Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercury |
| Model | Mariner |
| Generation | Mariner II |
| Type (Engine) | 3.0 V6 (200 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (EPA) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (EPA) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp, 130.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 170.7 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 262 Nm @ 4850 rpm (193.24 lb.-ft. @ 4850 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Duratec 30 |
| Engine displacement | 2967 cm3 (181.06 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.5 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1535 kg (3384.1 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2041 kg (4499.63 lbs.) |
| Max load | 506 kg (1115.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 830 l (29.31 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1875 l (66.22 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1588 kg (3500.94 lbs.) |
| Length | 4450 mm (175.2 in.) |
| Width | 1806 mm (71.1 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1979 mm (77.91 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2065 mm (81.3 in.) |
| Height | 1727-1778 mm (67.99 – 70 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2619 mm (103.11 in.) |
| Front track | 1552 mm (61.1 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 213 mm (8.39 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 302 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 254 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/70 R16; 225/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
The Mercury Mariner II 3.0 V6 Automatic, produced for the 2007 and 2008 model years, represented a significant iteration of the compact SUV offered by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Mariner II lineup, this variant combined a 3.0-liter Duratec V6 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission, aiming to provide a balance of power and convenience for American drivers. It was built on the Ford CD2 platform, shared with the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape, and served as a competitor to vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The Mariner II was intended to bridge the gap between the smaller Escape and the larger, more expensive Highlander.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Mariner II 3.0 V6 was the Ford Duratec 30 engine. This 3.0-liter, naturally aspirated V6 utilized a 60-degree V-angle configuration, contributing to a relatively smooth running character. The engine featured a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads, a design choice aimed at balancing durability and weight. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, providing adequate atomization for efficient combustion. The engine employed a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, enhancing volumetric efficiency and contributing to the 200 horsepower output at 6000 rpm and 262 Nm (193.24 lb-ft) of torque at 4850 rpm. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not the most modern at the time, was chosen for its reliability and ease of use, catering to the target audience who prioritized convenience over outright performance. This transmission featured electronically controlled shifts, offering a reasonably smooth driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.0-liter V6 and four-speed automatic combination in the Mariner II delivered adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration was sufficient for everyday driving situations, with the engine providing a usable amount of torque for merging onto highways and passing other vehicles. However, compared to the available manual transmission or the higher-output engines offered in other Mariner II trims, this setup felt somewhat less responsive. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and comfort, resulting in a slightly less engaging driving experience. The front-wheel-drive configuration contributed to predictable handling, but lacked the all-weather capability of the optional four-wheel-drive system. Overall, the driving experience was geared towards comfort and practicality rather than sporty performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Mariner II 3.0 V6 Automatic typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and cloth upholstery. Safety features included anti-lock brakes (ABS) and front airbags. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio system, leather upholstery, and alloy wheels. The trim level generally fell in the mid-range of the Mariner II offerings, providing a step up from the base models in terms of features and refinement, but lacking the premium appointments of the higher-end trims.
Chassis & Braking
The Mariner II utilized an independent front suspension with McPherson struts and a coil spring and anti-roll bar. The rear suspension employed an independent multi-link setup, also with a stabilizer bar. This suspension configuration aimed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. While adequate for normal driving conditions, the rear drum brakes were a cost-saving measure and didn’t offer the same stopping power as disc brakes. The electric power steering provided light and easy steering effort, enhancing maneuverability in urban environments.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Mariner II 3.0 V6 Automatic received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its comfortable ride and spacious interior. However, some reviewers noted that the four-speed automatic transmission felt dated compared to the five- or six-speed automatics becoming increasingly common in the segment. Fuel economy was considered average for its class. Compared to the base 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, the 3.0-liter V6 offered a significant performance boost, but at the cost of slightly lower fuel efficiency. Compared to the optional four-wheel-drive system, the front-wheel-drive version was more affordable and offered slightly better fuel economy, but lacked the added traction in inclement weather.
Legacy
The Duratec 30 engine, in general, proved to be a relatively reliable powerplant, and the Mariner II 3.0 V6 Automatic has maintained a decent reputation for dependability in the used car market. However, like any vehicle of this age, regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues. Common concerns include potential oil leaks and the eventual wear and tear of the automatic transmission. Today, the Mariner II 3.0 V6 Automatic represents an affordable and practical option for buyers seeking a compact SUV with a proven track record. While it may not offer the latest technology or the most exciting driving experience, it remains a capable and comfortable vehicle for everyday use.
