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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Not a Mountaineer - 2010 Mercury Mariner
By tootz - February 24 - 6:26 amI got this vehicle after driving a Mountaineer for 6 years. The Mariner was a little disappointing-comparitvely speaking. I got a great deal on it however. Gas mileage is OK, comfort is OK, but the drive is noisey at best. And, while I did get the flex fuel model, there is no flex fuel to be found in my area of the country - what is the point?
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Not my best choice - 2006 Mercury Mariner
By Lyn - February 15 - 6:30 am3 months have passed since I bought my new Mercury Mariner. Not especially crazy about the vehicle. Somethings may not seem important but it is the little things that count. Do not like the hidden ignition. Very hard to find since there is no light to help find it, especially in a black interior car. I will put glow in the dark nail polish on the rim of the ignition. No lite under the hood. Car is very noisy. Could have used some sound insulation in the body of the car. The biggest problem I have had is the front end pulling to the left. Have taken it in 3 times. Have heard others with the same dangerous problem. Would I buy again? No!
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Major Transmission Problems - 2009 Mercury Mariner
By l_chicago - February 8 - 8:30 pmI bought my 2009 Mariner Premier V6 AWD last April. It was running perfectly--gorgeous looking car. 4 weeks ago the transmission was having "issues" brang it back to the dealership and they told me that the transmission has to basically be rebuilt. An issue that they are becoming aware of in the 2009 Mariner. They fixed the trans. Today I had to take it back in because the warning light for the powertrain fault came on. It took them 3 hours to tell me that the issue is a computer issue related to the transmission. They have to take the trans out to figure out why the "fix" didnt work, if they cant figure it out, they need to replace the trans! A 1 year old car shouldnt have trans problems!
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Great American Vehicle - 2009 Mercury Mariner
By Joe - January 15 - 5:00 pmMy wife and I purchased a 2009 mercury mariner v6 voga this august. It rides great, has great performance, and is an all around good vehicle. It may not be as refined as some of the newer platforms on the market, but it gets the job done. We looked at toyota, honda, and other manufactures, but decided to buy american and havent regretted it. The distance to empty display is great, as well as the sound system. The ride is SUV like, and it is great in the snow.(16" of unplowed snow and didnt get stuck)
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2006 Mariner a real joy to own - 2006 Mercury Mariner
By K-Shizzle - January 10 - 2:16 pmA true joy of a car to own and drive. A real plus is the fact that youll see 50 Escapes to your 1 Mariner. All Escape owners shirk as they notice the classy styling of the upgraded Mariner.
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Upscale Ford Escape...Very Upscale!!! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
By Jay - January 7 - 11:30 amIve 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!!!
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Not too bad after 128k miles - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By skmcobra - January 7 - 10:58 amMy wife bought this car in 2010 with 81k miles. She bought the extended warranty but I believe only needed it at around 115k miles for an oil pan leak. Today at 128k miles the radiator coolant fans have quit running. Ford dealer quoted me $750 parts & labor but I had done my research and found fans for $100 less at OReillys. They honored the price and dropped cost to $650. Getting it fixed today. Over all this has been a reliable and safe car. Great to drive in the snow with the all wheel drive. Gets about 22-24mpg on the highway and about 17-18 in town. I cant speak to the tranny issues many mention, but it may have been fixed before we bought it.
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Best Little SUV On The Market !!!!!! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By Nick - December 21 - 9:03 amRecently 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.
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A Great Little SUV - 2007 Mercury Mariner
By R.Brewster - December 20 - 8:03 amI 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!!!
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Mercury keeps making, Ill keep leasing - 2008 Mercury Mariner
By my second Mariner - November 24 - 9:00 amIm 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.
