2008 Mercury Mariner

2008 Mercury Mariner
Introduced in 2005 as Mercury’s entry-level, small SUV, Mariner built on the style and success of the mid-size four-door Mountaineer. The original Mariner was designed for customers who wanted a little more than a standard, small SUV, as it delivered a high level of design sophistication, more standard features, premium interior materials and unique content in a smartly packaged, fuel-efficient model.

Now, with the first significant redesign of Mariner since its launch, the new 2008 model builds on that foundation by adding higher levels of style and refinement – it is a look that will define the Mercury brand moving forward.

The 2008 Mariner hits dealer showrooms in early 2007 and is completely redesigned inside and out. In addition to fresh sheet metal with new Mercury design cues and a remade interior, Mariner is updated with a comprehensive safety package, a quieter ride and more refined driving dynamics. What has not changed is the overall package: Mariner retains the fuel-efficiency, maneuverability and the fun-to-drive nature that is a core characteristic of the small SUV package.

On the outside, the 2008 Mariner’s all-new sheet metal includes significant design changes to the front/rear fascias, liftgate, headlamps and taillamps, a raised beltline, new hood and B-pillar blackout molding. There’s also a unique satin signature waterfall grille.

Head and taillamps have a unique “eyebrow” design running around the lenses, bringing together the front and rear ends of the vehicle. Look closely: The headlamps are accentuated with a Mercury badge subtly integrated inside the housing. The taillamps have four inner lenses and a clear lamp with a red inner lens. The “powerdome” hood has a unique reverse crease that draws the eye from the grille toward the windshield.

The 2008 Mariner has, as standard safety equipment, a side-impact protection system consisting of several components: Ford’s Safety Canopy™ side air curtains provide head and neck protection for the first- and second-row passengers, and side impact airbags deploy out of the upper portion of the front seats to protect the upper and lower torso of the driver and passenger. Additionally, there are occupant friendly door trims with softened armrests, side impact foam bolsters and intrusion door beams that distribute the loading during an impact to the hinge and B pillars.

Every non-hybrid 2008 Mariner comes standard with Advance Trac ® with RSC ®, a Ford Motor Company-exclusive roll stability control and active safety system.

Sauceboy01Sauceboy01 - 10/6/2006 2:11:55 PM
+1 Boost
I saw this posted 3 times already...


mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 10/6/2006 4:46:24 PM
+1 Boost
Not on Autospies



OBSERVER1984OBSERVER1984 - 10/6/2006 2:16:21 PM
+1 Boost
Even more


Agent004Agent004 - 10/6/2006 3:11:49 PM
+1 Boost
Mark it as a Dupe then (click on Report Story at the top)! :)


CarboyCarboy - 10/6/2006 3:25:37 PM
+1 Boost
The current one is way better. THis one is so egly! *pukes forever*


JCF110JCF110 - 10/6/2006 4:58:06 PM
+1 Boost
Is it just me or does that front end just scream NISSAN X-TRAIL!?!?


klossfamklossfam - 10/6/2006 5:06:46 PM
+1 Boost
That Merc is one UGLY little SUV...Although I should refrain from comment until I see it in person...
For example: Didn't like the new Honda CR-V in print BUT like it in person...Liked the new Acura MDX in print BUT in person - YIKES!!!! - the worst snoot EVER on a Honda product!


webguywebguy - 10/6/2006 6:44:05 PM
+1 Boost
It's good to see Mercury (and Ford) finally catch up to the mid-90's Japanese trend of clear taillights. At this rate, the next redesign will include a nav screen that pops up from the dash!

Aside from that, I think it looks ok on the outside... but Mercury needs to do better than ok. GM’s upcoming SUV designs look much better.

On the inside… Is it just the picture, or is the steering wheel actually slightly off in color? They appear to be factory published photos, so either way that’s not good.

The interior layout looks as is someone was told to be "modern and upscale yet rugged" but hadn’t a clue on how to pull it off. The multi-colored panels have no cohesiveness or feeling of deliberate contrast. Instead, it gives the cabin a Frankenstein-ish character. Also, the glove box shouldn’t be so low, the passenger airbag chamber should not dominate the dash like that.

I’m sure there is plenty to like about this, I’d just like to see a better product from an American car company, who’s supposed specialty is trucks and SUVs.


chewychewy - 10/6/2006 7:11:38 PM
+1 Boost
Not an improvement in interior and exterior stylings, looks newer but not good.


peterusspeteruss - 10/7/2006 6:02:13 PM
+1 Boost
2 things: This is not a redesign, it's a "refresh". All-new arrives 2010.

I'm not sticking up for the Escape/Mariner twins, but the Escape is the best-selling compact SUV in the US. And the Mercury brand came in #2 behind Lexus in dependability and least number of problems per vehicle. Toyota was 5th and Honda was 7th.

(ok, 3 things) How long did it take Toyota and Honda to redesign the utterly hideous RAV and CR-V?! They threw some new head/tailights on 'em year after year forever and they sold just fine.



peterusspeteruss - 10/7/2006 6:15:22 PM
+1 Boost
btw, that wasnt a reply to chewy...
just a cpl thoughts about how the Japanese are relatively new to the "halfway decent design club".


I95SPEEDINGTICKETSI95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/8/2006 11:36:08 AM
+1 Boost
So your argument is that this THING above is somehow able to compete with the Rav4 or in the Looks department (Interior or Exterior) ?


atomicbriatomicbri - 10/6/2006 7:27:26 PM
+1 Boost
LOL! So is the platform new as well??? Or is this just a facelift of ther current model. If so I thought Ford was going to redesign this platform not to long from now with the new Escape.... I am confused.


S4cabriofoxS4cabriofox - 10/6/2006 10:20:56 PM
+1 Boost
I like the front, but the rear is questionable, and the interior seems confusedly tacky. Current version is more appealing.


2JZSoarer2JZSoarer - 10/8/2006 3:18:54 PM
+1 Boost
New look but the same cheap interior!!!


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