Driving Impressions

The Mercury Mariner is a sport utility vehicle, not a car, so you shouldn't expect anything like a boulevard cruiser ride. And you won't get one. But you will get one of the better rides in the Mariner's class of compact SUVs. Drawn as it is on the foundation of the number-one selling Ford Escape, which has been around in current configuration long enough to have thoroughly debugged the basic elements, the Mariner accounts for itself better than most in the class. In the power department, the V6 delivers as expected, pulling readily and cleanly through the heart of the power band, if not with an abundance of gusto; this is a consequence, no doubt, of less-than-impressive torque. Also, and as most engines in its class do, it labors at the extreme top end, but few if any Mariner drivers are likely to explore that territory. We haven't driven the Convenience model with the four-cylinder engine, but our experience in the identically powered Ford Escape showed that it delivers adequate power, but we recommend the V6 for its stronger response. The four-speed automatic transmission works well with either engine, admirably holding the better gear for extended periods when stressed by terrain or load. The all wheel-drive system (4WD) operates seamlessly, with no telltale hesitations as it re-routes power through its computer-controlled clutch to the rear wheels almost before the front wheels begin to lose grip. It will comfortably and confidently master snow-filled parking lots at the ski lodge and muddy driveways at the weekend cabin. However, the Mariner is not designed to navigate truly rugged terrain off road. The Mariner tracks well and rides comfortably at highway speeds for a vehicle of its size and stature. Steering is certain, with good on-center feel. The suspension is tuned to conquer all but the truly egregious pavement pockmarks. There's little body lean in curves. The brakes on our V6 model were responsive and the pedal feel was solid. We managed to avoid situations requiring the intervention of the ABS, but again, from experience with the Escape, should the occasion arise, you'll experience a well-modulated stop telegraphed by a slight pulsating of the pedal. You won't, however, enjoy the extra degree of safety provided by electronic brake force distribution, which the Escape now offers. Front disc/rear drum brakes come on the Convenience model with its four-cylinder engine. The V6-powered Luxury and Premier models come with four-wheel disc brakes. Where the Mariner loses points is where its target buyers are most likely to notice: insulation from outside annoyances. For the most part, we found it at best only marginally quieter than the Escape, with road noise and tire hiss clearly audible, and noticeable, if barely, wind whistle from the side windows and mirrors. On the redeeming side, fit and finish in the cabin was up to par, with no buzzes, squeaks or rattles.

Final Word

The 2005 Mercury Mariner fills a minor gap in Mercury's lineup, and it does so competently, if not with stellar success. It's as if somebody decided something needed to be done and right now, so how do we go about it? For now, the solid Ford Escape with Mercury styling will have to do. That said, the Mercury Mariner is a good choice among compact SUVs. New Car Test Drive correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from San Jose, California.