
2008 Mercury Mariner
Should You Buy a 2008 Mercury Mariner?
The 2008 Mercury Mariner is a compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality and comfort for everyday driving. With a front-wheel drive layout and a 2.3L I4 engine producing 153 hp and 152 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a reasonable fuel economy of 22 MPG combined. Priced at an MSRP of $21,540, it is an accessible option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable vehicle. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's history, as it has received a total of 554 complaints to the NHTSA, with steering issues being the most prevalent. Despite these concerns, the Mariner boasts a solid reliability score of 90.7/100, indicating it can serve well for daily commuting and family outings.
While the Mariner offers seating for five and a comfortable interior, it is essential to consider the reported complaints, particularly around steering, which frequently arise between 80,000 and 140,000 miles. This could indicate a need for careful inspection of the vehicle's condition, especially in used models. Overall, the Mariner is a decent choice for those looking for a compact SUV with a good balance of features and affordability, but prospective buyers should remain vigilant about potential maintenance issues.
The 2008 Mercury Mariner is best suited for budget-conscious families or individuals seeking a reliable compact SUV for daily commuting and light family use.
Strengths
- +Affordable pricing for a compact SUV
- +Good fuel economy at 22 MPG combined
- +Comfortable seating for five passengers
- +Solid reliability score of 90.7/100
- +Decent cargo space for everyday use
Weaknesses
- -Prevalent steering issues reported by owners
- -Limited engine power compared to competitors
- -4-speed automatic transmission may feel outdated
- -Lower resale value due to brand perception
- -Fewer advanced safety features compared to newer models
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2008 Mercury Mariner has a notable number of complaints, particularly concerning steering, which accounts for 296 of the 554 total complaints. While there are no fire incidents reported, the presence of five injuries highlights the importance of addressing steering and vehicle control issues. Buyers should be cautious and consider a thorough inspection of the steering system in any used models they are considering.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2.3 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 32
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- –
- Width
- –
- Height
- –
- Wheelbase
- –
- Curb Weight
- –
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- –
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –