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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  2010 Mariner 6 Cyl FWD - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By roth45 - June 6 - 12:14 am

  .Excellent drv & pass frt seats. I am 64" and fit well in either. Good back support. Back seats average. . Good Suspension - Great ride for short WB. . 6 cyl (240 HP) very strong running. . Have 18.5K miles so far - no mech issues. . Sunroof had major wind noise when open. Weather Tech deflector solved it. Easy Install. . Mileage 25-28 MPG at 65-70 MPH highway. 22-25 Suburban /city driving. . Max roof rack bar separation is marginal at 30"- could have been easily designed to have 36". . Installed 2" Curt Rec Hitch- medium effort.

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  I Love it!! - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By Rice - February 24 - 12:56 pm

  Just purchased my Mariner and absolutely love it! I have the Premier model with all the toys. Cant wait for warmer weather to use the sun roof. I did alot of research and drove several different vehicles upon making my decision. Same gas mileage as the van I traded in so no real complaints there either.

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  Premier V6 AWD - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By Marilyn - February 19 - 11:23 pm

  I was going to purchase a 2008 and learned that SYNC was available for 2009 along with a 6-speed transmission. I have previously test driven a 2008 and my 2009 is so much smoother and quieter. The steering is also much better. I have all the bells and whistles(moon roof, heated seats, dual air, navigation system, SYNC) and love my Mariner.

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  First time Mercury Owner - 2010 Mercury Mariner
  By mariner10 - February 9 - 12:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used a few weeks ago and I am very pleased. It is almost 3 years old at this point but only had 11,000 miles on it. Its smaller than the Oldsmobile Bravada I used to have. I am pleased with the gas mileage (28.4) on the highway. I could whine about a few minor things but there is no point. Overall, I really like this vehicle.

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  I love the Mariner - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By twake26 - February 4 - 12:53 am

  I have had the Mariner for approximately a month now and I love it. I really like the sound system and how high you sit up. I traded in my 03 Mazda Protege 5. The gas mileage is worse, but I knew going from a wagon to this, it wasnt going to get better, so the MPG doesnt bother me. I like how everything is in reach for me and I like how you have to outlets for cell phones, cigarette lighters, etc. The storage compartments could have been a little bigger. I liked the cloth on the seats. The two-tone is very eye-catching.I also love the chrome on the Mariner. Adds a bit of class.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2009 Mercury Mariner
  By lovemynewcar - January 30 - 10:13 pm

  I bought my car used a month ago and I love it!!! My only complaint is a few cosmetics scratches that were on it when I purchased the vehicle.

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  Awesome SUV with some small issues - 2005 Mercury Mariner
  By Sean - December 24 - 11:50 pm

  I love my Mariner. I bought it a week ago but I do regret buying it a little in the middle of this gas crisis... oh well. I have experienced some buzz/crackling with the speakers and the subwoofer is nothing close to the Infinity sub I have in my basement. However, the stereo sounds great when there is no distortion in the speakers. I wish Ford would update their plain and boring entertainment clusters. The rest of the car looks great. The suede insets on my seats are already a little marked up and I dont know how I should go about cleaning them -- if at all. The knobs on the roof rack were murder on my thumbs. Are those things meant to be turned? LOL Overall I am very happy with it.

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  Youd be fool not to buy one - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By dre - November 14 - 12:16 am

  So far its been a great suv. Weve driven it in some severe waether conditions such as flooding and it handled quite well! Hasnt seen snow yet! Its also a very comfortable vehicle,if you get the premier its more luxury than sporty!

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  Couldnt ask for more - 2007 Mercury Mariner
  By Ashley - October 18 - 11:16 am

  Sadly, I only had my Mariner for 3 months when I was in an accident and totaled it. Luckily, I walked away with no injuries, which is why I will be purchasing one again. Ive never felt more safe in this vehicle. Very comfortable and smooth ride. I loved the extras: Reverse Assistance, information system, stock AMP, heated leather seats, moonroof, keyless entry.

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  A lot of car for the buck - 2006 Mercury Mariner
  By lvnorte - September 30 - 9:46 am

  My wife recently wanted a every day small SUV that got good gas mileage She looked at all of the small SUVs in the market including the BMW X3. She was thinking about a Ford Escape and one look at the Mercury Mariner changed all of that. For the price difference which is not much the Mariner has many extra features that make it much more luxurious. Trading from a 740i BMW was a difficult choice, however the premier Mariner was what mife decided she wanted and she has not been disappointed. The vehicle is nice to look at has good performance and economy