Mercury Mariner

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Mercury Mariner
2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company
Production 2005-Present
Class Compact SUV
Body style(s) 4-door SUV
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform Ford CD2 platform
Engine(s) 2.3L 153 hp (114 kW) I4
3.0L 200 hp (150 kW) V6
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase 103.1 in (2619 mm)
Related Mazda Tribute
Ford Escape
First generation
Mercury Mariner
Production 2005–2007
Assembly Claycomo, Missouri
Avon Lake, Ohio
Length 174.9 in (4442 mm)
Width 70.1 in (1781 mm)
Height 69.7 in (1770 mm)
Hybrid: 70.4 in (1788 mm)
Fuel capacity 16.5 US gallons (62.5 L/13.7 imp gal)
Second generation
2008 Mercury Mariner
Production 2008-Present
Assembly Claycomo, Missouri
Length 175.2 in (4450 mm)
Premier: 175.5 in (4458 mm)
Width 71.1 in (1806 mm)
Height 68.8 in (1748 mm)

The Mercury Mariner compact SUV was introduced in 2005. It is a sibling of the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape, although it is slightly more upmarket than the other two. Mechanically, it is identical to the Ford Escape (with the exception of being offered with only an automatic transmission). It also includes stylistic differences, such as a two-tone interior, European-style turn signal repeaters, monotone cladding, and the signature Mercury "waterfall" front grille. The Mariner is Mercury's first car-based SUV, and is slotted below the Mountaineer in the lineup.

Contents

[edit] Hybrid

In 2006 the Mariner Hybrid hit dealer lots. It is mechanically identical to its sibling, the Ford Escape Hybrid. Like the Ford Escape Hybrid, The Mariner Hybrid is a "full" hybrid electric system, meaning the system can switch automatically between pure electric power, pure gasoline engine power, or a combination of electric battery and gasoline engine operating together, for maximum performance and efficiency at all speeds and loads. When braking or decelerating, the Mariner's hybrid system uses regenerative braking, where the electric drive motor becomes a generator, converting the vehicle's momentum back to electricity for storage in the batteries. With 155 hp (116 kW), the Mariner Hybrid has nearly the same acceleration performance as the conventional 200 hp (150 kW) V6 Mariner.

[edit] Presidential Edition

On September 7, 2006 Ford delivered a special "Presidential Edition" Mercury Mariner Hybrid to former President Bill Clinton. Its custom features include

  • LED lighting
  • A 110-volt outlet
  • Rear bucket seats
  • Center console & rear seat fold-out writing desks
  • Personal DVD players for each seat
  • Refrigerator
  • Increased rear seat legroom

There have also been several undisclosed security modifications made to the vehicle.[1]

[edit] Second generation

For the 2008 model year the Mariner was significantly updated with a new look although built on the Ford CD2 platform used by the previous generation Mariner.

The changes included a new seats, headlights, taillights, a new liftgate, a higher beltline and new doors and wheels.

The interior was also significantly updated with higher quality materials and more refined features.

The engines remained the same but the 3.0L Duratec V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by 10%

The first 2008 Mercury Mariner was unveiled at the South Florida International Auto Show on October 6, 2006 and was touted as a new direction for the Mercury Brand.

[edit] Countries sold

The Mariner is officially offered in the U.S., Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the U.A.E.

[edit] Awards

  • Consumers Digest best buy for 2005, 2006, 2007.
  • Mercury Mariner Hybrid was awarded 2006 Green Car of the Year.

[edit] See also

List of hybrid vehicles

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ CNN.com - Clinton to get custom hybrid SUV - Sep 7, 2006

[edit] External links

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