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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Mercury Mariner

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2011 Mercury Mariner

Overview

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2008 Mercury Mariner Review

By KBB.com Editors

Compared to the somewhat rugged look of the Ford Escape, the Mercury Mariner, which was redesigned for 2008 with new sheetmetal and a fresh interior, offers more of an upscale, urban appeal. Although the two vehicles are mechanically identical, the 2008 Mariner's exterior clearly sets it apart from the Escape in both looks and image. Among its strong points is the powertrain line-up, with an economical four-cylinder, an optional V6 and an available Hybrid version. The Mariner is a worthy alternative to the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Saturn VUE, and could be well worth the price for those looking for a compact SUV with unique styling and an available hybrid powertrain.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're in the market for a small SUV and would like the option of a V6 engine or hybrid powertrain, and with more refined styling than the Ford Escape, the 2008 Mercury Mariner would be worth a look.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2008 Mercury Mariner is somewhat lacking in interior space, especially when considering a third-row option as is available with the Toyota RAV4. Cargo space is also limited, even with the seats folded, making hauling large objects an issue. Also, those looking for a Mercury vehicle with the new SYNC hands-free communication and entertainment system will not find it in the Mariner.

What's New for 2008

The 2008 Mercury Mariner receives an all-new look including new front and rear fascias, headlamps, taillamps and Mercury's signature waterfall grille. On the inside, the Mariner has new seats, center console, door trim panels and Ice Blue lighting for the instrument panel.

Driving the Mariner

Driving Impressions On our test drive the V6 engine in the 2008 Mercury Mariner provided decent torque for getting on the freeway and the electric power steering had good feedback. Cabin noise...

was minimal and the "top-of-dash" display proved to be easy to read, giving all the important information, including the interior climate and radio station settings, without the driver having to look all over the dashboard while going down the road. The ride was comfortable, which can be attributed in part to the premium leather seats with Alcantara suede inserts, and the optional navigation system was easy to use and follow.

Favorite Features

Reverse Sensing System
Although the Mariner is small and easy to maneuver in tight parking situations, this feature is still very helpful for peace of mind.

AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control
Other vehicles in its class offer a stability system, but the Mariner's AdvanceTrac uses a secondary roll-rate sensor, along with automatically and selectively applying the brakes and reducing engine power, to help reduce the chances of a roll-over.

2008 Mercury Mariner Details

Interior

The biggest change in the 2008 Mercury Mariner is the interior, which includes new seats, door panels, center console and a floor-mounted shifter. Depending on the trim level, the seats are available in a monochromatic color scheme or two-toned with Alcantara suede inserts. The standard "top-of-dash" display, which shows the radio functions, climate control readout and temperatures both inside and out, promotes safety and convenience by being positioned at eye level. The radio and climate controls are arranged in what Mercury calls the new "poke through" configuration; the buttons and knobs are raised rather than flush, replacing the "brick" design from the previous generation.

Exterior

The 2008 Mercury Mariner benefits from a redesigned exterior including bolder front and rear fascias, new head and taillamps and a signature waterfall grille that has bigger spacing between the bars. The new roof panel has recessed channels that reduce noise in the cabin as well as horizontal ribbing that strengthens the chassis.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In base form, the 2008 Mercury Mariner comes standard with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, four-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, speed-sensitive Electric Power Assist Steering system, Ford's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC), Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, auxiliary input jack, satellite radio-ready single-CD player with MP3 and four speakers and the Reverse Sensing System that is standard on the Premiere trim but optional on the Hybrid.

Optional Equipment

Options vary by trim but include an Audiophile 320-watt sound system with DVD-based navigation, a six-disc in-dash CD player, moonroof, premium leather seating, 17-inch wheels, roof rack with crossbars, a lockable wet storage compartment, heated front seats, integrated side steps and a full-size spare.

Under the Hood

Those looking for decent gas mileage will be pleased with either the four-cylinder or the hybrid powertrain, but if power for passing highway traffic and towing moderate trailers (up to 3,500 pounds) is needed, then the V6 should be your engine of choice, which is an option not all of its competitors offer. Unlike its Ford twin, the Mariner does not offer a manual transmission.

