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Acceleration
"Mercury says most Mariners sold are Luxury and Premier. Their V6 has good power
for most situations--even with AWD, which adds only 150-160 lb. Test AWD V6s
timed 8.9 sec 0-60 mph. Experience with test Escapes shows 4-cyl performance
only adequate at best. Automatic transmission generally smooth, but sometimes
hesitates to downshift for passing. FWD Escape Hybrid took 9.6 sec 0-60, but
felt stronger, as did test AWD Mariner Hybrid. Gas-electric operation generally
smooth, though transitions between gas and electric power sources can be abrubt. "
Value
"Despite higher sticker prices than its cousins, Mariner is a Best Buy. The extra
dollars mainly buy more-upscale trim, a little extra sound insulation, and a
slightly more-compliant ride. Hybrids command an additional premium that may
take years to offset in fuel savings. But the value consideration must also take
into account the hybrid system's exhaust-emissions benefits. Whatever the name,
these compact SUVs are very likable, especially with their frequent discounts."
Ride
"Mariners include 16-inch tires like all Tributes and most Escapes, but have
slightly softer suspension. Ride is thus a tad more absorbent, with less impact
harshness. The tradeoff is a touch more float over high-speed dips and swells,
though it's not severe."
Noise
"Engines fairly raucous at high rpm--Hybrid included--but quiet enough at normal
highway speeds. Wind rush marked from around 60 mph, mostly from door mirrors.
Coarse-pavement tire thrum audible but not irksome. Some testers feel Mariners
and Tributes are slightly quieter overall than Escapes."
Comfort - Front
"Adult-size leg and head room, but optional sunroof trims head clearance for
tall occupants. Some testers find seats flat, unsupportive for long-distance
driving. Fine all-around visibility. No-strain entry/exit."
Comfort - Rear
"Knee and foot room above the class norm, helped by flat floor. Supportive, well-contoured
seat is wide enough for short-trip 3-adult comfort. Entry/exit a bit constricted,
but OK. Note that rear DVD entertainment is available for Tribute, but not Mariner
or Escape."
Controls
"Chrome, aluminum-finish and woodgrain accents nicely dress up mostly well-designed
dashboard shared with Escape and Tribute. But Hybrid's available navigation system
suffers small screen and controls that compromise its usefulness. Heated leather
seats available for Luxury and Hybrid; Premieres come with heated seats and smart
two-tone leather/faux-suede upholstery. Interior materials, general workmanship
above average for class."
Cargo Room
"Generous space enhanced by low-level load deck, convenient separate-opening
tailgate glass. Reat seatbacks fold flat once headrests are off and seat bottoms
tilted up or removed. Cabin storage OK fore, poor aft."
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