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2008 Mercury Mariner Full Review
Date Published: 5/10/08
Also in the 2008 Mercury Mariner Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercury Mariner Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Mercury Mariner Review
The 2008 Mercury Mariner is updated, getting revised interior and exterior styling along with a higher level of standard equipment. This compact SUV continues to share its basic design with the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. The '08 models are virtually the same size as the 2005-2007 versions and offer the same interior room and powertrains. Mariner remains a five-passenger, 4-door wagon with a liftgate with opening glass. Base 4-cylinder models have 153 hp. Base V6 and Premier versions have a 200-hp V6. Both engines come only with an automatic transmission. Also offered is a Hybrid model that team a 4-cylinder gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor. It requires no plug-in charging. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Non-Hybrid Mariners have a maximum towing capacity of 3500 lb; Hybrids are rated to tow up to 1000 lb. All Mariners are available with front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive. Available safety features include curtain side airbags, front side airbags, ABS, traction control, and antiskid system. Also available are leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear obstacle detection, and a navigation system.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically 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; some offer seating for seven.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
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2008 Mercury Mariner Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Acceleration |
| Maneuverability | Engine and wind noise |
| Visibility | Interior materials |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
All 2008 Mariners have the same powertrains as their 2005-2007 predecessors. V6 models have adequate acceleration from a stop and can struggle in highway passing and merging situations. Mariner's automatic transmission is generally smooth but sometimes hesitates to downshift for passing. We've not had the opportunity to evaluate a Mariner Hybrid, but a similar Escape Hybrid proved strong enough to cope with traffic, while its hybrid drivetrain operated with little intrusion.
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.7 |
All 2008 Mariners have the same powertrains as their 2005-2007 predecessors. V6 models have adequate acceleration from a stop and can struggle in highway passing and merging situations. Mariner's automatic transmission is generally smooth but sometimes hesitates to downshift for passing. We've not had the opportunity to evaluate a Mariner Hybrid, but a similar Escape Hybrid proved strong enough to cope with traffic, while its hybrid drivetrain operated with little intrusion.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure. A similar front-wheel-drive V6 Escape averaged a bottom-of-the-class 17.6 mpg in Consumer Guide testing. A test Escape Hybrid averaged a thrifty 31.2 mpg. All Escapes and Mariners use regular-grade gas.
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 4 | 5 |
No opportunity to measure. A similar front-wheel-drive V6 Escape averaged a bottom-of-the-class 17.6 mpg in Consumer Guide testing. A test Escape Hybrid averaged a thrifty 31.2 mpg. All Escapes and Mariners use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Compared to Escape, Mariners have slightly softer suspension tuning. The ride is thus a tad more absorbent, with less impact harshness. The tradeoff is a bit more float over high-speed dips and swells, though it's not severe.
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 |
Compared to Escape, Mariners have slightly softer suspension tuning. The ride is thus a tad more absorbent, with less impact harshness. The tradeoff is a bit more float over high-speed dips and swells, though it's not severe.
Steering/Handling/Braking
As pleasant and poised on-road as Escape, with moderate cornering lean, good balance, and firm, direct steering. Braking control is good, but some testers say panic stops induce too much nosedive.
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.7 |
As pleasant and poised on-road as Escape, with moderate cornering lean, good balance, and firm, direct steering. Braking control is good, but some testers say panic stops induce too much nosedive.
Quietness
Engines sound coarse and unrefined at high rpm--Hybrid included. Though wind noise rises quickly above 55 mph, road noise is kept well in check.
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.6 |
Engines sound coarse and unrefined at high rpm--Hybrid included. Though wind noise rises quickly above 55 mph, road noise is kept well in check.
Controls
Most controls are handy and logically placed, though some may find the audio system mounted a bit low for easy access.
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 |
Most controls are handy and logically placed, though some may find the audio system mounted a bit low for easy access.
Details
Sadly, Mariner's interior materials move from the previous-generation's classy faux chrome, aluminum, and woodgrain accents to unconvincing budget-grade plastics.
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.1 |
Sadly, Mariner's interior materials move from the previous-generation's classy faux chrome, aluminum, and woodgrain accents to unconvincing budget-grade plastics.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Adult-size headroom and legroom, but the optional sunroof trims head clearance a bit for tall occupants. Seats are supportive and nicely shaped. Fine all-around visibility.
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.1 |
Adult-size headroom and legroom, but the optional sunroof trims head clearance a bit for tall occupants. Seats are supportive and nicely shaped. Fine all-around visibility.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Knee clearance and foot space are well above the class norm, helped by a flat floor. The supportive and well-contoured seat is wide enough for short-trip three-adult comfort. Entry and exit are constricted somewhat by smallish door openings.
