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overview|exterior & interior|driving performance|pricing & specs
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Summary
The 2008 Mercury Mariner offers front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, competitive four- or six-cylinder engines and the Hybrid package, which works essentially as the conventional models do. Fuel mileage for all models, and towing capacity, rank with the best in class. Substantial improvements for 2008 add safety features, refinement, comfort and more style. For all-purpose, reasonably efficient daily transport on the road, the Mariner rates among the best smaller SUVs. Shoppers seeking genuine off-road potential should look elsewhere.J.P. Vettraino filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com after his test drive of the Mariner in the Detroit area.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Mercury Mariner ($20,920); Mariner 4WD ($22,670); Premium ($23,820); Premium 4WD ($25,770); Hybrid ($27,020); Hybrid 4WD ($28,770) |
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Engines:
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2.3-liter dual overhead-cam 16-valve Atkinson-cycle inline-4 with 70-kW, 330-volt electric motor |
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Transmissions:
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CVT |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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front-impact airbags, front passenger side-impact airbags, curtain style head-protection airbags for all outboard seats, rollover protection system with roll stability control, dynamic stability control, four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) , tire-pressure monitor |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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none |
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Kansas City, Missouri |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Mercury Mariner Hybrid ($27,020) |
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Standard Equipment:
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air conditioning, six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar control, AM/FM/cassette with in-dash six-CD changer and auxiliary jack, cruise control, power locks, illuminated remote keyless entry pad, automatic headlights, power mirrors, power windows with express down for driver's window, auto-dim rearview mirror, center console with armrest, message center with compass and outside temperature, dual illuminated visor mirrors, three accessory power outlets, privacy glass, electric rear window defroster, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, floor mats |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Premium Package ($3,395) includes leather seating, GPS navigation system with seven-speaker audiophile stereo, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, roof rack with crossbars and retractable cargo cover; Hybrid Moon & Tune Package ($995) includes power glass sunroof with shade and Sirius Satellite Radio receiver with six-month subscription; 110-volt electrical outlet ($180) |
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Destination Charge:
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665 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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32255 |
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Layout:
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front-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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133 @ 6000 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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124 @ 4250 |
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Transmission:
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CVT |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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34/30 |
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Wheelbase:
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103.1 |
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Length/width/height:
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175.2/71.1/68.0 |
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Track, f/r:
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61.1/61.4 |
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Turning circle:
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36.7 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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40.4/53.4/41.6 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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39.2/49..1/35.6 |
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Cargo volume:
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66.0 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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1000 |
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Suspension, f:
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independent, MacPherson strut, anti-roll bar |
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Suspension, r:
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independent, multi-link, coil springs |
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Ground clearance:
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8.6 |
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Curb weight:
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3657 |
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Tires:
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P235/70R16 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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vented disc/disc with four-channel ABS |
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Fuel capacity:
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15.0 |
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| 2008 Mercury Mariner consumer reviews: | | | | overall rating |   | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | The Mariner is just a great SUV that gets pretty good gas mileage. The construction is great too! All car manufacturers are going with a lot of plastic and we all know it. But the interior is very nicely put together. Try the Rav 4 first and then drive the Mariner... you'll see the difference! | | posted by Ric Donald on Jan 13 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | My new 08 Mercury Mariner is an awesome SUV. It has a smooth ride & it handles great as well. Style inside and out. Gas Mileage is very good for an SUV. Storage Space. Interior Comfort. Fit and Finish is great. I love everything about this SUV i couldn't be happier i really think you should check the Mariner out cause its awesome. | | posted by Devan Johnes on Feb 16 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | Very nice fit and finish as well as peppy. Engine feels fine and steering is very good. The only problem is with the transmission. It is the worst trans I have every had in a car. Other than the trans, I would rate the car a ten but because of such a flaw in a major component I would give it a 7 overall. | | posted by Fergus on Feb 16 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | I love the luxurious ride in my 2008 Mariner. The ride is smooth! Lots of nice features for the price, leather seats, dual temperature controls. I am enjoying the navigation system, Sirius radio, dual temperature controls. | | posted by S. Azim on Mar 14 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | I am impressed with the manueverability. I think it drives very smooth and takes turns like a champ! I love everything about my car! I feel safe and that was a number one concern I had when shopping for a car! So if you are thinking about getting one do it! | | posted by Drummond on Mar 15 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | So far, so good. Interior design and looks. Center console and layout are quality and great. The black pearl slate color is good looking. Mercury made a good one for 2008 and I heartily recommend it to anyone who likes the economy and doesn't have a need for a huge SUV. | | posted by Taveon on Jun 11 2008 | | |
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