2005 Mercury Mariner Review

The newest sport-utility vehicle on the block is the stylish Mercury Mariner, which is the first Mercury compact sport-ute.

The 2005 Mariner represents a smart move for Mercury because an increasing number of sport-utility buyers are opting for smaller, more economical carlike SUVs.

Mercury sold only cars for nearly all its history but has added its Monterey minivan and mid-size Mountaineer sport-utility to keep sales up in truck-crazy America.

As with those vehicles, the Mariner is an upscale version of a Ford model -- in this case, the Ford Escape, which is the top-selling compact sport-utility. (The Mazda Tribute also is similar to the Escape.)

Mercury versions of Ford models are upscale and appealing enough to be worth a good look. They tend to be overlooked because the Ford models are more heavily promoted and there are more Ford dealers than Mercury outlets.

Only 1,678 Mariners were sold in October, versus 15,589 Escapes, although sales of the Mariner probably would have been at least moderately higher if it hadn't just gone on sale.

The Escape comes in a large number of trim levels, including a new gasoline-electric hybrid version. Mercury keeps things simpler by just offering the entry Convenience, mid-range Luxury and top-line Premier Mariners, which all come with gasoline engines.

Mariners are offered with front- or all-wheel drive. The latter has no low-range gearing for tough off-road use, but adds surefootedness in bad weather; the system automatically transfers engine torque from front to rear as required by road conditions without driver intervention.

List prices range from $21,405 to $26,405, versus $19,405 to $26,555 for the gasoline-engine Escape. Mercury says the Mariner is designed for "customers who want a little more.'' It has more standard features than the Escape, upgraded interior materials and "unique content,'' which includes an optional rear-object-detection system not offered for the Escape.

The Convenience model has air conditioning, speed control, leather-wrapped tilt wheel, AM/FM/CD and power windows, mirrors and locks with keyless entry. The Luxury adds privacy glass, power driver's seat and a six-disc CD changer. The Premier adds custom-looking machined aluminum wheels, heated mirrors, killer sound system and power heated front seats with Preferred Suede.

Optional safety features include seat-mounted front side air bags and head-protecting curtain side air bags designed to deploy when sensors detect an impending rollover

The Convenience model has a 2.3-liter, 153-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which is fine in town but makes the Mariner only moderately fast on highways, although high-speed cruising is no problem.

The Luxury and Premier get a smooth, potent 3-liter V-6, which produces 200 horsepower and more torque for quick acceleration both in town and on expressways and highways.

Both engines work with a responsive four-speed automatic transmission.

The Escape offers both manual and automatic transmissions, but a manual gearbox wouldn't be in keeping with the Mariner's upscale status. Frankly, neither is the four-cylinder engine; all Mariners should have the smooth V-6, although the lowest-priced Mariner V-6 model costs $22,905.

My test Mariner Premier all-wheel-drive model's steering was quick, with decent road feel. Handling was sharp, and the firm, all-independent suspension provided a supple ride, although bad bumps could be felt. Braking was good, with nice pedal feel. All Mariners have all-disc brakes with an anti-lock system and a brake assist feature for surer emergency stops.

Cosmetically distinguishing the Mariner from the Escape -- and Tribute -- are such features as different front-end styling with a signature Mercury grille that has vertical, satin-aluminum-finished elements and distinctive headlights. There also is color-keyed bodyside cladding, besides European-style turn signal repeater lights on front fenders. Taillights are shrouded with horizontal satin-aluminum-accent grilles. Big, easily grasped chrome outside door handles also set the Mariner apart.

The tailored interior provides comfortable space for four to five 6-footers and looks striking, almost as if from an upscale foreign sports sedan, with premium materials and a two-tone color treatment. There are unique two-tone door panels and seats stitched with thick French seams.

Nicely shaped chrome inside door handles are easy to use and the interior is highlighted with wood grain, satin aluminum and chrome accents. The floor-mounted shifter even has a satin aluminum knob.

Front seats provide decent lateral support, and the easily read gauges have bright bezels and tastefully contrasting dark gray faces. Satin aluminum and wood grain bezels on the center console and center dashboard contribute to the rich interior theme.

Audio controls are conveniently put above the climate controls, and power window switches, and power mirror controls are nicely placed on the driver's door.

Also handy are grab rails on the inside windshield posts that can assist senior citizens getting in and out. It doesn't call for much extra effort to enter or leave, although rear door openings are rather narrow.

The interior is quiet, except for some road noise that can be heard at highway speeds. Occupants sit high, with a good view of surroundings.

The rear hatch has flip-up glass and a low, wide opening. The cargo area is large, and the entire split rear seat -- not just its seatbacks -- easily folds forward to greatly increase cargo space.

The Mariner has more than a touch of class and is a good alternative to the Escape or Tribute.

2005 MERCURY MARINER

PRICES
$21,405-$26,405

LIKES
Roomy. Quick with V-6. Very stylish interior. Step up from similar Ford Escape.

DISLIKES
Only moderately fast with base four-cylinder engine. Narrow rear door openings. Road noise.