2011 Mercury Mariner/ Review

Mariner is an entry level compact crossover Sports Utility Vehicle manufactured by Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. This model was introduced in 2005. Mercury Mariner is technically identical to Ford's Escape. For 2011 model Mariner will be offered with HD Radio as standard feature and rest all features will remain same as 2010 model. 2011 will be the last year of production of Mercury Mariner. 2011 Mercury Mariner competes with other SUV models like Chevrolet Equinox, KIA Sportage, Honda CRV, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rouge. National base price of 2011 Mercury Mariner is around $ 23, 565 which excludes destination charges.

Style and Trim Levels:

2011 Mercury Mariner is a crossover SUV available with four trim levels which include Base I4, Base V6, Premium I4 and Premium V6. Both I4 and V6 variants are armored with different power source and no other features distinguish these variants.

Base model is offered with 16 inch alloy wheel, privacy glass, fog lights, full power accessories; steering wheel mounted audio control, Air Conditioning and audio system with satellite radio, CD stereo system and AIX-IN jack. Premier model is armored with ambient interior lighting, parking sensors, heated front seats, power driver seats, audio system with six speakers, Sync, auto dimming rear view mirror and leather upholstery.

Some optional features offered with base model are moon roof, roof rack, sync, power driver seat, leather upholstery and ambient interior lighting. And optional feature available with Premium trim levels are 17 inch wheels, chrome appearance package which include roof rail covered with shinny stuff and 17 inch wheels, back up camera, dual zone automatic climate control, full micro fiber upholstery, auto parking system and upgraded stereo system with seven speakers with HD radio, real time traffic updates and Sirius travel link and hard drive based navigation system.

Engine and Performance:

2011 Mercury Mariner is armored with either front wheel drive channel of all wheel drive channel. Base trim is armored with 2.5 L capacity inline 4 engine and Premium variant is armored with 3.0 L capacity V6 engine; this powertrain is capable of pumping 240 HP of power and 223 lb-ft of torque. Both power sources are mated with six speed automatic gear transmission.

Specifications:

* Engine size (Base Model): 2.5 L

* Cylinders: inline 4

* Cam type: Double overhead camshaft 

* Valves: 16

* Valve timing: Variable

* Torque: 171 ft-lbs at 4500 RPM

* Horsepower: 171 HP at 6000 RPM

* Turning circle: 36.7 feet

Interior and Exteriors:

2011 Mercury Mariner's cabin is packed with ample features with huge center console. Some of the attractive features of this sedan are adjustable head restraints, floor console with three tire storage system, front and rear cup holders and two removable bins, power door locks with child safety, rear door locks, and power window with one touch down driver seat window, Sirius satellite radio with six month subscription. Center console is offered with metallic accent and upgraded leather upholstery. In terms of comfort and space, this model presents good room for all its occupants. Front seat is are well shaped and rear seat is quite flat which lacks recline and adjustability property. Some of attractive exterior feature of Mercury Mariner are front fog lamps, chrome exhaust tip, privacy glass on rear doors, lift gate and quarter windows, satin aluminum grille and variable intermittent front windshield wipers with 2 rear wipers with washers.

Safety:

2011 Mercury Milan is armored with some advanced and standard safety accessories which include Personal safety system for both passenger and driver which include dual stage front airbag, safety belt energy management retractor, safety belt pretensioners, safety belt usage sensors, crash severity sensors, driver's seat position sensors, restraints control, front passenger sensing system and restraint control module. This vehicle is also offered with Advance trac system with Roll Stability Control, Battery saver system, Belt minder, front seat side curtain airbags, dynamic side impact airbags, side collision foam bolsters and roll over sensors. My-Key owner control feature, remote keyless entry system with two integrated security code, safety restraint system with 3 point safety belts in all position, intrusion door beams, security lock with passive anti theft system and height adjustable shoulder belts. Mercury mariner is awarded with five stars for both side and frontal crash protection from NHTSA and IIHS has awarded GOOD rating in side and frontal offset crash protection.

Suspension System:

* Front: McPherson Struts with Multi link rear suspensions

* Rear: Four wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bar