2012 & 2013 Mercury SUV Reviews & Ratings

Although the Mercury brand is no longer producing new SUVs, there are still continuous demands for their high-performing luxury SUVs. Mercury SUVs came in the form of the Mercury Mariner, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Mercury Mountaineer. The Mercury division of Ford has always been a luxury brand that was made popular when the Mercury Grand Marquis was released. Their SUV installments haven't been as popular as their Ford counterparts, but their reputation for higher priced, reliable cars lives... (full review continues below)

Although the Mercury brand is no longer producing new SUVs, there are still continuous demands for their high-performing luxury SUVs. Mercury SUVs came in the form of the Mercury Mariner, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Mercury Mountaineer. The Mercury division of Ford has always been a luxury brand that was made popular when the Mercury Grand Marquis was released. Their SUV installments haven't been as popular as their Ford counterparts, but their reputation for higher priced, reliable cars lives on.

Mercury SUVs found their sister company, Ford's SUVs, to be their main competitor. The Mercury Mariner Mountaineer, for instance, has been using the same platform as the Ford Explorer since it was first released. For sure, there had been a few modifications over the years but Ford's version has not only been more popular on reviews, it has always been cheaper as well. The 2010 version of the Mercury Mountaineer cost about $29,500 for it base model when it was last sold. That was topped by the 2012 Ford Explorer, which was around $1000 cheaper for the base model. Reviews of the Ford Explorer also regard it as better performing than the Mercury SUV. Reviews on the earlier versions of the Mountaineer wasn't too favorable, so the company pushed to make adjustments to future models to make it more distinguishable that its close relative.

Another popular Mercury SUV is the Mercury Mariner. The Mariner competed with the Ford Escape, but, as with the Mountaineer, reviews didn't regard it as a superior SUV. It is a decent ride overall, being a smaller type SUV, but it was not as outstanding as its rivals like the Chevy Equinox or the Toyota Rav4. Many reviews said it wasn't up to the standard of the competition in terms of handling and performance. Negative comments about the rear seat, braking performance and so-so driving experience didn't help in selling this model. The price tag of the Mercury Mariner wasn't so helpful either, as it was just as high as that of competition.

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid was also in the SUV lineup of the Mercury brand when it was still in production. Unlike the two other SUVs discussed, reviews actually praised the Mariner Hybrid over its Ford "platform-mate". This was mainly due to better exterior styling and a more luxurious interior. Reviews still had some negative things to say about the Mariner Hybrid, such as its poor handling, braking performance and the loud noise it created during acceleration.

Since Mercury stopped its production the go-to brand for similar spec SUVs has been Ford. With that said, there are still some die hard loyalists out there who prefer to buy Mercury SUVs. If you are looking for cars like the Mercury Mountaineer or Mercury Mariner, your best bet at the moment is buying second hand Mercury SUVs that ought to be on the more affordable side. Otherwise, you can also consider Lincoln or Ford cars that are of similar platforms with the SUV you are looking for.