2011 Mercury Mariner Review
2011 Mercury Mariner Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Impressive roster of high-tech goodies
- adequate performance and fuel economy
- excellent crash test scores.
Cons
- Non-reclining rear seat is difficult to fold
- poor braking performance
- forgettable driving experience.
What’s new
Though the 2011 Mercury Mariner has some desirable attributes, particularly in the technology arena, there are still better choices overall.
Edmunds says
Though the 2011 Mercury Mariner has some desirable attributes, particularly in the technology arena, there are still better choices overall.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 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 $3.56 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$180/mo for Mariner Base
Mariner Base
vs
$188/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
For a long time, Mercury vehicles have been little more than gussied-up versions of Ford products. And so it is with the 2011 Mercury Mariner, which is a slightly uptown version of the Ford Escape. The interesting twist is that this will be the Mariner's last year, because Ford has decided to discontinue the Mercury brand after 2011.
In some ways, the Mariner is still a decent small crossover. In the power department, its 240-horsepower V6 might be outgunned by the Chevrolet Equinox's 264-hp V6 and the Toyota RAV4's 268-hp V6, but it's still more than enough to scoot the Mariner around with some gusto. The base-model Mariner's four-cylinder engine is respectable when compared to the fours of its rivals in terms of output, fuel economy and real-world performance.
The Mariner also offers a number of high-end features unavailable on most rivals, such as Ford's Sync voice-activated multimedia system. Once connected through your Bluetooth-compatible phone, Sync can also provide traffic reports and turn-by-turn directions. The Mariner also offers features like an automated parallel parking assist system and MyKey (which allows parents of teenage drivers to set electronic limits for vehicle speed and stereo volume). Other Mariner strong points are excellent crash test scores and the availability of a hybrid model (reviewed separately).
Just as with the Ford Escape, however, there are still a few notable deficiencies in the Mariner's profile. One is that the rear drum brakes result in subpar braking performance. Another is the rear seats, which don't recline for passenger comfort and are somewhat complicated to tumble forward for more load capacity (although the load floor is usefully flat as a result).
For some consumers, these few demerits will be more than compensated for by the 2011 Mercury Mariner's many attractive convenience features. They may also be enticed by a screaming deal, as 2011 will be the last year for the Mercury brand. But we'd still advise compact crossover shoppers to also consider the comfortable 2011 Chevrolets Equinox, the refined 2011 Honda CR-V, the stylish 2011 Kia Sportage, the sporty 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander, the stylish Nissan Rogue, the versatile Subaru Forester, and the powerful 2011 Toyota RAV4.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Mercury Mariner is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. The base 2.5-liter inline-4 generates 171 hp and 171 pound-feet of torque, while the uplevel 3.0-liter V6 cranks out 240 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimates are about average for this segment, with front-wheel-drive I4 models checking in at 20 miles per gallon city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined (19/25/21 for AWD models), while front-wheel-drive V6 models are rated at 18 mpg city/26 highway/21 combined (17/24/20 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 equipment on the 2011 Mercury Mariner.
The Mariner earned a perfect five stars from the government in both front and side crash tests. In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Mariner scored the highest rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side tests. Unfortunately, the Mariner's braking performance is poor. From 60 mph, the Ford Escape we tested (mechanically identical to the Mariner) required 138 feet to come to a halt.
Driving
The 2011 Mercury Mariner feels reasonably secure during quick changes of direction, and its ride quality is pleasantly supple. Performance from either engine is satisfactory, and the six-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifts. Braking distances are unacceptably long, however, and in general the Mariner lacks that extra dynamic something that would distinguish it from other compact crossover SUVs.
Interior
The Mariner's cabin is a pleasantly functional space, thanks in part to a huge center console with removable bins. Satin-finish metallic accents and available leather upholstery add a premium sheen. The Mariner shows its age, however, in terms of comfort and space. Up front, the seating position feels upright and trucklike and there's no telescoping steering wheel, so you have the feeling that you're hovering above the controls.
The front seats are shaped well enough, but the rear seat is as flat as a pirate's plank and offers neither a recline function nor fore/aft adjustability. What's more, folding the seatback down for maximum cargo capacity is a royal pain, requiring the headrests to be removed and the bottom cushions to be tumbled forward, a consequence of offering a flat load floor. 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 – not bad given the Mariner's relatively compact footprint.
