Mercury Mariner

Mercury Mariner
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	2005-Present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact SUV
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	Ford CD2 platform
Related	Mazda Tribute Ford Escape
Powertrain
Engine	2.3L 153 hp I4 3.0L 200 hp V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in

First generation
Overview
Production	2005–2007
Assembly	Claycomo, Missouri Avon Lake, Ohio
Dimensions
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in Hybrid: Template:Auto in

Second generation
Overview
Production	2008-Present
Assembly	Claycomo, Missouri
Dimensions
Length	Template:Auto in Premier: Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in

The Mercury Mariner compact SUV was introduced in 2005. It is a sibling of the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape, although it is slightly more upmarket than the other two. Mechanically, it is identical to the Ford Escape. It also includes stylistic differences, such as a two-tone interior, European-style turn signal repeaters, monotone cladding, and the signature Mercury "waterfall" front grille. The Mariner is Mercury's first car-based SUV, and is slotted below the Mountaineer in the lineup.

Since Mariner went on sale in September 2004 it has sold exactly 97,189 as of July 2007.

Sale numbers come from www.blueovalnews.com

Hybrid

In 2006 the Mariner Hybrid hit dealer lots. It is mechanically identical to its sibling, the Ford Escape Hybrid. Like the Ford Escape Hybrid, The Mariner Hybrid is a "full" hybrid electric system, meaning the system can switch automatically between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power, or a combination of electric battery and gasoline engine operating together, for maximum performance and efficiency at all speeds and loads. When braking or decelerating, the Mariner's hybrid system uses regenerative braking, where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle's momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries. With 155 horsepower, the Mariner Hybrid has nearly the same acceleration performance as the conventional 200 hp V6 Mariner.

Presidential Edition

On September 7, 2006 Ford delivered a special "Presidential Edition" Mercury Mariner Hybrid to former President Bill Clinton. Its custom features include

• LED lighting
• A 110-volt outlet
• Rear bucket seats
• Center console & rear seat fold-out writing desks
• Personal DVD players for each seat
• Refrigerator
• Increased rear seat legroom

There have also been several undisclosed security modifications made to the vehicle.

2008 Restyle

For the 2008 model year the Mariner will be significantly updated with a new look although built on the Ford CD2 platform used by the previous generation Mariner.

The changes will include a new seats, headlights, taillights, a new liftgate, a higher beltline and new doors and wheels.

The interior was also significantly updated with higher quality materials and more refined features.

The engines will remain the same but the 3.0L Duratec V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by 10%

The first 2008 Mercury Mariner was unveiled at the South Florida International Auto Show on October 6, 2006 and was touted as a new direction for the Mercury Brand.

Countries sold

The Mariner like all the other current Mercury models are only offered in the U.S. and Mexico.

Awards

• Consumers Digest best buy for 2005,2006,2007,
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid was awarded 2006 Green Car of the Year.

See also

List of hybrid vehicles