2009 Mercury Mariner Review
2009 Mercury Mariner Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Comfortable interior, decent performance and fuel economy, full array of standard safety features.
Cons
- Poor braking from outdated front disc/rear drum setup, hard-to-fold rear seat.
What’s new
All 2009 Mercury Mariner models are equipped with a new six-speed automatic transmission. The base four-cylinder engine gets a bump in displacement, power and fuel efficiency, while the optional V6 gains a useful 40 horsepower. Additionally, Ford's Sync multimedia integration system is now available, the suspension is tweaked for an improved ride and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are standard across the board. A new Premier I4 trim level rounds out the changes for 2009.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Mercury Mariner isn't exactly the freshest face on the block, sharing as it does a nine-year-old platform with its Ford Escape sibling. However, significant powertrain and other upgrades for 2009 help keep it broadly competitive with other compact SUVs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Mercury Mariner 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$193/mo for Mariner Base
Mariner Base
vs
$189/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
Nine years is an eternity in the automotive world. For many automakers, that's almost enough time for two complete model cycles. Yet the 2009 Mercury Mariner soldiers on atop a platform that's entering its ninth year of production. Fortunately, a collection of important changes for '09 should prevent this aging design from falling by the wayside.
To be fair, the Mariner has already benefited from a rejuvenation in 2008 that included new sheet metal and a revamped interior. However, no significant mechanical changes were included. Mercury has addressed this omission for 2009 by performing the impressive twofold feat of increasing engine output while also improving fuel economy, thanks in large part to a new six-speed automatic transmission that replaces the four-speed in previous Mariners. And that's not all -- the suspension has been revised for improved ride quality, and 2009 Mariners can also be equipped with Ford's exclusive Sync multimedia integration system.
Do these upgrades pull the Mariner even with the best compact SUVs? Well, yes and no. The Mariner's beefed-up engines certainly help its cause -- the 240-hp V6 is bested only by Toyota's 268-hp RAV4 and Hyundai's 242-hp Santa Fe, while the 171-hp four-cylinder unit is also class-competitive. Fuel economy likewise puts the Mariner in the thick of the compact SUV race. The front-wheel-drive four-cylinder models achieve a satisfactory 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway, while the front-wheel-drive V6 versions nearly match that at 18/26.
Additional points in the Mariner's favor include a fairly spacious cabin and secure handling, as well as the availability of the Sync system. But in other ways, the Mariner just isn't up to snuff. Most notably, its rear brakes were downgraded to inferior drums in 2008, and the '09 Mariner continues to bear this badge of shame. In our testing of a similar Escape with rear drums, the best stopping distance we could manage from 60 mph was 154 feet -- at least 25 feet longer than average, and frankly unacceptable in this day and age. The rear seats are a hassle to fold down, as the headrests must be removed and the seat cushions flipped up before the seatbacks can be folded down.
In sum, we haven't been high on this aging Mercury in recent years, but its upgrades for 2009 give us pause. The Mariner's power deficit has been rectified while also improving fuel economy, and the alluring Sync system gives it a technological edge over its compact SUV rivals. However, its braking performance is poor, and there's no getting around the fact that its chassis is nine years old. While the 2009 Mercury Mariner is definitely worth a longer look than it was last year, don't forget about newer competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4.
Performance & mpg
The 2009 Mercury Mariner can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.5-liter inline-4 that generates 171 hp and 171 pound-feet of torque motivates the I4 and Premier I4 models. The V6 and Premier V6 models come with a 3.0-liter V6 that churns out 240 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Properly equipped, the V6 Mariner can tow up to 3,500 pounds. EPA estimates for front-wheel-drive I4 models stand at 20 miles per gallon city/28 mpg highway (19/25 for AWD models), while front-wheel-drive V6 models should achieve 18 mpg city/26 highway (17/24 for AWD models).
Safety
Antilock brakes (albeit with rear drums), traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with a rollover sensor are all standard on the 2009 Mercury Mariner.
In government frontal-impact crash tests, the Mariner earned a perfect five stars in front and side crash tests. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Mariner scored the highest rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side tests.
Driving
The 2009 Mercury Mariner's new-for-'08 electric power-steering system surprises us with its adequate road feel and responsiveness. As ever, this venerable compact SUV feels secure during spirited cornering, and this year's refinements to the suspension improve ride quality and make it more competitive in this segment. Brake pedal feel is good, but stopping distances are abysmally long.
