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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Great vehicle - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By Patrick - August 15 - 5:23 amHave had this vehicle 18 months without any warrenty service. With the 4 cyl. engine I routinely get 26-28 mpg highway. An attractive vehicle for which I get lots of compliments.
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A Great Safe SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner
By superjohn - July 14 - 7:10 pmVery comfortable seats they have 14 gel packs in the seats to make the best fit. lots of pwr and great on gas. lots of options and a great deal . thanks
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Luxury in Texas - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By Cord in Texas - July 8 - 6:10 amI just purchase the Premiere AWD V6 Mariner. Triple black with all "chrome" appearance. This vehicle is the Navigator of Compact SUVs. My coworker who drives the Porsche Cayenne, was shocked at the quality and cost of this SUV. Mileage was 16- 18 but I just busted 3k at the end of the month and the new tank is half way gone with 22 mpg average 50 city 50 hwy. Now, the rearview mirriors not being the body color are kind of not as aesthetically appeasing. There are some rooms for more improvement but hey 22k for fully loaded, no brainer! However in two more models I am sure all qualities of the Navigator will be reflected onto the Mariner. I am 25 years old a 1st time buyer.
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Great Midsize SUV - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By David G. Maroon - July 5 - 1:43 pmThe Mariner Premier V6 AWD midsize SUV is loaded with features including 6 way power seat, 17" aluminum wheels, 4 disc brakes, rear park assist, leather heated seats and dual climate control. Drivers seat (Lumbar) is very comfortable, excellent ride, quiet, superb radio/7-speaker system. We also own a 2007 Lexus RX 350 and enjoy the Mariners features as much.
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Love My New Truck!!!! - 2006 Mercury Mariner
By LaChellelv - June 26 - 6:56 pmIve always wanted a truck, but didnt want to feel like I was driving a boat!! My Mariner is just PERFECT for people starting out with a truck. I love almost everything about it. Gas mileage could be better, but hey its a truck so you really cant expect a lot! Its sporty and stylish!!!! Real cute :o)
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Great Ride - 2009 Mercury Mariner
By Nat69 - June 17 - 10:56 amI just traded in my 2004 Rendezvous for a new 2009 Mariner Premier. It took the dealer a couple of days to find the color and options I wanted but it was worth the wait. I got the Premier version to get the color and options I wanted at a lower price. This is a Great Ride, Tunes and Style, it is not boaty like the Buick but has a very smooth ride. I love the USB port where I have ALL my 12Gb of music availabe via SYNC. Went for a ride through the mountains this pas weekend and got 22.8 MPG with under 500 miles on it, this is absolutly the best and exceeded my expectations. SYNC - you will need to speak clearly and break up your phrase into single words and it works great!
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Mariners a Great Catch! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By Carole - May 15 - 8:00 amMy Mariner is a great SUV. It is sporty in its driving feel and very nice looking. The steering is crisp and precise, and the turning is tight. I would recommend this car to anyone who loves SUVs and enjoys a well built and designed car.
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Very Safe Ride. - 2009 Mercury Mariner
By Paul K. straker - April 17 - 9:03 amI just got my 2009 Mariner early Oct. 2008. On Oct.17 2008 I was taking my boys over to their friends going 40 MPH on a main street when a car ran a stop sign. Never seeing the other car I plowed right into it. Both front airbags deployed. Myself my oldest age 11 and my youngest age 5 all walked away from the wreck with a couple of bruises. My youngest was also in his booster seat which is a must for anyone of his age. I am very great full on how safe they made this vehicle. I can not wait until I get my new one and I will be getting another Mariner.
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A Great Little SUV for the Money - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By Tim - April 1 - 8:26 pmBefore leasing my new Mariner I compared it with other vehicles such as the new Hyundai Santa Fe and the new Mitsubishi Outlander. The Santa Fe was marvelous, with two faults: 1) Lack of available Nav. and 2) Poor leasing rate percentages (7.9% for a person with stellar credit? Are you kidding me?) The Outlander had all of the bells and whistles, but I just wasnt thrilled with the way its rear-end looked... too much like a hatch-back car from the rear. The re-designed Mariner is very "classy" looking (especially in Gloss Black) and Mercury was offering something like 1.9% leasing. Interest savings alone compared to the actually cheaper Santa Fe was over $120/month just in saved interest.
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Love this small SUV - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By NewMercuryowner - March 17 - 9:16 amI traded in my huge Yukon for this Mariner. The gas prices were killing us, so we did our research. I love how much easier this is to drive! My case is different though, after paying one note on it, got rear ended and was nearly totaled.