- suv 97,611
- 8,950 high price
- Conway, AR
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- autoshopper.com
- suv 97,611 silver automatic
2008 mercury mariner review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. For 2008, the mariner simply does those things a little better than before. Like its corporate sibling, the ford escape, the mariner has been thoroughly updated for 2008. improvements to the 2008 mercury mariner cover the spectrum, adding both safety features and refinement without altering the basic character that has made this small suv a popular choice across the united states. mariner has a bit more truck-style flair than some of its competitors. The new look for 2008 replicates mercury's mid-size, truck-based mountaineer sport-utility. Mariner's ride height and seating position, for example, are higher than that of the honda cr-v or nissan rogue. Mariner can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is substantially more than most vehicles in the class. still, mariner delivers the advantages of other unit-body, car-based suvs such as the cr-v. The mariner is more car-like on the road than the jeep liberty, for example. Folding the rear seats opens a good-sized cargo area with a flat floor, and space behind the seat surpasses that in the trunk of the typical sedan. Interior storage options have improved for 2008. The finish is more upscale and pleasing, and feature function and switches are among the best. New standard safety features, including a roll stability control system, reset the class benchmark. the engines are one of the few things carried over from the previous mariner. Along with the ford escape, it's the only full hybrid available in the class. Like other mariners, the gas-electric hybrid is offered with either front- or all-wheel drive. Unlike some mild hybrid suvs, the mariner hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph. in line with a plan to rejuvenate the mercury brand, mariner is intended to offer a step up in status over the escape. Yet it's worth noting that the escape can be equipped identically to the mariner, and with the same stuff the prices are essentially the same. In either case, a leather-upholstered v6 4wd, with premium audio, navigation, dual-zone climate control and rear sonar sells for about $30,000. A 200-hp, dual-overhead cam 3. 0-liter v6 1,000) is optional. These base models come well equipped, with air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, an am/fm stereo with cd and auxiliary jack, rear window defroster, cruise control, privacy glass and 16-inch alloy wheels. the v6 comes standard in the mariner premium 23,820) and premium 4wd 25,570). This is the upscale trim level, with leather seating, a six-cd changer, automatic headlights and other features included. mariner hybrid 27,020) and hybrid 4wd 28,870) are equipped similarly to the premium models, with the hybrid powertrain replacing the v6. options include the cargo convenience group 195), which adds a retractable cargo area cover and a compartmentalized rear storage bin. The audiophile package 695) includes a high-power stereo with seven speakers, subwoofer and the in-dash cd changer. The leather trim package adds leather seating and adjustable lumbar support to the base model 995) or hybrid 695). the audiophile and navigation package 2,295, base, $1,995 premium and hybrid) includes the stereo upgrade and a touch-screen navigation system. In the hybrid, it also adds a meter that graphically and immediately demonstrates the benefits of hybrid drive, and helps the driver maximize fuel economy. These are only the start of the packages, and there are also a host of stand-alone options for all trim levels, including cd changer 295), a power moonroof 795), floor mats 75), 17-inch wheels 650), and a class ii towing package 395). safety features have been upgraded substantially for 2008, making equipment that was previously optional standard across the board, and raising the benchmark for small sport-utilities. Passive safety features include front- and side-impact airbags for front occupants, and curtain-type head protection airbags for all outboard seats. Rsc adds a second gyroscopic roll-rate sensor to the typical stability control package, measuring the mariner's roll angle and roll rate and applying countermeasures (such as braking one of the wheels or reducing power) to increase rollover resistance. walkaroundthe 2008 mercury mariner has been substantially restyled, but it may be what isn't obvious to the eye that matters more. The most important changes could be functional rather than aesthetic. the outside mirrors, for example, are larger than before, offering a broader view to the sides and rear. Yet mercury engineers tailored the shape so the bigger mirrors generate less noise as air speeds over them. The roof, too, is designed to reduce interior noise. Recessed channels running its length are intended to move air more quietly over the surface. Horizontal ribs underneath the panel add structure, which limits flex in the metal and reduces booming noise inside at high speeds. In all, it's part of the overall refinement that makes the redesigned mariner a more pleasant place to spend time. we're not trying to minimize the changes to mariner's styling, because they're significant. The front end, liftgate, headlights and taillights are different. The beltline, or that crease just below the side windows, has been raised, and none of the major body panels are common to previous mariners. It's just that the redesign is evolutionary, with the most obvious changes in the details. In a general, impressionistic way, the new mariner still looks a lot like a shrunken version of the larger mercury mountaineer suv. And while it may have a sedan-style unitbody with fully independent suspension underneath, the mariner has a more conventional, upright, truck-style look than a lot of its competitors. it starts with the big, bold, waterfall grille, which immediately attracts the eye from any angle on the front of the vehicle. The new grille is larger than before, with wider openings between the bars. The badge in the middle is larger, too, and there are smaller mercury badges integrated inside the headlight lenses. There's more brightwork on this mariner front and rear, but it's mostly a satiny, aluminum finish rather than conventional chrome. It gives mariner a more understated, slightly more upscale look than the closely related ford escape. that higher beltline creates the impression that the windows are shorter or narrower, promoting a pillbox effect that emphasizes mariner's truck look. The taillights have the same eyebrow shape as the headlights, which helps connect front and rear. The lenses are clear, with read and white clusters underneath. we particularly like a couple of features in back of the mariner. A step pad on the bumper provides secure footing for anyone who steps up to put something on the roof rack, and the two-piece tailgate is handy. The rear glass can be popped open with the key fob, so dropping smaller items like a gym bag into the cargo area is easier than it might be with some competitors, which require hefting the entire gate upward. interiorthe 2008 mercury mariner features a redesigned cabin, and it contributes considerably to its overall refinement, increasing its appeal. This interior isn't a great leap forward in any particular fashion, but it's carefully thought out and well executed. Ergonomic function is best in class, and the visual impact is good. the brushed, satiny aluminum trim that abounds outside the mariner carries over inside, and anyone who likes the effect should find the mariner a pleasant place to spend time. The look and feel of materials are improved throughout. The most impressive feature may be the woven-look, rubberized trim on the dash and console. It looks sporty and suited to a mor. Climate Control✔ AM/FM✔ Power Windows✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Cruise Control✔ CD Changer✔ Navigation System✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Air Conditioning✔ Alloy Wheels
8,950 Conway, ARConway, AR at autoshopper.com