2009 Mercury Mariner: More Power,Better Fuel Economy

For 2009 Mercury’s Mariner receives considerable improvements, making it one of the more desirable SUVs in its segment.

A new powertrain lineup, with a more powerful and fuel-efficient 2.5-liter I-4 engine and a new six-speed automatic transmission, leads the list of enhancements for 2009.

While I prefer the V-6-powered Mariner over the whiny four-cylinder model, Mariner’s new six-speed automatic transmission, refined aerodynamics and low-rolling-resistance Michelin tires help improve fuel economy while contributing to a quieter cabin.

Slip inside Mariner’s inviting interior and you’ll be delighted with its comfortable and spacious cabin.

Aside from a small amount of cheap-looking plastic on the dashboard and doors, Mariner’s cabin features seats that are luxurious and extremely comfortable. My only complaint is that the rear seats feature headrests that obstruct rear visibility, and the headrests must be removed before the rear seatbacks can be folded down.

Other than that, Mariner’s versatile cabin offers much to like. I especially enjoyed the optional navigation radio with traffic information and newly available SYNC system. SYNC links your Bluetooth phone to the vehicle, and it’s by far the best system out there.

If you’re unfamiliar with everything SYNC can do, you owe it to yourself to stop by your local Ford or Mercury dealership for a proper demonstration.



I also liked the available ambient lighting system that allows drivers to select one of seven different cool colors for the floor, cup holders and underneath the center pod area. It would be even better if the dashboard lighting could be changed, too.

Powering the Mariner is either a 2.5-liter I-4 or 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The four-cylinder makes 171-horsepower, but I found it a tad too noisy for my liking.




I’d recommend the V-6. It delivers an impressive 240 horsepower and offers remarkable fuel economy, even as a four-wheel-drive model. My 2009 Mercury Mariner Premier V-6 4WD tester (rated at 17/24) delivered almost 25 mpg while driving across town on Interstate 294.

I also like Mariner’s new capless refueling. There’s no gas cap. It’s just like NASCAR. The fuel fill neck has a valve that is automatically opened when you insert the fuel nozzle. Anyone who’s ever lost a gas cap or didn’t get it tightened properly will appreciate that.



The 2009 Mercury Mariner’s ride is much more refined than previous models. It doesn’t rival the ride provided by larger SUVs, but still, I was impressed.

The ride is smooth, confident, and pleasing. The electric-assist steering system, though, provides a bit too much assist for my liking. A little less assist would be favored by me. I also would like it if Mariner, like other SUVs, featured rear disc brakes instead of drum type.

Still, anyone shopping for a compact SUV should take Mariner for a ride. I think you’ll be surprised with how likable it is and how well it compares to the competition.

+ 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid Road Test
+ 2009 Ford Fusion,Mercury Hybrid Versions Go 47 MPH on Electric Power Alone
+ 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Coverage
+ 2010 Ford Escape,Mercury Mariner Get More Safety

2009 MERCURY MARINER PREMIER 4WD

ENGINE: 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: four-wheel drive

ECONOMY: 17 city/24 highway

BASE PRICE: $26,790

AS TESTED: $32,400 (including $695 for destination)
Gallery: 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

June Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Incentives: 'Drive the Ford Difference' Promotion

FORD DRIVES SAVINGS AND PEACE OF MIND IN TIME FOR SUMMER DRIVING SEASON.

* Ford continues to lead the way in boosting consumer confidence providing safe, fuel efficient transportation with the new "Drive the Ford Difference" event.
* Through the end of June, Ford will cover up to 3 months worth of payments on select new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
* 0 percent financing is also offered through Ford Motor Credit on select Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.
* Ford continues its partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and will donate $20 in the name of each prospective customer that test drives a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle, up to $1 million.

As the busy summer driving and family vacation season gets underway, Ford continues its commitment to delivering high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles for consumers to maximize their fun, relaxation and convenience during this welcomed time of year.

To take it a step further, through the end of June, the "Drive the Ford Difference" event provides added peace of mind, with Ford covering up to three months worth of payments on select new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicles, as well as 0 percent financing.

With the new "Drive the Ford Difference" campaign, consumers can stretch their travel dollars on other travel items.

"We continue to introduce world class products into the marketplace and are committed to restoring that much needed confidence for the consumer through our Drive the Ford Difference event," said Kenneth M. Czubay, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Our quality is unsurpassed by the best in the business and we remain focused on being the best or among the best in fuel economy with every new product introduced into the market."

Continued Commitment to Local Communities
In April, Ford announced a charitable endeavor with its longtime partner, Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. As a part of this program, Ford will donate $20 in the name of each prospective customer that test drives a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle, up to $1 million. Customers will have the ability to direct their contribution to the local Komen affiliate of their choice.

Ford and its dealers have dedicated more than $100 million to the fight against breast cancer, throughout its 15-year partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

"This test drive program will continue to go a long way in helping Komen directly serve women and men in hundreds of communities across the country with education, screening and treatment programs that address breast cancer issues close to home," said Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "Once again, Ford and its associates are demonstrating the creativity and drive that have made them outstanding Komen partners for the past 15 years."