2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4X4

Pros

great handling (live in Maine & the 4x4 has been a godsend)

Cons

layout of the front seat/console area could be improved somewhat

Went from a Navigator to this...night and day! While I miss the luxurious ride and amenities of the Nav, I wouldn't trade my Mariner for nuthin'. Love it--the gas mileage could be better, but after all, we need to remember--it's an SUV. 27 MPG with all-gas winter defrost running; over 30 MPG in summer....read morehide

Pros

Great package for the price

Cons

Finish on some things could be better - limited colors

I looked at Highlander - Saturn and other non-Hybrid models like Honda CRV. Bought the Mariner because for the price - it's a great car - fully loaded I was able to negotiate a good price and am very happy with it. And I get Toyota Synergy technology basically without the 47K Highlander price. My Mariner was fully optioned with just about everything you can get at 34K and I got it for 32K. Comfortable, attractive, great fuel economy, nice on short and long trips, lots of room yet fits in garage and parking spaces easily. Had an Audi A6 Avant before this - and so the fit and finish of the Mariner just do not compare - but for the price....it's great and worth it. So, I get all the room and hauling capability I want in an SUV, it's clean running and good on gas and the Kansas City plant is a zero carbon footprint factory. Great....read morehide

Pros

Great fuel economy, great premium package

Cons

limited color options, tinting mirror

I have the 2008 Hybrid Mariner in Light Ice Blue (which is very light blueish-no silver), almost 2000 miles on it so far and I have had no problems. If you are going to spend this kind of money on a hybrid, get the premium package and make it worth the money. I get an average of 32 mpg in the area I live, I have noticed that once the car has been driving for about five to ten minutes,, it gets better mileage. Setting the car on cruise control whenever possible extends the millage very far. On the freeway going 62mph on cruise control, I was getting 40 mpg. I also have the sirius satellite package, touch screen HEV monitor, do not get obsessed about watching what your mpg is while you are driving LOL. Overall, love my car, fits my two children, their stuff and my stuff, and I fit in any parking spot.
The rear view mirror tints automatically if glared, but it does it too much and can be annoying, love the seat warmers-although it is less warm on the passenger side seat,, vehicle is light but the standard side airbag system brings piece of mind,, wish they had more color options for the exterior of the vehicle and more interior options for the hybrid, which in the style we ordered came in leather only. LOVE the khaki leather and interior dash/doors, all hard vinyl plastic which is easy to clean and beautiful! I suggest a mr. clean sponge for any little scuffs.
Driving is smooth, I can still accelerate fast when merging to freeway, optimizes energy whenever it can, using the energy of braking to charge the battery, every second of driving it is calculating how much HV battery energy it should use vs. motor,, most of the time it is sharing between both, you will not feel any transition between HV battery, motor and electric battery,, all smooth and it shows you on the HEV screen what it is doing. Sometimes sounds like a UFO is landing when driving, but it is not loud, dont feel it, just a different driving experience that is easy to get used to-- especially when I can go two weeks without filling the tank.....read morehide

OK already. It's only a car, but I must admit, when we were forced to buy a car recently, my wife wanted to look at the Mariner Hybrid. Of course it came loaded, because the dealers can do this and get away with it since it is in demand, but I must admit we are pleasantly surprised. The care rides well, gets great fuel mileage even though we got the four wheel drive, we have become used to the extra featues like the navigation system and Sirius radio. I don't like moonroofs, but she does, so what can an economizer do? I wish there were more hybrids to compare it to, but this car really seems to be the complete package. I would recommend it....read morehide

Pros

Fuel economy better than window sticker, GPS is nice and the audiophile stereo system rocks!

Cons

no power pass seat/no seat memory positions/moisture sensitive wipers

I went from a Limited Grand Cherokee 4.7 HO to the Mariner Hybrid. Has nice pick up and MPG is getting from 30-32 (vs 13.5 for my Jeep). No problems converting to this SUV. Handles well and it rides a bit better. The Audiophole stereo system is awesome! The GPS display is very good. Lincoln dealer treats you like firast class when in for service (as in Maintanance) Have had no problems in first 6,000 miles. The no shift transmission is odd at first - but you will get used to it. The Hybrid option is great - but hard to find - 2008 models were out in May 07 - good luck finding one!...read morehide

Pros

I drive it harder than I should, but still get 28 miles PG around town.

Cons

ride is not like sedan, but it is an suv

On highway, especial the interstate it's hard to go under 65, so millage is about 26 MPG

Pros

Avg 27-28 mpg w/4x4; Dual Climate Control; Ext temp readout; quietness; really almost everything!

Cons

tinted rear windows; had to pay for Satellite radio (not currently avail in AK) w/moonroof as a pkg

Spec ordered veh in Jan 08 & took delivery mid-March. Only 3 weeks old and already exceeding my mpg expectations! Fully loaded and love the sound system and energy flow etc on the large Nav screen. The intelligent 4WD system is great as you don't have to switch it on when needed because it's always monitoring traction when needed. I wanted a compact hybrid pickup which are not avail yet, so opted for the hybrid SUV and I'm not disappointed. The Highlander was way too big for me and not as efficient. Perhaps the future 3rd generation hybrid Escape/Mariner will allow it to operate in electric mode for longer periods of time and at slightly higher speeds, but overall, I couldn't be happier with this 2nd generation Mariner hybrid!...read morehide