Sunday, May 25, 2008

2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD Review

The 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4-Wheel Drive. Now that is quite a mouthful. Is that sentence and oxymoron? SUV, Hybrid, and 4-wheel drive all in one car? Apparently not. With gas guzzling SUVs becoming less of an option for most, mid-size SUV Mariner, the more refined hybrid twin of the Ford Escape, has received its fare share of recognition from Green supporters, from the Green Car Journal to the U.S. Environmental Projection Agency and probably your savings accounts.

Mariner is part of the Ford Motor Company and was formed in the 1930s to be an upscale brand alongside Lincoln. Updates for the 2008 model mainly include styling. It stands out from the Escape with a more luxurious or prominent front grille.

The reviewer drove a 2008 Mariner Hybrid with a 153-horsepower 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine combined with a 94-horsepower electric motor powertrain and FWD (2WD). It came with the Hybrid Premium Package, which included power heated mirrors, heated front seats, a digital navigation system, roof rack with cross bars, leather seating, and a retractable cargo cover ($3,395). It also had Sirius satellite radio ($995) and an AC 100V power outlet ($180). Total vehicle price came to $31,000.

Full Review

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