- suv 96,738
- 9,907 fair
- Cerritos, CA
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- autoshopper.com
- suv 96,738 gasoline automatic
2010 mercury mariner hybrid review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. The mariner is based on the superb ford escape. the mariner has a bit more truck-style flair than some of its competitors; its ride height and seating position, for example, are higher than that of the honda cr-v or nissan rogue, and it can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is substantially more than most vehicles in the class. Still, the mariner delivers the advantages of other unit-body, car-based suvs such as the cr-v. The mariner is more car-like on the road than the jeep liberty, for example. Folding the rear seats opens a good-sized cargo area with a flat floor, and space behind the seat surpasses that in the trunk of a typical sedan. The finish is upscale and pleasing, and feature function and switches are among the best. Like other mariners, the gas-electric hybrid is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. Unlike some mild hybrid suvs, the mariner hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph. in line with a plan to rejuvenate the mercury brand, the mariner is intended to offer a step up in status over the ford escape. Yet it's worth noting that the escape can be equipped identically to the mariner, and with the same level of features the prices are essentially the same. In either case, a leather-upholstered v6 4wd, with premium audio, navigation, dual-zone climate control and other options will be over $30,000. At the higher end of the product line, the differences between the mariner and the escape really come down to styling details. for 2010 the changes are worthwhile but not major in nature. An integrated blind spot mirror, mykey programmable vehicle key, rear view camera system, and active park assist are now available, and the mariner also features hands-free sync with traffic, directions & information. A 240-hp, dual-overhead cam 3. 0-liter v6 1,000) is optional. These base models come well equipped, with air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, an am/fm stereo with cd and auxiliary jack, rear window defroster, cruise control, privacy glass and 16-inch alloy wheels. options for the base mariner include the preferred package 101a 1,315), which includes a moonroof and illuminated visors with mirrors; and the preferred package 102a, which adds leather, six-way power driver’s seat, driver’s lumbar support and ambient lighting. Stand-alone options include towing 395), side step bars 445), remote start 345), and a dual-headrest dvd entertainment system 1,995). the mariner premium 25,105) and premium 4wd 26,855) offer upscale trim, with leather seating, a six-speaker sound system, auto-dimming mirror and other features included. options for the premium level include the preferred package 201a 1,190), which includes the moonroof and premium sound system with seven speakers; the preferred package 202a 1,845), which adds the reverse sensing system, dual automatic temperature control, and universal garage-door opener; and the preferred package 203a 3,840), which adds navigation, sirius travel link, touch-screen monitor, subwoofer, and 40gb hard-drive. There are also numerous stand-alone options. the mariner hybrid 29,995) and hybrid 4wd 31,745) are equipped similarly to the premium models, with the hybrid powertrain replacing the v6. passive safety features include front- and side-impact airbags for front occupants, and curtain-type head protection airbags for all outboard seats. Rsc adds a second gyroscopic roll-rate sensor to the typical stability control package, measuring the mariner's roll angle and roll rate and applying countermeasures (such as braking one of the wheels or reducing power) to increase rollover resistance. walkaroundin a general, impressionistic way, the mariner looks a lot like a shrunken version of the larger mercury mountaineer suv. And while it may have a sedan-style unitbody with fully independent suspension underneath, the mariner has a more conventional, upright, truck-style look than a lot of its competitors. it starts with the big, bold, waterfall grille, which immediately attracts the eye from any angle on the front of the vehicle. There's a lot of brightwork on the mariner front and rear, but it's mostly a satiny, aluminum finish rather than conventional chrome. It gives the mariner a more understated, slightly more upscale look than the closely related ford escape. the high beltline creates the impression that the windows are short or narrow, emphasizing the mariner's truck-like look. The taillights have the same eyebrow shape as the headlights, which helps connect front and rear. The lenses are clear, with red and white clusters. we particularly like a couple of features in back of the mariner. A step pad on the bumper provides secure footing for anyone who steps up to put something on the roof rack, and the two-piece tailgate is handy. The rear glass can be popped open with the key fob, so dropping smaller items like a gym bag into the cargo area is easier than it might be with some competitors, which require hefting the entire gate upward. interiorthe mariner’s cabin contributes considerably to its overall refinement and appeal. This interior isn't a great leap forward in any particular fashion, but it's carefully thought out and well executed. Ergonomic function is excellent, and the visual impact is good. the brushed, satiny aluminum trim that abounds outside the mariner carries over inside, and anyone who likes the effect should find the mariner a pleasant place to spend time. The look and feel of the materials give the impression of quality. The front seats are smaller than those in a larger sport utility. We'd guess drivers with wide frames might find them small. There isn't an abundance of side bolstering, either, but that makes it easier to slide into the seats, and there's enough to keep occupants solidly in place for the type of driving a typical mariner owner is likely to undertake. For most drivers, the seats should have enough cushion and support to limit fatigue during a long commute. the gauges are clustered in a shaded binnacle that can be absorbed in a glance: tachometer left, speedometer right, with fuel and coolant temperature in the middle, along with an easy-to-read trip- and systems-info display. We loved this, because it includes a menu that allows the driver to easily cycle through and change features like headlight-off delay and auto-locking. the gauges and switches feature ford's corporate signature backlighting style, which the company calls ice blue. No gripe here, as the bluish white is crisper and brighter than conventional green-yellow or orange lighting. the dashboard is tall and squarish, but attractive. Big vents at the ends move lots of air, and there are two more in the middle near the top of the center stack. These can be aimed to avoid blasting the driver's hands or face with a rush of air. At the very top, nearly eye level, sits a neat display that shows compass heading, date and time, exterior temperature and interior temp settings. measured by the placement and function of switches and controls, the mariner is first rate, and examples are easy to find. When the driver rests his or her left forearm on the door rest, the window buttons sit almost perfectly at the fingertips. With elbows on the door rest and center console, arms are even and hands rest nicely at nine and three on the steering wheel. The mirror adjustor sits on the door pillar, and it's easy to reach when the driver's head is in driving position. One easy-to-use stalk controls the blinkers and all wiper/washer functions. Steering-wheel controls for cruise and audio work without moving hands from the driving position. the primary audio and climate controls are even b.
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