Interior
Fit and finish is good inside the 2009 Mercury Mariner, and functionality is boosted by a huge center console with removable bins. Satin-finish metallic accents and available leather upholstery create an upscale ambiance. However, while the front seats are nicely shaped and supportive, the rear seat is as flat as a day-old soda and offers neither a recline function nor fore/aft adjustability. To make matters worse, it's a pain to fold the rear seat down, as the headrests must be removed and the bottom cushions tipped forward before the seatbacks can be flipped down. Cargo volume stands at a useful 29 cubic feet with the rear seat in place and 66 cubic feet when that seat is folded down.
2009 Mercury Mariner models
The 2009 Mercury Mariner compact SUV is available in four trim levels: I4, V6, Premier I4 and Premier V6. The base I4 Mariner comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, privacy glass, full power accessories, air-conditioning, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a four-speaker CD stereo, an auxiliary input jack and keyless entry. The V6 includes all of the base I4's standard equipment plus the 3.0-liter V6 engine. The Premier I4 model adds rear parking sensors, ambient interior lighting, leather/Alcantara upholstery, a power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, Sync, an in-dash CD changer, satellite radio and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Premier V6 model pairs the Premier I4's standard content with the six-cylinder motor.
Options on non-Premier models include a roof rack, a moonroof, Sync, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, ambient interior lighting, an in-dash six-CD changer and satellite radio. Among the options on Premier models are 17-inch wheels, step bars, a moonroof, an upgraded seven-speaker stereo system, a navigation system and heated front seats. Class II towing preparation is also available on V6 models only.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Mercury Mariner.
5 star(63%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(9%)
1 star(0%)
44 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
Transmission problems
VIC, 09/23/2010
2009 Mercury Mariner 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
We bought this car in august 2009. We have taken it to the dealer in 3 different occasions for transmission problems. The first time they said they had to reprogram the computer. The second time they said they had a recall and they had to reprogram the computer again. This week we took it in again and they said they can fix the problem since they cannot reproduce the problem while … testing it. This is the worst car we ever owned. The rpm jump to 6000 in the highway, the car basically stops working and you have to get out of the highway to avoid an accident. This happens randomly. Once you stop and restart the car it runs without problems. This dealer has not help us in solving the problem.
3 out of 5 stars
Transmission. Seems to be the common denominator
Ken, 01/28/2016
2009 Mercury Mariner 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
Our car has been garage kept, low mileage, driven smoothly.
Transmission has been a nightmare. Has been to the dealership 8 times for exact same transmission issue without long term repair. They simply reset the computer. So it's obviously a software problem. They deny there is a recall or even a service bulletin regarding same, even though I have found proof otherwise.
Now that it's … out of warranty, they want to charge $175.00 each time they "reprogram " the computer. As it turns out, a FORMER service tech explained that this involves disconnecting the battery for 30 mins. That's it!
Our dealer will not stand by any one these so called 'repairs', and that's the real issue. No real repair, no long term fix, no support or warranty on service.
Next vehicle model will be more thoroughly researched with long history of good service ratings, likely a Subaru.
UPDATE: 8-16 car remains in our possession, but sadly we can't trust it for longer trips, so it stays in the garage.
5 out of 5 stars
I love my car! She has a name..Bessie or Dragonfly
Meg Beshey, 03/13/2016
2009 Mercury Mariner 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I've had this car since 2009 when it made me buy it from across the parking lot while at a restaurant! This car has held up to hauling artwork, art supplies, camping gear, hauling college student things, dogs, building materials, oh and many people too! It is durable and has outlasted many other friends' vehicles by far. Low maintenance car and has dealt w/ many unusual weather issues w/ … ease. The back seats fold down to give you space for whatever you need to haul and is split/flexible too for those times when you need three seats and hauling things. Whenever she goes in for a trade, it would be a great first car for anyone.
Just went on a major road adventure for family wedding out of state. Had to haul medical items for my father this time and it included a walker, wheelchair, their luggage, mine/daughters, bags up the wazoo let alone the coat bags/robe for the wedding (dad's a minister). It was packed but the storage again in the back was amazing yet was able to see fine to drive and everyone in comfort. As we arrived, we went through a torrential downpour and heavy traffic in a metro area, the car handled like a pro and kept us safe when others were hydroplaning. Thankful for this car.
5 out of 5 stars
Great SUV
Russ Page, 01/23/2019
2009 Mercury Mariner 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
Despite Edmunds concern about rear brakes, never had problems with them. Car got regular maintenance at dealer. Dealer service great, whether Mercury or when Mercury went away, Ford. Folding rear seats may have been a pain, but no worse than any van I ever owned. Sync electronics in 2009 far superior to electronics in later models(such as an Escape). Hands-free phone better than … equivalent in 2011 Toyota Avalon. Won't allow distracting operation such as texting, directory look up when vehicle moving in excess of 3mph.
2009 Mariner Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,650 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $193/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 29.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Mariner include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestMarginal
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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