reduced in speed rapidly. This car is not reliable. I will never buy a Mercury, Lincoln or Ford ever again. Stay away from this one.

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  2006 Mariner Premium 4WD - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By peter1438 - October 7 - 5:43 am

  I went into this vehicle from an 05 VW Touareg and what I expected was to find a basic American truck that would be breaking down left and right. I was mistaken and I am very impressed with the Mercury, I am now thinking that the VW was the problem child. The interior is very well done, except for the cookie cutter central dash. The seats front and rear are very well done and quite comfy. I have had zero issues with the vehicle and the on road performance has been terrific. Its very nimble to control in heavy NYC traffic, terrific brakes and very good get up and go. I would highly recommend this vehicle over many foreign brands. American vehicles have caught up and surpassed.

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  2008 Mariner Premier FWD - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By marshismellow - October 4 - 6:00 am

  Let me start off by saying that I have never owned an SUV. Let me also say that my two previous automobiles were a Mercedes C240 and a BMW 325i. I have been incredibly pleased with my Mariner since purchasing it. I love the styling, I have all of the same options that I had in my luxury sedans (heated seats, moon roof, CD players, power everything). I actually have a few more options on my Mariner Premier that I didnt have on the luxury sedans (heated mirrors). The Mariner is fun to drive and extrememly roomy inside. It feels big but is actually shorter in lenght and width than my Mercedes was. I researched the hybrids, but for the lease rate I received I couldnt pass this up. I wouldnt have ever thought Id own a Mercury, but its elegant, stylish, and a better value.

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  Best Value for a Small SUV - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Gregg - September 24 - 1:46 pm

  When I decided to buy my first SUV, I decided to go small. I researched all of the SUVs in the class and decided on going with either the Mariner or Escape. I ultimately decided on the Mariner Premier 4WD. The re-designed Mariner is the best looking inside and out of all of the SUVs in the class. It is both bold, but yet has a sophisicated look. In my opinion it beats the Escape in looks. The interior is simple, functional and classy despite the heavy use of plastics on the doors. Against all of the other SUVs in the class, its the best value in terms of standard features and available options. Lastly, the fit and finish is superb.

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  Run-A-Bout - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Mike Focar - September 12 - 6:53 pm

  Great for local driving, has a lot of pep, a great size and handles well. On the highway however, its another story. You feel the limits of its V6. It churns and grinds when you try to get it up to speed quickly. But once up to speed its fine. I am very disappointed in the Malanos lack of mid-range power.

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  Mariner 2005 tires! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Bill - September 3 - 9:56 pm

  The only complaint I have and it ruins what oitherwise would be a good experience with a Ford product is the tire noise. The Continental Contirac tires are noisy to the point of distraction and I curse them every time I drive it. Both Ford and Continental choose to egnore the problem of basically putting truck tires on this vehicle. Too bad they had a good thing going with the Mariner and let tires spoil this potential.

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  Awesome! - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By ernestb48104 - September 3 - 6:46 pm

  We traded in an 2007 Odyssey (118K) for the Mariner, sure the MARINER is going to be smaller, but it is a nicely built vehicle and suspect we will be keeping this for a while.

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  Love It!! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Karen - August 10 - 9:16 am

  I previously drove a Toyota Corolla and thought it was a great auto. Since driving the compact Mariner, I love the handling and sitting up higher. A very nice automobile.

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  I love my car! She has a name..Bessie or Dragonfly - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Meg Beshey - July 14 - 5:45 pm

  Ive had this car since 2009 when it made me buy it from across the parking lot while at a restaurant! This car has held up to hauling artwork, art supplies, camping gear, hauling college student things, dogs, building materials, oh and many people too! It is durable and has outlasted many other friends vehicles by far. Low maintenance car and has dealt w/ many unusual weather issues w/ ease. The back seats fold down to give you space for whatever you need to haul and is split/flexible too for those times when you need three seats and hauling things. Whenever she goes in for a trade, it would be a great first car for anyone. Just went on a major road adventure for family wedding out of state. Had to haul medical items for my father this time and it included a walker, wheelchair, their luggage, mine/daughters, bags up the wazoo let alone the coat bags/robe for the wedding (dads a minister). It was packed but the storage again in the back was amazing yet was able to see fine to drive and everyone in comfort. As we arrived, we went through a torrential downpour and heavy traffic in a metro area, the car handled like a pro and kept us safe when others were hydroplaning. Thankful for this car.