Transpower

The Mercury Mariner has cornering lights, the Ford Escape does not...so there!

Consumer Guide states the fuel economy as 29/27, which is for the AWD version of the 2008 Hybrid. The specification is not labeled as for the FWD version. I've always found Consumer Guide to be accurate in its listing of specifications, and much more so than Consumer Reports.

Nah. Consumer Guide, http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com...y-mariner-1.htm, backs me up: "Despite slightly higher base prices, Mariner offers little of substance over its Ford Escape cousin. The extra dollars bring only modestly upscale trim, a little extra sound insulation, and a more compliant ride. These compact SUVs are likable enough, but be sure to shop the competition first. "

The Mariner has more sound insulation and a softer, more comfortable ride. Besides, I think it's more stylish than the Escape.

On my 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid AWD I get between 26 mpg and 32 mpg depending on driving conditions. I have Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires for better traction (but lower mileage) and I have a tow bar.

So, consider purchasing the Hybrid model rather than the Premier. The Hybrid will give you much better fuel economy and have much lower depreciation. The CVT beats any 4-5-6-7-8 speed transmission for smoothness. While I agree that the color choices are limited, I found the white to be attractive--it's definitely the brightest white I've ever seen!

I think the reviewer would have been a happier camper if he had test-driven the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid instead of the Escape XLT V-6 with the 4-speed tranny...

Clinton and Gore both purchased the 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid--instead of the 2008! The 2008 model is, of course, a vast improvement over the 2007 model, which is why I purchased the 2008 model. But what would you expect from a couple of commie-Democrats? Intelligence?

In my fully-loaded 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD (and with Pirelli Scorpion ATR tires replacing the Continental Eco Plus tires) I took a long-distance road trip from Trevose, PA to Southfield, MI, and back, approx. 600 miles each way. I got 31 mpg going up, and 32 mpg coming back. I kept the speed between 65 mph and 70 mph, and drafted behind 18-wheelers whenever I could. Outside temperatures ranged from 38 F to 52 F, and it was raining most of the time. In normal suburban driving I'm getting between 27 mpg and 29 mpg. The 2008 EPA ratings are 29 for city and 27 for highway. I've noticed that mileage improves as temperature increases, undoubtedly because the batteries and engine are more efficient at higher temperatures. So, perhaps, in the summer my mileage will be even better!

Funny. I made it clear to a certain dealer in my area that I was solely interested in the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Well, lo and behold, I received two brochures for the 2007 Mariner! I sent them both back to the retarded dealer...

Would you mind scanning in your Window Sticker? I'm very curious to see how the 2008 EPA ratings compare with the 2007, and any other changes listed.

I find it odd that the Hybrid interior is not going to be two-tone. I also don't like the five-spoke wheels, so I'm going to have to replace them with the Premier's wheels. Finally, I'm going to replace the Continental tires with Pirelli ATR tires for better traction.

I just picked up the '08 Mariner Catalog from a local dealer. Unfortunately, vivid red is not listed as available as an exterior color for the Hybrid. Also, the pebble leather / light parchment leather inserts for the interior has been discontinued; only the mono color stone leather is now available for the Hybrid. Double jeez.

Well, this is very confusing. The press release said that there was a 3 mpg increase, not a 3 mpg decrease. But the drivetrain is the same...

I checked the IRS Web site and saw that, indeed, the new credit amount is $2200, versus $1950 before (for AWD). But, so far, I'm unable to find the IRS formula (if they have one) for calculating the credit based on mpg. :happy feet:

Please tell me it isn't so. Some of the car price Web sites now have the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid pricing, but vivid red clearcoat is not listed among the exterior color choices. Is this a mistake, or is it for real? Jeez.

Go here for the good news: http://research.cars.com/go/crp/research.j...p;revlogtype=22 The only bad news appears to be that because of the change in EPA rules for 2008 models the fuel economy rating has dropped to 29 mpg city, 27 mpg highway. This contradicts the recent Ford press release which stated that fuel economy had improved by 3 mpg.

Right, without AWD. But: I thought the 2008 EPA economy rating method was supposed to reduce figures, because air conditioning is now supposed to be included, and cold starts are to be at 25 deg., instead of at 75 deg. So far I haven't found any other tidbits about this on the Web.

Curious that I didn't notice that reference to a mileage increase before. Does anyone know the actual EPA ratings for the 2008 Merury Mariner Hybrid / Ford Escape Hybrid? Is it really 35/32 instead of 32/29?

Ridiculous. I did a vast amount of research and am a full member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. I'm going with the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid--it's the most efficient SUV, it handles nicely, it uses regular gasoline, and it is perfectly stylish.

Ridiculous. I did a vast amount of research and am a full member of the Society of Automotive Engineers. I'm going with the 2008 Mercury M

Look on the bright side: Edmunds praised the revised electric power steering....

Keep in mind that Edmunds also panned the new Ford Edge. Most of their negative comments do not apply to the hybrid model, which has a CVT and disc brakes all-around. I think Ford should therefore promote the hybrid versions of the 2008 Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape, and downplay the non-hybrid versions. The new, much better sound system and navigation system should be touted.

So: get the Hybrid version with the CVT and get an essentially INFINITE number of speeds!

The Nitro is more style than function. The Mariner/Escape/Tribute is more function than style. All of the reviews I've read say that the Nitro doesn't handle very well. I think the new 2008 Mariner looks pretty good, though, and I'll be checking one out on December 4th at the Reading Terminal in Philadelphia.