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KBB.com Expert Review
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.
Gallery
Specs
Fuel Economy
Performance
Seating Capacity
Cargo/Interior Space
Basic Warranty
Safety Ratings
Consumer Reviews
Based on 152 ratings for the 2008 - 2011 models.
Cabin Fever
November 22, 2017
My Favorite Purchase Yet!
I recently considered selling this vehicle, but I could not get myself to give her up with such low miles, custom green paint, she...
Daniel
December 31, 2016
Best suv ever
My 09 v6 4wd mariner has 282k miles original drivtrain. Drives great, love the 4wd, sync. Big moonroof. Great on gas. This suv is...
tony
June 23, 2015
This is by far my best vehicle ever.Over 50 yrs dr
This 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is rated highly by me, the owner, because of my driving experience with this vehicle over the last...
Queenie
December 14, 2014
I love this car...absolutly no issues....
Great handling and manuverability...comfortable and great gas mileage...perfect size for everything...ive always loved the Mercury brand...
Alarmo
November 24, 2014
Great vehicle- no issues in over 140000 miles!
This fantastic vehicle has not needed a tuneup, or even a brake job in over 140,000 miles. Yes, I have had the oil and all filters...
Willie
November 14, 2014
Wish they still made these.
I like everything about this SUV. Handles well and is comfortable even for long distances. I have had no issues with this vehicle.
annie
August 24, 2014
LOVE THIS CAR!
THIS CAR IS GREAT IN WINTER WEATHER!!! NEVER HAD A PROBLEM IN TERRIBLE SNOWY CONDITIONS---MY HUSBAND, WHO DRIVES MY CAR, COULD NOT...
Blondie
July 23, 2014
Really enjoy my Mariner!
Has a couple blind spots and rear headrests create a little more obstruction to view.
ms pcm
July 20, 2014
a great car
silver with black leather interior there is an extended warranty on this vehicle up to 90.000 miles all new tires this. I have kept this...
fishfanantic1
February 14, 2014
Best vehicle I have owned!
I have had Ford Vehicle's since 1960---some were not as good as others, I have had Mercury Mariner since 2006 second in 2009, then they...
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KBB Editor's Overview

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 SUV 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 SUV 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 It
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.
Vehicle 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 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.
Notable 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)
Pricing Notes
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the two-wheel drive, four- cylinder Mariner is around $22,000, while the four-wheel drive Premier trim starts at around $27,000 and can reach up to $33,000 when loaded with options. The Hybrid trims start at about $28,000 for the two-wheel-drive version and around $30,000 for four-wheel drive. Fair Purchase Price shows real-world transaction prices in your area, so be sure to check it out before you begin negotiating price and click the incentives tab to see any dealer incentives being offered. Kelley Blue Book expects the 2008 Mercury Mariner to hold an average resale value that is on par with the Saturn VUE, but far lower than those of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.