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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  Lovin my ride - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Happy Mariner - March 12 - 3:46 am

  I was a confirmed hater of driving until I bought my new Mariner. I would have gone with an Escape, but the ice blue interior lighting hooked me. (Went with the 4 rather than the 6 to stay within budget). Theres a tad less pickup with the 4, but Ive merged onto I-95 and reached 60mph with ease. Once in a clutch situation, I had to brake suddenly and hard - there was no fishtailing nor did the brakes lock. Nice. My SO pointed out the three color interior styling on the dash - theyre all neutral tones, very classy. Got my exterior color - Ice Blue - and I am one happy motoring sistah. Icing on the cake - chosen as a recommended vehicle by Consumer Reports.

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  Impulse Buy, But LOVE It! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By ElleElle - March 3 - 8:40 pm

  Literally purchased my Mariner within 30 minutes of walking in to the dealership and seeing it for the first time. Have never had an SUV, but jumped at this one for so many reasons - - including the low APR loan and the great safety features. LOVE the interior features such as leather seats, 7 speaker sound system, seat warmers, and sun roof. Its stylish on the outside, the ride is smooth and quiet, but best of all -- its fun to drive! Looking forward to taking it on a long road trip.

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  My 2007 Mercury Mariner - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By Bradley - February 12 - 11:16 am

  Have had this car for over a year and am still happy with it. I enjoy the driving, even with a 4cyl it has enough pep for me. Average about 24mpg (better then a 6cyl). Great interior room, have been able to carry just about everything from my mountain bike to a big screen TV. Like the exterior design better then the 2008 model. The interior looks great, not as many features as the 08. Overall a great car!!

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  Great Small SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Happy Owner - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great little SUV. I used to drive Explorers. Bought this to get better gas millage for a Minneapolis driving. Great in the snow and super reliable. Get rid of the Continental stock tires and it is very quite comfortable to drive. I have had zero problems, but do regular maintenance. Love the radio/6cd player, and leather. Love it Love it Love it. I would recommend to anyone

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  Many Improvements - 08 Best One Yet! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Mark Robison - January 5 - 8:00 am

  Had an 06 Escape, but the 08 made such great improvements. The Mariner offers more deluxe features over the Escape. Cup holders are a major improvement, as is the ice blue dash lights and the dash-top center display. Exterior appearance looks tough, yet elegant, and the ride is finally smooth and comfortable. Passengers compliment the feel of the rear seats and from the front, it feels roomier and slightly "bigger."

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  I LOVE THIS TRUCK - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By metheman - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck after going to look at the Mountaineer due to all the commercials there have been lately. Very happy so far with the purchase. Outside of a smallish gas tank and hungry V6. Beutiful looking truck, well put together. this thing gets a lot of attention because there are not many out there. GO BUY ONE if you are thinking of an mid size SUV I drove them all and this is the beat of everything all in one

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  Fun and comfortable to drive - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Angela - November 20 - 12:33 am

  This is our 3rd murcury and from coming out of the Monterey to the Mairiner there is a world of difference. It drives more like a car and handles like one too...and did I mention comfort! We have the premier with the leather and leather heated seats and I totally recommend it. The gas mileage isnt all that bad, we are getting 18 mpg in the city which actually is the same that we were getting with a mini-van. I totally recommend this suv.

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  Love My Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By caroline - October 21 - 4:56 am

  Well, I have had my Mariner for a year now and simply, I love it! It is a great car that I feel safe in. It looks sharp and holds a lot for a smaller SUV. The only downside so far is that the gas milage is a little less than I expected and disappointing with the current cost of gas, but still I would never trade it!

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  One Month and Going Strong - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By William Koonce - October 13 - 7:33 pm

  One month of driving...for whats its worth. I drive a Lincoln...the Mercury is for my wife. The Mercury cabin is quiet on the highway. For an SUV, the ride is incredibly soft, yet possessing none of the roll for a soft, high-sight vehicle. The interior finish is quality, with lines, not gaps. The GPS and all readouts easily show up in reflective sun (something important to me). The vehicle accelerates quickly, possessing power to pass on a hill. The exterior exudes an affluent demeanor. Regarding the platform, I found the “expert” reviews humorous, as some considered the proven platform “old” and in need of an upgrade. Give me a proven mature platform over a young, flashy platform any day!

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  Happy - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Happy - October 9 - 5:03 am

  I love my Mariner! I think it drives very smooth and takes turns like a champ! I love everything about my car! I feel safe and that was a number one concern I had when shopping for a car! So if you are thinking about getting one do it!