Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Mercury Mariner
The 2008 Mercury Mariner hits dealer lots as a functional, no-frills SUV that can claim a spot as one of the least expensive on the market. However, this was not quite enough to wow our reviewer, Kelsey Mays, who tested one for a week, only to be under-whelmed by its lackluster interior. With little to set it apart from its competitors, Mays offers the Mariner only a tepid endorsement. Read his full review to find out why.



This is probably a question I should pose to Ask.cars, and I dont mean this in any insulting way towards Ford. Its just more of a curiousity. What exactly is the point of Mercury? Im not saying their vehicles are bad, but theyre just slightly different iterations of their Ford counterparts. I mean theyre not necessarily a luxury brand for the company so I can't really fathom the demographic theyre shooting for. Is it just a style thing? They do look better than their counterparts...slightly. I dont know how well Mercury resonates in a car buyers mind when they consider a new vehicle. Personally I have never really considered them myself. If I were on the market for a new small SUV I would think of the Escape well before the Mariner comes to mind.
Posted by: Phaeton | Nov 28, 2007 11:45:25 AM
I know that ford has had them on the chopping block numerous times- but the brand has a very loyal repeat customer base. I think it has one of the highest conquest percentages in the industry, and it appeals mainly to women and lets face it- that is a good demographic to be apealing to.
Posted by: | Nov 28, 2007 11:52:06 AM
Phaeton,
I think your question is a common one in and outside the industry. A lot of it has to do with dealers and Ford is spending a lot of money to consolidate all the Lincoln and Mercury dealers. I would hazard a guess they want to do this so they can close up Mercury and focus on Lincoln which believe it or not does ok mainly because of the navigator and MKX.
Posted by: Dave T. | Nov 28, 2007 11:53:45 AM
I agree that the redesigned Escape and Mariner do not appear that competitive in the market. However, they do appear to be selling reasonably well, as the article I included in my post discusses. Who knows how sustainable that will be though. http://www.kansascity.com/business/story/379611.html
Posted by: Liger | Nov 28, 2007 1:02:37 PM