2006 Mercury Mariner Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Mercury's compact SUV adds a gas/electric Hybrid model for 2006. Mariner is a luxury-trimmed version of the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. It comes with a conventional gas engine as the Convenience model with a 153-hp 4-cyl and as the upscale Luxury and Premier with a 200-hp V6. These come with a 4-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing. Hybrids are AWD only and team a 4-cyl gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor. It requires no plug-in charging. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Mariner's hybrid system automatically runs on one or both power sources. All Mariners include ABS; Hybrids and AWD V6s have 4-wheel disc brakes. Curtain side airbags with rollover deployment are optional. Rear obstacle detection is available for Premier and Hybrid. Exclusive to the Hybrid is an optional navigation system with screen displays for power flow and fuel economy. Mariner's performance and accommodations mirror those of comparably equipped Escapes and Tributes.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.

Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.

News

A redesigned Mariner is expected as an early-2008 model, likely in the first quarter of calendar '07. The same applies to the related Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. All three are said to use a modified version of the Mazda 6 midsize-car platform, but with styling more differentiated than in the past. Ford-owned Land Rover will use the same bones for its upcoming LR2 replacement for the Freelander. More details should be emerging soon, so keep checking back with us.

2006 Mercury Mariner Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Wind noise

Maneuverability

Visibility

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	4	4.5

Mercury says most Mariners sold are Luxury and Premier. Their V6 has good power for most situations--even with AWD, which adds only 150-160 lb. Test AWD V6s timed 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. Experience with test Escapes shows 4-cyl performance only adequate at best. Automatic transmission generally smooth, but sometimes hesitates to downshift for passing. FWD Escape Hybrid took 9.6 sec 0-60, but felt stronger, as did test AWD Mariner Hybrid. Gas-electric operation generally smooth, though transitions between gas and electric power sources can be abrupt.

Fuel Economy

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	7	4.9

Test AWD Premier averaged 16.3 mpg in mostly city driving, 19.3 in more-balanced city/highway use. Test AWD Hybrids averaged 24.8-28.8 mpg. All models use regular-grade fuel. Hybrid's fuel tank holds 15 gal vs. 16.5 on other models.

Ride Quality

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	4.7

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 tradeoff is a touch more float over high-speed dips and swells, though it's not severe.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	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	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	4.1

Engines fairly raucous at high rpm--Hybrid included--but quiet enough at normal highway speeds. Wind rush marked 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	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
6	6	5	5.6

Chrome, aluminum-finish and woodgrain accents nicely dress up mostly well-designed dashboard shared with Escape and Tribute. But Hybrid's available navigation system suffers small screen and controls that compromise its usefulness. Heated leather seats available for Luxury and Hybrid; Premieres come with heated seats and smart two-tone leather/faux-suede upholstery. Interior materials, general workmanship above average for class.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
6	6	6	5.8

Adult-size leg and head room, but optional sunroof trims head clearance for tall occupants. Some testers find seats flat, unsupportive for long-distance driving. Fine all-around visibility. No-strain entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

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	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
8	8	8	7.3

Generous space enhanced by low-level load deck, convenient separate-opening tailgate glass. Reat seatbacks fold flat once headrests are off and seat bottoms tilted up or removed. Cabin storage OK fore, poor aft.

Value within Class

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
8	9	7	6.3

Despite higher sticker prices than its cousins, Mariner is a Best Buy. The extra dollars mainly buy more-upscale trim, a little extra sound insulation, and a slightly more-compliant ride. Hybrids command an additional premium that may take years to offset in fuel savings. But the value consideration must also take into account the hybrid system's exhaust-emissions benefits. Whatever the name, these compact SUVs are very likable, especially with their frequent discounts.

Total Score

Premier	AWD Premier	AWD Hybrid	Class Average
58	59	57	52.5

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		29
Average Score		52
High Score		62

2006 Mercury Mariner Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/27/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Convenience 4-door wagon	$21,380	$19,965	$615

AWD Convenience 4-door wagon	$23,130	$21,558	$615

2WD Luxury 4-door wagon	$23,285	$21,700	$615

AWD Luxury 4-door wagon	$25,035	$23,292	$615

2WD Premier 4-door wagon	$25,035	$23,292	$615

AWD Premier 4-door wagon	$26,785	$24,885	$615

AWD Hybrid 4-door wagon	$29,225	$27,190	$615

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Convenience

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/70TR16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Luxury adds to Convenience:

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

6-way power driver seat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

AWD adds: all-wheel drive, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Premier adds to Luxury:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather/faux-suede upholstery, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded sound system, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

AWD adds: all-wheel drive, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Hybrid adds to Luxury:

Powertrain

2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), all-wheel drive.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Wood/aluminum interior trim, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

235/70R16 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Dynamic Side Impact Airbag Pkg.
Convenience, Hybrid, Luxury, Premier	$595	$506
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment.

Comfort Pkg.
Luxury	$595	$506
Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, message center, overhead console, automatic headlights, alarm.

Moon and Tune Pkg.
Luxury	$1,240	$1,054
Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, roof rack.

Rear Cargo Convenience Pkg.
Convenience, Luxury, Premier	$150	$128
Cargo-management system, cargo cover. NA Hybrid.

Hybrid Energy and Audio Pkg.
Hybrid	$1,995	$1,696
Hybrid energy flow graphic display, trip computer, upgraded sound system. Moves 6-disc CD changer under front passenger seat.

Premium Pkg.
Hybrid	$3,795	$3,226
Dynamic Side Impact Airbag Pkg. and Hybrid Energy and Audio Pkg. plus rear-obstacle-detection system, navigation system, leather upholstery, heated front seats and power mirrors, cargo cover.

Class II Trailer Tow Pkg.
Luxury, Premier	$395	$336
Trailer-hitch receiver, wiring harness.

Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
Premier	$255	$217


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Luxury, Premier	$895	$761
Hybrid	$585	$498
Hybrid requires Premium Pkg. Luxury Premier include roof rack.

Leather upholstery
Luxury	$795	$676
Includes heated front seats and mirrors.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Luxury	$345	$293


Upgraded sound system
Hybrid	$595	$506


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass
Convenience	$275	$234


Roof rack
Convenience, Luxury, Premier	$160	$136


Running boards
Convenience, Luxury, Premier	$350	$298


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire
Convenience, Luxury, Premier	$105	$89
NA Hybrid.

2006 Mercury Mariner Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mercury Mariner 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	103.2

Overall Length, in.	174.9

Overall Width, in.	70.1

Overall Height, in.	70.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3435

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	66.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6	dohc I4/electric

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.3 /138	3.0 /181	2.3 /138

Horsepower @ rpm.	153 @ 5800	200 @ 6000	133 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	152 @ 4250	193 @ 4850	129 @ 4500

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

4-speed automatic	21/24	19/23	--/--

CVT automatic	--/--	--/--	33/29

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Mercury Mariner 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	8/100,000 on Mariner hybrid components.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

< 2006 Mercury Mariner Photos

Also in the 2006 Mercury Mariner Review:

Mercury Mariner

Mercury Mariner Road Test

Mercury Mariner Prices & Equipment

Mercury Mariner Specs & Safety

Mercury Mariner Photos

Mercury Mariner Full Review

All Mercury Mariners

All Mercurys