Mercury Mariner Hybrid Review

The Mercury Mariner debuted in late 2004 as a 2005 compact SUV, essentially a re-skinned Ford Escape with minor enhancements. The Ford Escape was jointly developed with Mazda, in which Ford owns a controlling interest, and was released a few months after the nearly-identical Mazda Tribute. The Escape is sold in Europe as the Ford Maverick while the Mariner is not.

It is built on the Ford CD2 platform, which is in turn based on the Mazda GF platform, which was used by the Mazda 626.

The Mariner offers a 3.0L V-6 engine, all wheel drive system, four wheel disc brakes with ABS and color keyed exterior styling. No low range gearing is offered. A back-up obstacle detection system is available for Premier and Hybrid variants. Mercury Mariner Hybrid models have an optional navigation system with screen displays for power flow and fuel economy.

2007

The 3.0L V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%.

2008

Mercury Mariners sold in North America will receive an significant update in order to stay competitive against Toyota RAV4, Honda Element and Jeep Patriot. There had been a rumour that the Mariner, Escape and Tribute will use the CD3 platform, however, Ford appears to haved retained and upgraded the CD2 Platform. The 3.0L V-6 may be replaced or supplemented with the 3.6L V-6 debuting in the Ford Edge, to keep pace with other offerings in the segment.

The interior is expected to get a significant upgrade with higher quality materials and revised instrument console. This should end critisisms of cheap construction and poor design. The Mercury Mariner is expected to greater distance itself from its corporate siblings in this department.

External links

• Mercury Mariner - Official website
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid - Official website
• Escape Central: Escape/Mariner/Tribute Enthusiast site