In surveys that J.D. Power and Associates has conducted with verified owners of the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, the people that actually own and drive one told us:

“Supposed to get 28 mpg [highway and] 34 mpg [city with] better miles in town. It’s the opposite.”

“Gas mileage way less then expected for hybrid vehicle; rated 29 mpg [and I] get 23 mpg.”

“Fuel mileage is superb for this class of vehicle.”

“The gas mileage is as stated and good for an SUV.”

“[Unhappy with] center console storage. Gear [selector] should be on steering column for more room.”

“Center console Kleenex holder; I cannot find a tissue box that size to fit in it.”

“Center console [is] terrible, difficult to use!”

“Center console storage space is great.”

“No steering wheel audio controls; driver window controls are too far forward.”

“Has no controls on steering wheel for radio, etc. Always have to look away.”

“Where are the steering wheel audio controls?”

“Grille and other exterior metal trim [with] brushed appearance [is] unique and beautiful.”

“Feels like a Ford. Feels common.”

“Interior feels cheap compared to my Volkswagen.”

“Marginal quality interior, especially the dash.”

“The interior has a very plastic feel.”

“Front seat bottom cushion material already stretching and cushion sagging.”

“Carpet in the interior is cheap; easily soiled.”

“[The Mariner Hybrid] is expensive relative to quality.”

“Light color of seats…soils easily with my kids.”

“The best hybrid cabin I have ever seen.”

“Mechanism for opening the trunk is awful, very hard to operate.”

“Tilt steering wheel is hard to adjust /not that comfortable.”

“My arms are tired after short rides/not that comfortable.”

“The seats are not deep enough for normal adults to be comfortable.”

“Comfortable and quiet, solid construction.”

“[My] wife would prefer softer suspension.”

“The ride is rough unless you have 100 or more pounds [onboard].”

“Handles 2 large dogs and 2 adults and cargo for weekend outings.”

“[I like the] handling in adverse conditions. Love the 4-wheel drive.”

“Handling in adverse conditions a little shaky.”

“Easy to park and moves easily in traffic.”

“I thought all hybrids had push button to start the engine.”

“Plays [audio] formats I want. Love satellite radio, love MP3 capability.”

“The horn sounds like a dying deer.”

Top 3 Things Owners Like About the Mercury Mariner Hybrid:
1. Clarity of rear seat entertainment video display
2. Ease of operating rear seat entertainment system
3. Appearance of exterior paint

Top 3 Owner-Reported Problems with the Mercury Mariner Hybrid:
1. Brakes are noisy
2. Navigation System – Map/Wrong directions/Poor location
3. Brakes don’t have enough stopping power

More information on the 2008 Mercury Mariner
More photos of the 2008 Mercury Mariner
Ratings for the 2008 Mercury Mariner