2005 Mercury Mariner: Road Test
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2005 Mercury Mariner ▼
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- MSRP: $21,425 -$26,785
- Invoice: $19,932 -$24,810
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Our road test for the 2005 Mercury Mariner includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Mercury Mariner from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Mercury Mariner, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Mercury Mariner help you decide if a 2005 Mercury Mariner is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.3 |
Mercury says Luxury and Premier models are bulk of Mariner sales. Their V6 has ample power for passing and merging, even with AWD, which adds only 150-160 lb. Test AWD V6 Ford Escape did 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. No opportunity yet to time Mariner, but similar weight implies similar performance. Experience with test Escapes shows 4-cyl performance only adequate at best. Automatic transmission generally smooth, but sometimes hesitates to downshift for passing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Test AWD Premier averaged 16.3 mpg in mostly city driving, 19.3 in more evenly mixed use. Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg over 24,308 mi that included lots of highway driving. Test 2WD 4-cyl Escape averaged 20.5 mpg.
RIDE QUALITY
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Mariners include 16-inch tires like all Tributes and most Escapes, but have slightly softer suspension. Ride is thus a tad more absorbent, with less impact harshness. The downside is a touch more float over high-speed dips and swells, though it's not severe.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
As pleasant and poised on-road as Escape and Tribute, with moderate cornering lean, good balance, and firm, direct steering. Braking power good, but some testers say emergency stops induce too much nosedive.
QUIETNESS
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
Both engines fairly raucous at high rpm, but quiet enough at normal highway speeds. Wind rush intrudes from around 60 mph, mostly from door mirrors. Coarse-pavement tire thrum audible but not irksome. Some testers feel Mariners and Tributes are slightly quieter overall than Escapes.
CONTROLS
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Chrome, aluminum and woodgrain accents nicely dress up a mostly well-arranged dashboard shared with Escape and Tribute. Gauges large and legible, controls handy and intuitive. Leather optional for Luxury models; Premieres have swanky two-tone leather-and-suede upholstery. Interior materials, general workmanship on test examples above average for the class.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Adult-size leg and head room, but optional sunroof slims head clearance for tall occupants. Seats supportive, well shaped. Heated seats available for Mariner, but not Tribute or Escape. Fine all-round visibility. No-strain entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Knee and foot room above the class norm, helped by flat floor. Supportive, well-contoured seat is wide enough for short-trip 3-adult comfort. Entry/exit a bit constricted, but OK. Note that rear DVD entertainment is available for Tribute, but not Mariner or Escape.
CARGO ROOM
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Generous space enhanced by low-level load deck, convenient separate-opening tailgate glass. Reat seatbacks fold flat once headrests are off and seat bottoms are tilted up or removed. Cabin storage OK fore, poor aft.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 6 |
Mariners have slightly higher sticker prices than comparable Escapes and Tributes, with the extra dollars mainly buying upscale trim, a little extra sound insulation and a slightly more compliant ride. But we think these differences are well-considered. They enhance Mariner enough to justify its extra cost, and qualify it along with its Ford and Mazda siblings as a compact-SUV Best Buy. Better yet, Mercury needs a big sales lift, so look for factory rebates and dealer discounts--just like on the Ford and Mazda. Whatever the version, this compact SUV is a winner.
Total Score
| Premier | AWD Premier | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 57 | 50.7 |
Total Score: 57
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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