2005 Mercury Mariner Road Test

Ideal for Our High-Fuel Cost Times

Every now and then I see a TV ad or a placement in a magazine for Ford Motors Mercury division, and I find myself interested in a brand that was not long ago, hardly on my radar screen at all. Its not like I never liked Mercurys though. I actually owned a black on red leather 64 Montcalm (Meteor) coupe. It was massive, powerful and gorgeous, slung low to the ground, true to the brands hotrod mystique.

Todays Mercurys dont promote the same level of youthful lust as those from the 50s and 60s, but that doesnt mean theyre not intriguing. While I cant attest to being a fervent Grand Marquis fan, I really like the chiseled waterfall grille design

Mercury is becoming a brand that is actually starting to attract my attention. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

of the Ford Explorer-based Mountaineer and more distinctively attractive than Freestyle Monterey minivan.

I think, however, that the vehicle that best separates Mercury from its blue-oval sibling is its newest Mariner, a compact sport utility based off of the Escape. Its exterior styling is truly unique, boasting flush fascias front and rear, upscale brushed

The vehicle that best separates Mercury from its blue-oval sibling is the new Mariner, a compact sport utility based off of the Escape. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

aluminum trim and a gorgeous waterfall grille that visually extends downward to a racy air inlet that spans most of the lower front fascia. Each end meets up with large, rectangular fog lamps, giving the car a mini-Lincoln Navigator appearance.

It has that same upscale ambience when getting inside. No, power running boards arent part of the package, of course, but

A high level of upscale ambience continues into the cabin of the Mariner, with my test model featuring a unique dark gray and light gray two-tone interior. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

a unique interior treatment is. My test model featured a dark gray and light gray two-tone interior that was unlike anything Ive seen anywhere else, while its materials quality seem upgraded slightly over the Escape. The dash layout, while not completely unique, is at least modified to the point where most new car buyers wouldnt immediately notice any similarities to Fords smallest SUV.

I found the seats were more comfortable too.

For me, the European influence is a good thing, and the Mariner has this in spades. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

When inquiring as to why, I was told Mercury sourced their frames from the Mazda Tribute. Ah, now that makes sense, as Mazda put a great deal of effort into differentiating its sport utility from the Escape as well. Furthermore, I learned the gear selector treatment and the sporty four-spoke steering wheel innards (Mercury gave it a unique leather-wrapped appearance) also came from the Japanese automaker, the latter a particularly smart move on Mercurys side as it feels meaty in the hands, unlike most domestic wheels.

But then again, Ford and its Mercury offspring

The Mariner takes advantage of the same 200-hp 3.0-liter V6 that powers the Escape and Tribute. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

has done a good job leaving its domestic roots behind, so much that some critics are even saying the automaker is making its cars feel too European. While I find such claims ridiculous, critics are critics and theyve got to complain about something in order to obtain some sort of significance. For me, the European influence is a good thing, and the Mariner has this in spades.

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