Overview & Reviews

The 2008 Mercury Mariner gets a makeover inside and out. A more aggressive attitude marks the exterior design, and the cabin is more attractive and functional. The chassis and powertrain are virtually unchanged, however, meaning this "redesigned" Mariner has the same running gear as before.

• Comfortable interior, impressive list of standard safety features.

• Lackluster performance, braking and fuel efficiency compared to rivals, folding down rear seat a multistep process.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 66.00

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  Overall nice car - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By can - February 1 - 7:26 pm

  Very comfortable car to drive. I have only had it for a few months but so far we really like it. Had some faulty paint issue on the metal strip between front/ back door window. Problem taken care and all seems to be good. Built in handles on back hatch are very nice but not practical for a shorter person. Could use a pull strap. Overall it is a nice car

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  Much Improved - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Phil from Cleveland - January 28 - 6:26 am

  I leased a 2005 Mercury Mariner and enjoyed the SUV, however it had some shortfalls. Well, after taking delivery of a 2008 Mariner recently, they fixed everything! It is quiet, responsive and the fit and finish is what you expect in a car. This vehicle is as good as any manufacturers product, no matter where it is made. Mercury has a winner in this SUV. If they make all their cars like this good things are in the future for the company.

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  Nice, Comfortable Mariner - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By pop123 - November 21 - 5:43 pm

  I like my new Mariner, but i already found improvements that need to be made, i love the ice blue lighting, the premier model, the exterior design, the radio and HVAC control design. the engine i think is underpowered, and the transmission needs some work, i had to tramp it to the floor 3 or 4 times to finally get it to down shift around like 25-30 MPH. The premier model, go for it. And 4WD go for it too! Unfortunately I didnt get the 4WD, which is a huge mistake, it isnt that well in the snow.

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  MercuryMan - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By MercuryMan - October 13 - 12:03 am

  Wow! I bought this little SUV for my wifes daily driver, and I love the thing. She cant keep me out of this thing. It gets 29mpg highway and 22+ in city driving. I never travel with a hang up bag so I didnt even notice the lack of hangers in the rear. The seats are firm and comfortable. My wife opted for the Redfire exterior and stone cloth interior. I about gagged when she said tht was her preference. We owned a Mitsubushi Montero that I also liked and prior to that we owned a Toyota 4 Runner, both were excellent vehicles but the love was not there. By the way my spouse loves her Mariner as well. She just has a hard time getting behind the wheel of this great little SUV.

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  What a package! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Jerry - October 9 - 5:33 pm

  Mariner Premier V6 is loaded with features for the money. I previously owned 4 Mazda products and wanted a Tribute but dealer could not locate a Grand Touring V6 in 3 states. I now feel the Mercury (based on Tribute) is the better choice. More features and more upscale look. Im very pleased.

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  Surprises Ford wont tell you about - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By CMB - August 29 - 5:06 am

  I love my 2008 Mariner. But be warned, in 2008 they changed a design that sends the transmission fluid through the A/C condenser. Why? Not really sure, but if you think you are leaking oil, it may be transmission fluid and it may be coming from the condenser. This leak will drain your transmission in about 3 days. Call Ford, they will have this $450 part in stock as they are replacing them weekly. But, they will not admit there is a problem. Yes, there is a TSB on this issue starting with 2008s. Again, based on my ratings, I do love this truck. As for the loud tire noise, trust me its the original tires. I put new tires on and now I enjoy my hour and half drive to and from work.

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  very safe! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Molly Mc - August 13 - 3:43 am

  although the gas mileage could be improved and the transmission slipping could use improvement too,i cannot say enough about how great the safety features on this car are. I was recently hit from behind by a drag racing honda going in excess of 65 mph. both side curtain air bags deployed, side impact airbags,seatbelts worked fantastic and although my Mariners floor buckled and roof creased in two places and is probably a total loss,i walked away from this accident with a little whip lash. This car took hit fantastically.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Love my Mariner! - June 22 - 8:46 am

  Ive owned my Mariner for about 5 weeks now and couldnt be happier. It may be a smaller SUV on the outside, but it doesnt feel small while driving it and the interior is rather large and accomodating. The gas mileage, in my opinion is excellent for an SUV of any size. I came from a 2007 Grand Cherokee Limited with a V8 engine and assumed I would have some trouble getting used to the size and power of the Mariner, but that wasnt the case at all. The back seat is actually bigger than the Jeeps and overall, it feels like it is the same size. I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend the Mariner.

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  Considering a second one - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By padriver - May 21 - 7:00 pm

  Got my Mariner in November 2007 to replace my old Explorer. Was a little nervous about getting a smaller SUV as I am 600 and 200+ but wanted better gas mileage. Great move. The Mariner thus far has been fantastic. (3000 + miles in)Comfortable, fun to drive and Im getting 20 mpg which I consider great as I tend to fly on the interstate. My wife recently drove this for a few days due to bad weather and now we are seriously considering getting another one for her. She never had an SUV and didnt think she would like one but I had to wrestle the keys off her to get my vehicle back! Mercury did this one right! Also there are less Mariners out there than Escapes so it still looks more unique.

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  Love it! - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Jeran - February 8 - 8:26 am

  We just adore our 2008 Mariner. Its got the quickest V-6 of any of the similar SUVs out there, room for the wheelchair lift, and comfortable for a long roadtrip as well as running errands around town. The backseat folds almost totally flat so its good for the dogs and crates. Gorgeous inside too.