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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  Its great - 2008 Mercury Mariner
  By Ann - September 8 - 12:40 pm

  I had a 2001 Tribute that I got rid of in 2006 when I purchased a V6 RAV4. I was never really happy with the RAV4, it just didnt have the things on my Tribute that I liked so I went back and found the Mariner and love it. Its like coming home. I will admit it does not have the pick up that the RAVhad even though I have a V6 currently. But besides that it got lots of room and comfortable seats. We just drove 8 hours in one day for a vacation and had no problems with our backs.

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  A real beaut! - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By rodeo - August 23 - 10:06 pm

  I traded a 2001 Escape for the Mariner Premier and while I loved the Escape the Mariner is far and away a better vehicle. Rides better looks better and much classier than the Escape.

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  Noisy - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Denise - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a week ago. So far, a lot of wind noise even @ 45mph, rattling noise on passenger rear side, and it vibrates like crazy @ stoplights. Engine sounds like its idling too high like its ready to race. Also the windshield wipers are extremely loud!! Thumps. I took 3 months deciding if I wanted this suv or not. Wish I would have waited longer.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Patrick - August 15 - 5:23 am

  Have 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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  Great Little SUV - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By sjmst - July 23 - 10:40 pm

  I just bought a used 09 Mariner I4. I had a V8 07 Ford Explorer. I actually like the Mariner better. The Explorer was smooth and quiet, but still felt a little sluggish, even with the v8. The Mariner handles better and is more fun to drive. The 4 cyl is buzzy on acceleration and at times at stoplights. Cruising at highway speeds it is quiet and smooth and plenty powerful, even with four of us and luggage.

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  A Great Safe SUV - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By superjohn - July 14 - 7:10 pm

  Very 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 am

  I 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 pm

  The 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 pm

  Ive 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 am

  I 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!