2011 Mercury Mariner models
The 2011 Mercury Mariner compact SUV is available in four trim levels: base I4, base V6, Premier I4 and Premier V6. As you'd expect, I4 and V6 models have different engines under the hood -- no other features distinguish these models from one another.
The base models come standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, privacy glass, full power accessories, air-conditioning, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a four-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The Premier models add rear parking sensors, ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, leather upholstery (microfiber suede inserts are a no-cost option), a power driver seat, a six-speaker stereo, Sync and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Options for base models include a roof rack, a moonroof, Sync, leather upholstery (with heated front seats), a power driver seat and ambient interior lighting. Available on Premier models are a Chrome Appearance package (with the grille, 17-inch wheels and roof rails covered in the shiny stuff), side step bars, 17-inch wheels, a back-up camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, the Auto Park system (new technology from Ford steers the car automatically while parallel parking), full microfiber-suede upholstery, a sunroof, an upgraded seven-speaker stereo system and a hard-drive-based navigation system (with music storage, HD radio, Sirius Travel Link and real-time traffic).
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Mercury Mariner.
5 star(62%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(3%)
37 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Love this SUV 🚙
Amanda Daube, 02/13/2018
2010 Mercury Mariner Premier 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I've had my 2010 mariner premiere since 32000 miles, bought it used from an Acura dealership and they had it listed for its lowest value on kbb.org. I went and bought it the same day and have loved it since. I change oil regularly and keep up on any repairs, but honestly, compared to other vehicles, I've had very little issues. It has all the bells and whistles and I absolutely love this … ride! I would recommend it to anyone and am pissed they stopped making mercury vehicles.
5 out of 5 stars
Sorry I Waited So Long
Carole H., 03/29/2018
2010 Mercury Mariner Premier 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
Dollar for dollar, this super-roomy, 5-passenger SUV is a great buy. Heated seats are surely welcome on those cold, snowy/rainy days. Enough bells and whistles to make driving it an absolute pleasure. Even filling the tank is a breeze given it's fuel-easy, no-cap tank. And regular gas is all that's required. Gotta love it! Both around town and long distance driving are a breeze: … comfortable ride, cruise control, phone/radio and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel, voice-controlled Bluetooth and Sirius, CD player, auto headlights, auto lock/unlock, backup warning, plenty of storage and fold-down rear seats in case you need more, privacy windows, roomy console with lost of space, two cup holders for front seats, two for back seats , mood lighting (choice of colors with the push of a button), USB port, input jack, etc. Dollar vs value, I don't think you can beat this SUV. Can you get more features in an SUV? Of course, but you'll pay more too.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Can't Say Enough About This Vehicle!
kaerae01, 12/15/2009
2010 Mercury Mariner Premier 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I work as a supervisor in the construction industry and was looking for something that could climb over "anything and everything" and through snowy mountains. Got exactly what I wanted with this. It zooms past other larger vehicles, although I did get the V6 Premium model. Got a great deal on it too, so don't limit yourselves to the base model as the premium is more affordable than … one would think! Will keep this till it kicks the bucket. Had a Chevy Tracker prior and it couldn't hold a candle to this, and before that a Mercury Tracer. Love this as much as I did my Tracer.
4.63 out of 5 stars
First time Mercury Owner
mariner10, 11/01/2012
2010 Mercury Mariner Premier 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
I purchased this vehicle used a few weeks ago and I am very pleased.
It is almost 3 years old at this point but only had 11,000 miles on it.
It's smaller than the Oldsmobile Bravada I used to have.
I am pleased with the gas mileage (28.4) on the highway.
I could whine about a few minor things but there is no point.
Overall, I really like this vehicle.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Mercury Mariner, so we've included reviews for other years of the Mariner since its last redesign.
2011 Mariner Highlights
Base
Base MSRP | $23,565 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $180/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
NHTSA Overall Rating
3 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall3 / 5Driver2 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall3 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall3 / 5Driver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat3 / 5Back Seat3 / 5
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover23.7%
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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