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2008 Mercury Mariner Review
A sensible SUV in a smart package.
2008 Mariner Review Summary & Specifications
The 2008 Mercury Mariner offers front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, competitive four- or six-cylinder engines and the Hybrid package, which works essentially as the conventional models do. Fuel mileage for all models, and towing capacity, rank with the best in class. Substantial improvements for 2008 add safety features, refinement, comfort and more style. For all-purpose, reasonably efficient daily transport on the road, the Mariner rates among the best smaller SUVs. Shoppers seeking genuine off-road potential should look elsewhere.J.P. Vettraino filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com after his test drive of the Mariner in the Detroit area.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | J. P. Vettraino |
| Model Lineup | Mercury Mariner ($20,920); Mariner 4WD ($22,670); Premium ($23,820); Premium 4WD ($25,770); Hybrid ($27,020); Hybrid 4WD ($28,770) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.3-liter dual overhead-cam 16-valve Atkinson-cycle inline-4 with 70-kW, 330-volt electric motor |
| Engines (optional) | 153-hp 2.3-liter inline-4; 200-hp 3.0-liter V6; 133-hp 2.3-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 with 70-kW, 330-volt electric motor |
| Transmissions (standard) | CVT |
| Transmissions (optional) | 4-speed automatic; CVT continuously variable transmission |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | front-impact airbags, front passenger side-impact airbags, curtain style head-protection airbags for all outboard seats, rollover protection system with roll stability control, dynamic stability control, four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) , tire-pressure monitor |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | none |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-521-4140 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.mercuryvehicles.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 20920 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mercury Mariner Hybrid ($27,020) |
| Standard Equipment | air conditioning, six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar control, AM/FM/cassette with in-dash six-CD changer and auxiliary jack, cruise control, power locks, illuminated remote keyless entry pad, automatic headlights, power mirrors, power windows with express down for driver's window, auto-dim rearview mirror, center console with armrest, message center with compass and outside temperature, dual illuminated visor mirrors, three accessory power outlets, privacy glass, electric rear window defroster, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, floor mats |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Premium Package ($3,395) includes leather seating, GPS navigation system with seven-speaker audiophile stereo, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, roof rack with crossbars and retractable cargo cover; Hybrid Moon & Tune Package ($995) includes power glass sunroof with shade and Sirius Satellite Radio receiver with six-month subscription; 110-volt electrical outlet ($180) |
| Destination Charge | 665 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 32255 |
| Horse Power | 133 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 124 @ 4250 |
| Fuel Economy | 34/30 |
| Wheelbase | 103.1 |
| Length/Width/Height | 175.2/71.1/68.0 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 36.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.4/53.4/41.6 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.2/49..1/35.6 |
| Trunk Volume | 66.0 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 1000 |
| Front Suspension | independent, MacPherson strut, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, multi-link, coil springs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.6 |
| Curb Weight | 3657 |
| Stock Tires | P235/70R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/disc with four-channel ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.0 |
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