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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  Love the Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By R. Vondenberger - October 2 - 5:20 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. It handles very easy. Very comfortable. Room enough for family and has room for lots of things. It has alot of power. Love driving it. Looks are excellent size is perfect.

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  Love at First Sight - 2011 Mercury Mariner
  By piqued - September 23 - 11:32 am

  Okay, we were at the car sale so my husband could get a feel of what kind of car I was interested in and what features I wanted. I wanted a small SUV that would fit in our garage that had two non-negotiable requirements. The glass on the back-hatch had to open, and I needed map pockets on the back of the front seats. I spotted the Mercury Mariner (complete with moon roof!) and it filled all of the requirements. The ride is smooth, the interior is quiet and I find braking assertive. I like the bluetooth phone feature and all the bells and whistles. Our car and truck are older, so everything is a marked upgade. The price was excellent, too! Bought it right away!

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  Great Vehicle! - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By C. Caban - September 17 - 2:10 pm

  I have had my Mariner for about 2 weeks now. I traded a Malibu for it. I love how high I sit and how well I can reach the dash and all my accessories easily. I love how well it handles. I drive highways and when I put it on cruise control my gas mileage gets better. I am running considerably lower than what the sticker says, but it will take it a while to break it in. I love the modern design inside and outside. The chrome accents make me want to sing the country song. LOL. Fun SUV and overall really great!

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  In love with my Mariner - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Donna - September 16 - 6:40 pm

  I did quite a bit of research before I made my purchase. It was between the Chevy Equinox and the Mariner. I found the Mariner a better buy for the dollar. It is such a quiet and smooth ride and I love the front wheel drive. My favorite thing is the ice blue display and the display at the top center of the dash. Its very comfortable to drive. I have dogs that go with me often, so the back seats folding completely flat was very important to me. My dissapointments are few. The plastic front grille, only one hanger hook in the entire vehicle and plastic covers over my wheels and last, only a four speed transmission.

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  Wife Happy...Im Happy - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Wildkite - July 30 - 2:40 am

  I searched and drove vehicles for 14 months. No rush here. Ford stepped up on this one. Fit and finish is great. Same platform as the Ford Escape, just a step up on style. This Mercury Premier, AWD, possesses the options I wanted. Fully loaded. Ride is smooth, pickup surprises my wife continually, AC keeps you cool no matter the outside temp, SNYC works great, GPS/SIRIUS display situated on the console perfect, and our remaining two children have plenty of room on the back seats. My wife calls it the perfect Chic SUV. I ordered the wheel/tire upgrade...recommend you do the same because that option caps off the look. The vehicle rides quiet < 75 m/hr and takes road bumps unusually smooth.

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  Cant Say Enough About This Vehicle! - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By kaerae01 - July 5 - 4:20 pm

  I work as a supervisor in the construction industry and was looking for something that could climb over "anything and everything" and through snowy mountains. Got exactly what I wanted with this. It zooms past other larger vehicles, although I did get the V6 Premium model. Got a great deal on it too, so dont limit yourselves to the base model as the premium is more affordable than one would think! Will keep this till it kicks the bucket. Had a Chevy Tracker prior and it couldnt hold a candle to this, and before that a Mercury Tracer. Love this as much as I did my Tracer.

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  Love IT!!! - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By ndcysyve - June 26 - 10:13 pm

  Just purchased today and I am thrilled. I was hesitant on buying American especially going from a VW to a Mercury but I love it. Very quick, full of pep and its an head turner.

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  My Mercury Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Melody - April 22 - 10:13 am

  In April of 2005, my family purchased a Premier Edition Mercury Mariner. We love it. It is a fun to drive vehicle and is an easy keeper. It is roomy and has a plush black leather interior with all the bells and whistles, including a sunroof, premium sound system and heated seats. It is a joy to own.

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  Awesome ! - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Sue - March 20 - 8:06 pm

  Great little SUV. Terrific pick-up and handling. I traded in a Mercedes for this and have no regrets. Elegant styling and trim. Gorgeous, luxe, comfy leather interior. Rich exterior colors - - had trouble deciding on which one.

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  Mercury Mariner - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By William Raban - March 15 - 9:36 pm

  Excellent experience with vehicle. Very reliable, and dealer is very responsive. Would definitely buy again.