by J.T. Hills
SGN Contributing Writer

TOP
• Sophisticated styling
• Long list of standard features
• Available in Hybrid model

BOTTOM
• Backseat is cramped
• Acceleration isn’t exactly spectacular
• Some fit and finish details are a bit cheap

First introduced in 2005, the Mercury Mariner gets its first major facelift for the 2008 model year. The Mariner shares the same platform as the Ford Escape and, like the Escape, is also available in a Hybrid model for those seeking a green alternative in their SUV purchase. The Mariner is available in two trim levels; the Mariner (should be easy enough to remember), and the upscale Mariner Premier. Both trim levels are available in either two- or four-wheel-drive. After a week with the 2008 Mercury Mariner Premier 4WD, I’ve compiled a brass-tacks list of highly technical scientific data based upon observations, experimentation, tabulations, inspections and so forth. Here we go:

Do the Gays even drive Mercurys? More importantly, do the Gays even drive Mercurys that aren’t rental cars?
I’m sure the Gays drive Mercurys. After all, we represent a good 10% of the population, and that’s 10% from all aspects (ethnic, socio-economic, etc.) of the population. The problem is, though, that Mercury is in a transformation, and that transformation is designing automobiles for consumers that have a near-term life expectancy greater than five years – meaning that Mercury isn’t your father’s car (God knows they all drive Camrys); it’s your grandfather’s car. This image has been changing in recent years, though, with the introduction of the Milan. The 2008 Mariner integrates the fresh and sophisticated styling cues from the Milan for an SUV designed for an urban on-the-go consumer.
In addition to a more angular, eye-pleasing exterior, the interior design continues the updated retro theme found in many of the offerings from Lincoln and Mercury. There’s a lot of attention paid to the details in the fit and finish of the Mariner. The instrument panel has a rich use of textures and materials, new gauges, and a new center stack. It is also all nicely backlit with blue lighting. The center console is also large enough to store a laptop computer. The test vehicle came equipped with optional navigation and satellite radio. The touchscreen Nav system is easy to use without having to go through the entire owner’s manual to figure out how to enter an address. The satellite radio, though, tended to drop the signal a lot. The seats are nicely contoured and feature recycled fabric, and looked and felt very upscale. There was also plenty of leg and headroom for both front and rear occupants over six feet. There was also plenty of usable cargo space. Unlike many of its competitors, the 2008 Mariner comes with standard stability system with roll stability control and side impact and side curtain airbags. What you can’t see on the changes to the Mariner is also what you can’t hear. For 2008, Mercury substantially reduced noise and vibration by strengthening the body structure, improving airflow, and adding a sound-damping windshield, beefed-up headliner and thicker carpet.
The Mariner Premier I tested came with the optional 200 hp V6 with an estimated towing capacity of 3,500 pounds combined to a four-speed automatic transmission. The 200 hp V6 was more than adequate, but not exactly inspiring in the performance realm. I only got about 18 mpg in combined city and highway driving. This is about the same as many full sized SUVs on the market today with much larger engines. The four-speed automatic transmission is a rather dated relic of the past that doesn’t exactly provide for smooth and seamless shifting. The Mariner surprisingly handles much more like a car, though, and feels less truck-like than many of its Japanese and Korean competitors. 

OK, for a before-tax price of $29,450, what do you get?
The 2008 Mercury Mariner Premier comes with a nice list of standard features with much more sophisticated packaging from lets comparatively priced Japanese and Korean models. A quick look at the favorites includes:

Performance
• 200 hp V6 engine
• Four-speed automatic transmission
  with overdrive
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• 16” aluminum wheels
• Four-wheel drive

Safety
• Dual stage front air bags
• Side curtain airbags
• Safety canopy system
• Tire pressure monitor
• Reverse sensors
• Fog lamps

Comfort and Convenience
• Dual electronic climate control
• AM/FM/MP3 six-disc in-dash CD
  with four-speaker audio system
• Leather-wrapped steering
  with tilt and cruise control.
• Power windows, locks and mirrors
• Six-way power drivers seat
• Privacy glass

Additional Charges
• Heated package with
  power heated mirrors, seats
• Navigation system
• 17” satin finish aluminum wheels