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.8 |
Knee clearance and foot space are well above the class norm, helped by a flat floor. The supportive and well-contoured seat is wide enough for short-trip three-adult comfort. Entry and exit are constricted somewhat by smallish door openings.
Cargo Room
Generous space is enhanced by a low-level load deck and convenient opening tailgate glass. Rear seatbacks fold flat once headrests are removed and the seat bottoms are adjusted. Cabin small-item storage is only average.
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 8 | 8.1 |
Generous space is enhanced by a low-level load deck and convenient opening tailgate glass. Rear seatbacks fold flat once headrests are removed and the seat bottoms are adjusted. Cabin small-item storage is only average.
Value within Class
Despite slightly higher base prices, Mariner offers little of substance over its Ford Escape cousin. The extra dollars bring only modestly upscale trim, a little extra sound insulation, and a more compliant ride. These compact SUVs are likable enough, but be sure to shop the competition first.
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.9 |
Despite slightly higher base prices, Mariner offers little of substance over its Ford Escape cousin. The extra dollars bring only modestly upscale trim, a little extra sound insulation, and a more compliant ride. These compact SUVs are likable enough, but be sure to shop the competition first.
Total Score
| AWD Premier | Class Average |
| 61 | 60 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Mercury Mariner Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/02/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Base 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $21,300 | $20,131 | $695 |
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| AWD Base 4-cylinder 4-door wagon | $23,050 | $21,742 | $695 |
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| 2WD Base V6 4-door wagon | $22,300 | $21,051 | $695 |
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| AWD Base V6 4-door wagon | $24,050 | $22,662 | $695 |
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| 2WD Premier 4-door wagon | $24,200 | $22,799 | $695 |
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| AWD Premier 4-door wagon | $25,950 | $24,410 | $695 |
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| 2WD Hybrid 4-door wagon | $27,340 | $25,688 | $695 |
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| AWD Hybrid 4-door wagon | $29,090 | $27,298 | $695 |
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
Base
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.0-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keypad entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Premier adds to Base:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather/alcantara upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Hybrid adds to Base:
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, 6-way power driver seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: antiskid system w/rollover sensors.
Roof rails, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Leather Trim Pkg.
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Base
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$995
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$846
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Hybrid
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$695
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$591
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Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat (Base).
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Amenities Pkg.
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Base
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$595
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$506
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, message center, overhead console, automatic headlights.
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Heating Pkg.
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Premier
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$295
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$251
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Heated front seats and mirrors, steering wheel radio controls.
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Rear Cargo Convenience Pkg.
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Base, Premier
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$195
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$166
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Cargo-management system, cargo cover, underfloor storage bin.
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Premium Pkg.
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Hybrid
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$3,395
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$2,886
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Rear-obstacle-detection system, navigation system, leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, Audiophile sound system, hybrid energy flow graphic display, cargo cover, roof rack.
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Moon and Tune Pkg.
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Hybrid
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$995
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$846
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Base
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$1,090
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$927
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Premier
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$1,165
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$990
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Power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer (Base), satellite radio (Premier, Hybrid), roof rack (Premier).
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VOGA Pkg.
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Premier
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$995
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$846
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Unique interior and exterior trim, 17-inch chrome alloy wheels.
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Class II Trailer Tow Pkg.
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Base V6, Premier
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$395
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$336
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Trailer-hitch receiver, wiring harness.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Base
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$2,295
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$1,951
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Premier, Hybrid
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$1,995
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$1,696
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Includes Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. Hybrid includes hybrid energy flow graphic display.
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Power sunroof
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Base, Hybrid
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$795
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$676
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Premier
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$970
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$824
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Premier includes roof rack.
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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Base
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$295
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$251
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Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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Base
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$695
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$591
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Premier, Hybrid
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$395
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$336
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Satellite radio
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Base, Premier
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$195
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$166
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Requires roof rack.
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6-way power driver seat
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Base
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$295
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$251
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Remote engine start
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Base, Premier
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$425
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$361
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110-volt power outlet
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Hybrid
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$180
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$153
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Ambient interior lighting
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Premier, Hybrid
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$295
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$251
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Rubber floormats
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Base, Premier
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$75
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$57
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NA Hybrid.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Roof rack
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Base, Premier
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$175
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$149
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Running boards
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Base, Premier
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$445
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$378
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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225/65R17 tires
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Base V6, Premier
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$650
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$553
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Full-size spare tire
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Base, Premier
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$105
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$89
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NA w/17-inch alloy wheels.
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Mercury Mariner Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercury Mariner 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3493 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 66.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.6 |
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 | @ |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 4-speed automatic | 19/24 | 17/22 | --/-- |
| CVT automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 29/27 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 3 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| 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 | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/60,000 | -- |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Mercury Mariner Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercury Mariner Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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