Mercury Mariner

Name: 2005 Mercury Mariner
Brand: Mercury

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The Mariner is a rebadged twin of the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute. All are unibody SUVs with a fully independent suspension. Our tested Ford Escape had a roomy interior that included a spacious rear bench. Handling is relatively nimble. The 3.0-liter, 200-hp V6 serves up adequate acceleration. Fuel economy was disappointing at just 18 mpg overall. The Mariner's sibling, the Escape, tipped up in the government rollover test.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2005 SUVs Reliability

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Mercury Mariner

vs. Similar Cars

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Honda CR-V

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2005 Compact SUVs Ratings

2005 Mercury Mariner

$3,125 - $3,375

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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2005 Chevrolet Equinox

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2005 Ford Escape

$3,100 - $3,525

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2005 Ford Escape Hybrid

$3,100 - $3,525

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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2005 Honda CR-V

$5,025 - $5,350

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2005 Honda Element

$4,575 - $5,525

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2005 Hyundai Tucson

$3,200 - $3,925

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2005 Jeep Liberty

$3,275 - $4,025

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2005 Kia Sportage

$2,975 - $3,675

EPA MPG NA

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2005 Mazda Tribute

$3,200 - $3,675

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2005 Mitsubishi Outlander

$3,075 - $4,200

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2005 Nissan Xterra

$3,575 - $4,550

EPA MPG 18 mpg

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2005 Pontiac Aztek

$2,950 - $3,175

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2005 Saturn Vue

$3,025 - $3,450

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2005 Subaru Forester

$3,975 - $5,675

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara

$2,725 - $4,125

EPA MPG NA

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2005 Toyota RAV4

$5,250 - $5,525

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2.3-liter 4 (153 hp)
3-liter V6 (200 hp)

4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2008-2011

2008 Redesign Year

The freshened 2008 model had standard side curtain airbags and, on non-hybrid models, electronic stability control. However, even with the freshening, the basic platform dated back to 2001. This shows up in a decided lack of agility, noisiness, and an unsettled ride. Interior fit and finish are improved over the previous model, but remain lackluster. On the plus side, the Mariner offers reasonably good interior room, easy access, and good outward visibility. A rear-view camera is optional. The 2011 model year was the last for the Mercury brand.

2005-2007

2005 Redesign Year

The Mariner has a roomy interior and great visibility out of the large windows. Handling is relatively nimble. The 3.0-liter, 200-hp V6 serves up adequate acceleration, but fuel economy is disappointing at just 18 mpg overall. A tip up in the government rollover test is a concern, and the Mariner scored Poor in the IIHS side-crash test when tested without side and curtain airbags. A hybrid version of the Mariner attained 26 mpg in our tests.