The Mariner is Mercury’s new compact SUV based on the Ford Escape, with distinct Mercury design elements such as a satin aluminum waterfall grille, unique taillights, and headlights with jewel-effect clear lenses. There is also a bold front fascia with integrated fog lights, body-color side cladding, aggressive rear fascia, and a chrome exhaust tip. The interior design features woodgrain, chrome, and satin aluminum trim; a flow-through console; console-mounted shifter; two-tone colors; and gray-faced gauges with chrome surrounds. The Mariner is designed to offer a distinctive style in the compact SUV market while being fun-to-drive, sporty, and agile.
New for 2005
The Mariner is a new addition to the Mercury lineup for 2005, powered by either a 153-horsepower 2.3-liter Duratec 23 inline 4-cylinder or a 200-horsepower 3.0-liter Duratec 30 V6, both paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Mariner is available in either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with an Intelligent 4WD System that automatically transfers torque from the front wheels to the rear wheels when needed.
The Mariner is a rebadged twin of the Ford Escape. The Escape's handling is relatively nimble, and the rear seat is roomy. The interior trim was upgraded for 2005 and it is now quieter and more comfortable. Because of a tip-up in the government rollover test, we do not recommend the Escape and its siblings.
