2005 Mercury Mariner Driving Impressions
Like the Escape, Mercury's new Mariner offers a mix of powertrain packages, including both front- and all-wheel-drive, and a choice of two engines. The 2.3-liter Duratec in-line four is an acceptable choice for those on a tight budget - or looking to minimize fuel consumption. It makes 153 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque. But we'd otherwise recommend upgrading to the still efficient and economical V-6, a 3.0-liter Duratec that boosts output to 200 hp and 193 lb-ft.
You will sacrifice some mileage, but with the V-6, towing capacity makes a significant jump, from 1500 to 3500 pounds. And during our day of driving, we found that the V-6 delivered a lot more driving fun. It was not only quicker, but a lot less likely to shift back and forth, struggling to stay in the right power band. One thing we'd prefer is a five-speed automatic, but the lower-cost four-speed is not a bad compromise in a product where price is a major buyer consideration. |