The 2008 Mercury Mariner is a compact 5-door SUV from the Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 2005, the Mariner is offered in front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) versions. It is available in a five-seater configuration. Designed on the Ford CD2 platform, the Mariner is available in four models: I-4, V-6, Premier, and Hybrid. For 2008, it is available with three new colors: Dune Pearl Metallic, Light Sage Metallic, and Tungsten Grey Metallic. The Mariner comes with a five year or 60,000 miles warranty. It competes with the likes of Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Patriot, and Chrysler PT Cruiser, among others.

With four models, the Mariner offers a choice of three engines. The I-4 trim is powered by a 2.3-liter Inline four-cylinder (I-4) engine, which produces 153 hp @ 5,800 rpm and 152 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,250 rpm. The V-6 and Premier trims derive power from a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 200 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 193 lb-ft. @ 4,850 rpm. The Hybrid gets its power from a 2.3-liter I-4 Atkinson Cycle Engine and Electric Motor, which is a combination of a gas engine and an electric motor. It generates 133 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 124 lb-ft. @ 4,250 rpm. The I-4, V-6, and Premier trims are linked to a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive while the Hybrid is teamed up with an electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT).

With contemporary, flowing lines, the Mariner looks sleek, stylish, and sophisticated. The Mariner measures 175.2 inches in length and stands on a wheelbase that measures 103.1 inches. Its front fascia is marked by complex refractor headlights, a body-color bumper with integrated fog lamps, and the signature Mercury "waterfall" front grille. The Premier and Hybrid feature standard automatic lamp headlamps, which are optional on the I-4 and V-6. These automatic headlamps turn on automatically in dark or low-light conditions. Side-repeater lamps give a distinct look to the Mariner. Tail-lamps and distinctive rear bumper impart to it a confident stance. Dual power-adjustable exterior mirrors and privacy glass are standard on all Mariner models. All models except for the Hybrid are offered with the option of integrated running boards. An attractive and functional roof-rack with black cross bars is available as an option on all the four models. A reverse sensing system is standard on the Premier and optional on the Hybrid. This system makes use of innovative ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper and beeps to alert you to objects behind the vehicle while reversing at slow speeds. The I-4 and V-6 come standard with 16-inch 6-spoke painted aluminum wheels, while the Premier features standard 16-inch 12-spoke machined aluminum wheels. The Hybrid wears standard 16-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels. The Mariner V-6 and Mariner Premier are also available with the option of 17-inch 6-spoke satin-finished wheels. All models roll on standard P235/70R16 A/S BSW tires.

The Mariner comes loaded with a bevy of safety features to ensure protection of occupants. It comes standard with six strategically-placed airbags -- driver and passenger front airbags, standard seat-mounted front side airbags, and side-curtain airbags. These airbags are installed from the headliner on both sides of the vehicle. A rollover sensor monitors the deployment of side-curtain and side airbags in the event of a rollover or side-impact collisions. The side-curtain airbags remain inflated longer to further help protect outboard occupants in both the rows. It also features side-intrusion door beams, safety belt pre-tensioners and height adjustable D-rings for driver and front passenger, a safety belt restraint system, a belt-minder, child safety locks, a LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children) system, a tire pressure monitoring system, a brake shift interlock, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The AdvanceTrac with roll stability control (RSC) is an electronic stability enhancement system. It automatically applies the brakes and modulates engine torque to help maintain control whenever it detects wheel slip, under-steer, or over-steer. It also helps maintain enhanced control in adverse road conditions. The Mariner also takes care of its own security. For that purpose, it comes with a driver-side keyless entry keypad, an illuminated entry, a remote keyless entry, a SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, and a battery saver.