The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is a compact 5-door SUV manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. Launched in the year 2005, the Mariner Hybrid is offered in front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) versions. Based on the Ford CD2 platform, the Mariner Hybrid is available in a five-seater configuration. The Hybrid comes with a five year or 60,000 miles warranty. It faces competition from the likes of Mazda Tribute, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Patriot, and Chrysler PT Cruiser.

The Hybrid gets 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. This ultra-modern engine generates 133 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 124 lb-ft. of torque @ 4,250 rpm. The Hybrid is teamed with an electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT).

With contemporary, flowing lines, the Hybrid looks classy and sophisticated. The Hybrid measures 175.2 inches in length and rides on a wheelbase of 103.1 inches. Its front fascia is adorned by the signature Mercury "waterfall" front grille, a body-color bumper with integrated fog lamps, and automatic headlamps. These automatic headlamps automatically turn on in dark or low-light conditions. A distinctive rear bumper, attractive tail-lamps, and conspicuous side-repeater lamps give the Hybrid an individual look. It also features standard dual power-adjustable exterior mirrors and privacy glass. The Hybrid is available with the option of an attractive and functional roof-rack with black cross bars. A reverse sensing system, which makes use of modern ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper and beeps to alert you about objects behind the vehicle while reversing at slow speeds, is also optional on the Hybrid. The Hybrid rolls on standard 16-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels and P235/70R16 A/S BSW tires.

The Hybrid comes packed with a lot of safety features to take care of its occupants. It features six strategically-placed airbags -- driver and passenger front airbags, standard seat-mounted front side airbags and side-curtain airbags. These airbags are deployed from the headliner on both sides of the vehicle. It also comes with a roll-over sensor, which monitors the deployment of side-curtain airbags in the event of a roll-over or side-impact collisions. Another advantage is that the side-curtain airbags remain inflated for a longer time to further help protect outboard occupants in both the rows. The Hybrid features side-intrusion door beams, 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). Also standard are safety belt pre-tensioners and height adjustable D-rings for the driver and front passenger. The Hybrid comes with AdvanceTrac with roll stability control (RSC), an electronic stability enhancement system, which automatically applies the brakes and modulates engine torque to help maintain control whenever it detects wheel slip, under-steer, or over-steer. It also improves vehicle control in adverse road conditions. The Hybrid comes well-equipped for its own security. It comes with a driver-side keyless entry keypad, an illuminated entry, a remote keyless entry, and a SecuriLock passive anti-theft system.