2.3-liter in-line four
153 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
152 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 (2WD), 19/24 (AWD)

3.0-liter V6
200 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
193 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 (2WD), 17/22 (AWD)

2.3-liter four-cylinder with electric motor
133 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
124 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 34/30 (2WD), 29/27 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercury Mariner vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2008 Mercury Mariner Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 122 Ratings for the 2008 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.6/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.5/10
Comfort

8.7/10

Styling

8.9/10

Disappointed

By Willy (KS) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 39,800

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 4/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Nice RED color"

Cons: "cheap car and it behaves like one."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"Very cheaply built. barely painted to edge of body panels. thin, flimsy floor mats, headliner material barely strectched to edges. only 40K miles and ignition switch is worn out, rack & pinion sticks, can't keep tires quiet unless you rotate them at every gas fillup. 4-cyl engine is noisy and vibrates so bad the hood shakes at idle. if you must buy one of these, get a V-6--the extra fuel is worth it"

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Too bad 2011 was the last year for the Mariner.

By TAB (OH) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Excellent gas milage, ride and overall vehicle."

Cons: "Not being made any longer."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The 2011 Mariner was and is an excellent vehicle. Average combined milage is around 25 mpg. Excellent for a powerful V6. No issues after the transmission was programed correctly. I would buy a new Mariner if there was such a vehicle."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Looks good, quick, good traction, 23 mpg

By Plainsman (CO) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 37,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "good handling, good traction, nice exterior"

Cons: "transmission cold performance, interior, SYNC"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I have the base model plus V6, AWD, Sun & Sync as major options. I like the exterior looks and the Tuxedo Black finish. The acceleration is brisk whether from a standing start or while passing on the highway. With 87 octane E10 gasoline I get 23 mpg (mostly highway miles.) The interior generally looks fine but the seats are not that comfortable. Dislikes: flimsy, cheap sun visors don't stay in place; 6-spd. auto. trans. slams into 3rd gear when cold and accelerating to 50 mph; silver finish on hard plastic areas of interior shows wear easily, SYNC does not always reconnect reliably."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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MEHH.....

By MIKE93 (NJ) on Friday, March 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,200

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 6/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"This vehicle was bought brand new and it is fully loaded (excluding the navi). as the vehicle started to age all of the plastic bits of the interior started to make annoying noises. The transmission BLOWS (because its a 4speed!!!!!), it can't get out of its own way when you need to accelerate on to the highway! the trans blew up at around 55k because you have to put your foot to the floor in order for the vehicle to move! But on a good note the vehicle is a very good at long distance trips, a grocery getter and great in the snow. Other than that its just ok....."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Blah.

By Mike (OH) on Wednesday, January 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 61,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Safe, drives like a car, sensible, plenty of space"

Cons: "Boring, dull, bad fuel economy, costly to fix"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 5

"My Mariner is nice, nothing to get excited over. Perfect for a day of grocery shopping or hauling... but not the prettiest, shiniest thing on the road. Little things have been nickel and diming me to death and it has really lost value over the 2 years I've had it."

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Best Overall Small SUV - 21st centrury Jeep

By ERIC (OH) on Tuesday, September 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Power/MPG/Interior/4WD/SYNC/Towing"

Cons: "Road noise & GET 09' OR NEWER FOR 6SPD TRANS"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Bought this SUV to save on gas (had a 13mpg truck). But didn't want to compromise 4WD or space for fam. I was skeptical at 1st but this thing is great. V6 has 240HP & I GET 25MPG OVERALL(21-22city/26-27hwy) w/4WD! The fold flat seats offer good hauling options, it tows 3500lbs, interior impresses, SYNC is nice, great safety. Sure it's not as manly a Full-size truck, but it pleases hauling my friends around to the bar(great sound system/ambient lights), keeps me happy when I travel to mills/plants for work(MPG/USB port for MP3/storage for equipment)& it keeps my family comfortable & safe in OH winters (4WD/stability control). That's manly enough for me."

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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See all 122 reviews