The Mercury Mariner's car-based underpinnings allow a very smooth ride, decent handling, and good maneuverability, while its tall, boxy body brings a very useful interior for passengers or cargo.
The 2007 Mariner comes in three models--Convenience, Luxury, and Premier--ranging from economical to luxurious. Convenience models are powered by the 153-horsepower, 2.3L four-cylinder engine, while Luxury and Premier models get the 200-horsepower, 3.0L "Duratec" V6 engine. Both engines are only offered with a four-speed automatic transmission, and both can be specified with either front-wheel drive or an intelligent four-wheel-drive system that sends torque to the rear wheels as needed.
Convenience models come with air conditioning, keyless entry with keypad, a CD sound system with satellite radio, tilt steering, fog lamps, and power windows, locks, and mirrors. The Luxury model adds a six-way power driver seat and privacy glass, while the Premier adds extensively more, including machined aluminum wheels, heated outside mirrors, a six-disc CD changer, a reverse sensing system, and an overhead console. Notable options include a power moonroof, a towing package, and a cargo convenience package.
Anti-lock brakes are standard on all Mariners; side air bags and Safety Canopy side bags are standard on the Premier but available as part of a safety package on all other models.
The high-tech Hybrid model is at the top of the Mariner range. It employs a specially tuned 2.3L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor system, with a continuously variable transmission. Altogether, the hybrid system delivers 155 horsepower and acceleration that's comparable to the conventional V6 Mariner, according to the automaker, with very impressive fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon in the city, 29 highway. It also qualifies as an advanced technology partial zero emissions vehicle (AT-PZEV) in California emissions states, and in some conditions the Hybrid can operate at up to 25 mph for short distances on electric power alone.
The Hybrid is only distinguished on the outside by a few discreet hybrid badges, an air vent built into the driver's side rear-quarter window (to help keep the battery pack cool), and a unique 16-inch alloy wheel design. Inside, the Hybrid gets two-toned seats and door-trim panels, Sappele wood-grain finish, a battery indicator dial for the gauge cluster, and a message center that reports trip statistics. In Hybrids equipped with the available Hybrid Energy Audio and navigation system, there's also a four-inch screen that shows when the electric motor system is working, or when the battery is charging. The Hybrid model includes all-wheel drive.
For Mercury's 2007 Mariner, the top Premier model has expanded standard features, including side air bags and Safety Canopy side-curtain bags. The side bag systems remain optional on other models.
Three new colors are available: Dune Pearl Clearcoat Metallic, Light Sage Clearcoat Metallic, and Tungsten Grey Clearcoat Metallic.
The 2007 Mercury Mariner is essentially the same as the Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute, but it has a more distinctive appearance inside and out, along with a simplified model lineup and more standard equipment. The Mariner has an especially roomy interior and smooth ride, relative to other small SUVs. The Mariner Hybrid also stands out as being one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market, with especially high mileage in city driving. The more personal service offered by Lincoln-Mercury dealerships is an advantage, too.
