2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD

Pros

Lots of Room and Wonderful Mileage

Cons

Pricey

Purchased As New

Before buying my 2009 Mariner Hybrid, I read dozens of reviews and was surprised at some of the mistakes I found after actually buying one. For example, one writer claimed that Ford dropped the stability control system--it's actually a standard option now. Also, more than one writer claimed that the drivetrain was noisy under acceleration, but I found that to be false as well. I love this vehicle more than the day I took it home. I found the acceleration to be more than adequate. At first the vehicle seemed somewhat stiff, and there seemed to be some hesitation in the drive train when coasting. A few writers noted that it seemed to have poor wind resistance, but I think that what they were feeling is a bit of reverse torque in the drivetrain. I felt this too, but it seemed to disappear after 300 miles. Also, it grew peppier and more responsive. It was almost like the car was tuning itself to my driving style. In any case, this is a very comfortable vehicle. I love that I can get the mileage of a micro-car, but I still get to sit up high above the traffic and there is plenty of elbow room like full size truck. I wish that it had more cargo room, but then it probably wouldn't get 34mpg if it was any bigger. It's very nimble and easy to park and negotiate in tight spaces. There are only a few things things I don't like about it--the lumbar adjustment is high on the right side and cannot be adjusted from the driver's position--you have to step out of the vehicle and make these adjustments. Second, it lacks a remote start, but that probably wouldn't work right on a hybrid, as it routinely shuts off the gas motor after a minute of sitting. Brakes were very touchy at first, but seemed to adjust more comfortably after a few hundred miles. The position of the door lock button is poor, as you have to reach way forward--it needs to be located near the window controls. Glove box is too small, while dash space seems big and should be able to support more storage. The console is quite large and is designed well--it also has a extra hidden storage if you lift the insert out. I wasn't big on the sand-tan interior at first, but it stays unusually cool in the hot sun and it really grows on you. I also didn't like that there was no under-seat storage space in the back, as it really needs more storage area for family trips (definitely get the roof rack and a hitch for a hitch hauler if you can). Overall, I'm very pleased with my Mariner and anticipate I will have this vehicle for a very long time. Certainly, it's the nicest car I have ever owned, albeit the most expensive too....read morehide

Pros

Great MPG, electronics package - Nav/Sync, great value for SUV Hybrid

Cons

Engine noise is a little loud

Purchased As New

I just took delivery of my 2009 Hybrid. I am amazed at the fuel economy. A great value when so many hybrids are either tiny cars or massive SUVs that barely effect the MPG. It was hard to find FWD with leather and navigation.

Pros

Exc fuel economy, interior room

Cons

4-cyl engine is a bit noisy

Purchased As New

I've had my Mariner Hybrid for 2 months now and I am getting 35 mpg in mostly city driving. When the summer comes and I have to turn on the A/C I expect lower numbers but for now I am very happy. The interior has lots of room and I have put the seats down to tote many boxes and bikes with no problems. Don't be put off with the extra step of having to remove the headrests, its very easy to do and takes little time. The electronics, especially SYNC are very cool and work flawlessly. The only negative I have is that the 4-cyl engine was noisier than I expected. Being a Mercury I expected the cabin to be church-mouse quiet,but it is not. Still, overall I love this car....read morehide

Pros

good fuel economy. radio pkg. is great,very happy so far

Cons

moter noise is more then I think it should be. they are checking it out.

have only had car a little over a week, 1st tank of gas was 35mpg and thats good. It was with a mix of driving. I live in the country so city driving is not an all day thing. So I think my 35 mpg. is good for what I do.

Pros

Gas mileage, navigation system

Cons

Price

We just got our 2009 Mariner Hybrid last week and love it. It has plenty of room for our newborn and all the necessary things you must tote around with a baby. We love the navigation system, rear sensing system, leather seats, and gas mileage. The added features of Sync, Sirius radio, hard drive to store your own music are just an added bonus. I went from a camaro to this car, so the ride is much smoother. Overall, we love this SUV....read morehide

Pros

32+ MPG average, comfortrable, lots of room, good looking

Cons

regularly squeaking brakes with no fix, A/C is below average

I have a 2008 FWD Mercury Mariner Hybrid with over 35,000 miles (purchased April 2007). Previously I had a Ford Escape Hybrid that I traded in. I love the Mercury Mariner, it gets great mileage for a compact SUV. I average over 32 MPG with a lot of freeway driving and some city driving. I do not "baby" the car to get the extra MPG. When I have, it is possible toget closer to 35 MPG.
There is plenty of cargo room with both seats folded down (or even one...there's split rear seats). This is truly a great Sports Utility Vehicle, on vacations I take golf clubs, bicycles and luggage with no worries about room.
The car is well appointed inside, nicer than the Ford Escape. It is still the typical Ford plastic interior and could be easily dressed up more, but you get what you pay for.
The car is definitely not fast...takes some time to get up to freeway speeds, but that is what you should expect from a four cyclinder, (remember the MPG). It can cruise on the freeways at 80+...it just takes some time to get there.
The A/C is weak in the economy mode, you have to turn off economy to get the A/C to work on a hot day, which means you lose the ability to run on electric when idling or going slow. I find that you can run the A/C on full for awhile and get the cabin cooled, then turn the economy back on and it works fine.
There is some low cabin noise, a high pitched whine that is sometimes audible on occaision from the electric motor. This surprised me, as I did not have that in the Escape Hybrid. I thought the Mariner was supposed to be quieter than the Escape?
One other issue that has been occuring since the car was new, is a brake squeal that the factory is aware of but has no permanent fix, yet. The best they can tell me is to the engage and release the emergency brake to center the brakes and quiet the noise. Not a big deal, just an annoyance. It has not affected the braking performance or maintenance.
Overall, I love the vehicle. It serves my purposes well, looks good and gets great mileage (better than smaller economy cars!). I would definitely reccommend the Mercury Mariner/Ford Escape Hybrids....read morehide