2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid consumer reviews

This is a good small Hybrid for the money. Fuel economy could be a wee bit better given what the Mariner costs. I think these new Hybrids are the first, within 7 years all cars will have to be Hybrids

I'm pleased that I bought the Mariner Hybrid - the mileage is wonderful and "utility" of the SUV is great, but there are some things I wish were different. First - no traction or stability control. Toyota manages to include these in their hybrids - so should Ford. Second, the seats are just not very comfortable. I'm of average height, but the seat cushions are not long enough - I feel like I'm perched on a padded stool. Third, the soundproofing is better than previous models, but it is inadequate. Road noise at highway speeds is louder than it should be. Fourth, the "audiophile" sound system sounds great a slow speeds, but does not compensate for road noise. Fifth, I wish that it had Xenon or at least better headlights. Last, there is a lot of fancy chromed plastic in the cabin, which should have had a satin finish - it's blinding when the sunlight hits it! All of this being said, I'd buy the car again - nobody else makes an SUV Hybrid, let alone one with these features. It is a decent, if unexciting, drive, and the gas mileage is great.