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:

• 

  Upscale Ford Escape...Very Upscale!!! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Jay - January 7 - 11:30 am

  Ive driven a Ford Escape and traded it in for this beauty. Excellent interior and exterior design althought I know its all Ford Escape within. I loved my Escape and didnt think it could get any better. Boy was I wrong!!!

• 

  Best Little SUV On The Market !!!!!! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Nick - December 21 - 9:03 am

  Recently i purchased a 2008 Mercury Mariner and i have to say i could not be happier with it this is my second Mariner the first one was a 2005 and i loved it so much i just had to have the redesigned model. First of all the ride is 100 percent improve over the old model it is quiet and smooth and it handles much better and the navigation system is very easy to use and gives precise directions and the Sirius radio is great and you can put just about anything in that DEEP center console. And i am 63 FT and i have plenty of head and legroom but the rear legroom can be tight and the quality of the interior is improved over the old model as well. I really recommend the Mercury Mariner to all.

• 

  A Great Little SUV - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By R.Brewster - December 20 - 8:03 am

  I really wanted an suv, but didnt want to end up spending all my money on gas. I also wanted to be able to get all the fun extras like 4wd, 6 disc cd, leather, moonroof. The Mercury Mariner is a perfect fit for me!!!

• 

  Mercury keeps making, Ill keep leasing - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By my second Mariner - November 24 - 9:00 am

  Im on my second Mariner. Leased the first year model and then upgraded to second generation. Love this vehicle. I am able to get a solid 26 MPG on highway trips. And thats doing 75 mph when able. My dealer didnt believe it so I sent him a picture text when I reached it. Cant make that number up. Hope he uses it for future customers. No problems with comfort, reliability, safety, and the commercial that came out with the husband and wife fighting over the Mariner was exactly what my husband I do on a constant basis. I think he loves it even more than I do.

• 

  I like my Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Andrea - October 28 - 7:40 pm

  This car handles very well, has excellent acceleration, and is basically fun to drive. The base model includes all the essential features (auto.,A/C,CD,cruise,p/w,p/l,etc.), and the gas mileage is very good. Personally, I dont like giant gas- guzzling SUVs, so the economical and compact Mariner was a good choice for me. It gives you the utility, seat height, and road view of an SUV without being cumbersome and wasteful. Also, a lot of people have complimented the looks of the vehicle.

• 

  My ultimate dream car! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Shannen Wirgau - October 26 - 3:03 pm

  My Mariner drives like a dream, in fact it is my dream! I feel as though I am extremely secure and am at the utmost safety while I drive. The leg room and space it provided is incredible. I feel extremely comfortable while in unsafe conditions outside because my car is sturdy and rides like a cloud!

• 

  Fit for a diva! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By jae - September 20 - 9:46 pm

  I recently had some serious electrical issues with my 2001 Volvo S-40 and was at the mechanics more than I was at school or work. Like most people my time is one of my most valuable assets. I saw the Mariner on a snowy day and thought ,why not? Warranty, New, Cheap parts after warranty,good in the snow (supposedly), and lets not forget the rebates that helped with the negative inequity on the Volvo.

• 

  Mariner Premier V6 FWD VOGA Edition - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Bill - September 16 - 1:13 pm

  New engine and transmission deliver smooth performance with more than adequate power. White suede paint looks good. The black and cashmere interior is very sharp, and the stylish look has garnered many positive comments particularly from women. Controls and displays are well laid out and easy to use / monitor without diverting attention from the road. Getting almost 20 MPG in 65% city / 35% freeway driving in the Austin heat with the AC on. Steering gives the car a very light feel but is accurate. AC very powerful for front passengers on hot days even set at 78 degrees with fan on a low setting. Very little sun glare on dashboard or center displays.

• 

  Happy so Far - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Desert Mariner - September 11 - 3:43 pm

  I never expected to buy a Ford product, havent owned one in over 25 years. I fully expected to by a CRV, RAV4, or Saturn Vue, only reluctantly looked at Ford/Mercury. Ended up with the Mariner because it was the best combination of styling, comfort, power, and features. The Saturn was my favorite styling but the seating was not comfortable - just too much smaller than the competition. The CRV had bland styling and no bluetooth or any cool features. The RAV4 had roomiest seating but cheap looking interior and the spare on the door was a minus, plus bluetooth only on fully loaded vehicles. Like the Mariner styling; like front grille & rear tailights better than on Ford Escape.

• 

  Its great - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Ann - September 8 - 12:40 pm

  I had a 2001 Tribute that I got rid of in 2006 when I purchased a V6 RAV4. I was never really happy with the RAV4, it just didnt have the things on my Tribute that I liked so I went back and found the Mariner and love it. Its like coming home. I will admit it does not have the pick up that the RAVhad even though I have a V6 currently. But besides that it got lots of room and comfortable seats. We just drove 8 hours in one day for a vacation and had no problems with our backs.