2009 Mercury Mariner: Tester's Comments
2009 Mercury Mariner ▼
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- MSRP: $22,650 - $31,840
- Invoice: $21,082 - $29,444
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2009 Mercury Mariner. See if the 2009 Mercury Mariner is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Mercury Mariner (LONG TERM) |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Premier |
| Arrival Date: | 07/03/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 25,790 |
| Price as Tested: | 31,400 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 432 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 5234 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 4802 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 207.109 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 23.19 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
P225/65R17 Tires, Heated Package (Power Heated Mirrors, Heated Front Seats), 17-inch Painted Aluminum Wheels, Moon/Tune Elite Discount Package (Power Moonroof w/Shade, Mini-overhead Console w/Map Light), Rear Cargo Convenience Package (Interior Cargo Management System, Retractable Cargo Cover), Navigation System Including Audiophile Sound System, Amenities Package Elite (Dual Automatic Temperature Control, Reverse-Sensing System)
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
Despite several worthwhile incremental improvements, the 2009 Mariner's basic design feels dated compared to its competition. In 4-cylinder form, it's adequately powerful (helped in part by an alert new 6-speed transmission) but also very noisy. The vehicle is not without its charms, however; the "EasyFuel" capless fuel filler is neat, and the optional navigation system is intuitive and easy to use.
Don Sikora
The Mercury Mariner is a nicely sized and very likable SUV. The new 4-cylinder 6-speed automatic transmission combination provides decent performance and surprisingly good fuel economy for an AWD SUV. But I'm disappointed by the intrusive exhaust note and the interior materials and assembly leave a bit to be desired on a $31,000 vehicle.
Ed Piotrowski
The addition of more power and a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission go some way in prolonging the life of this aged compact SUV. Mariner's quietness, fit and finish, and overall refinement trail the class leaders. On the plus side, it's roomy, comfortable, and rides nice. In the end, Mariner is worth a look as long as you keep a lid on option selection and can negotiate a good discount.
Jennifer Geiger
Mariner gets the job done, but I drove our test 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan back to back with Mariner and there's no contest. For very similar money (Mariner AWD Premier's $31,400 to Tiguan AWD SE's $33,165) you can get a comparably equipped, much more comfortable and refined compact SUV in the Tiguan.
Jennifer Geiger
Mariner feels unrefined in the build quality and powertrain departments compared to class rivals like Saturn Vue and Honda CR-V. Our $31,000 test Mariner's decent interior, passable powertrain (fine power, but too loud), and ample cargo and small items storage space make it an OK SUV. But in this crowded compact SUV class, you can buy a lot more than just OK for similar money.
John Biel
Closer to its base sticker price, the Mariner Premier seems like a decent value. But optioned up to $31K, as the one in this test is, it doesn't seem so good of a deal, particularly with a less-than-refined engine razzing away under the hood. Depending on a shopper¿s needs, one of the car-based crossovers might be a useful alternative to a FWD Mariner.
Rick Cotta
The new 4-cylinder 6-speed automatic powertrain is perfectly acceptable in an SUV that's surprisingly pleasant. Aside from some niggling complaints, there's nothing here that stands out as an obvious negative--a selling point in itself--and features such as the separate-opening tailgate glass are handy and increasingly rare in this class.
Tom Appel
With all due respect to Dick Van Patten, eight is too many. And in the case of Mariner--and kissing cousin Ford Escape--six is plenty, but four is enough. I'm talking cylinders, and with a new, more-potent base 4-cylinder engine in place, choosing the V6 for Mercury's compact SUV is no longer the clear choice. Paired with the new 6-speed automatic, the new four moves Mariner with better than adequate verve, and is reasonably thrifty in the process. Sadly, like many Ford engines, this four banger is more than a little unruly, with an idle that is felt throughout the cabin and a coarse soundtrack that never goes away, even on the highway. I'd be hard pressed to recommend Mariner over Honda's excellent CR-V, but some may find its combination of fuel thrift, upscale pretension, and well-cushioned ride appealing. If you were thinking about putting Mariner on your shopping list, you probably should.
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