Hybrid Vehicles Guide

Overview: We are not the kind of people that get bothered by small, insignificant details. We don’t use a navigation system, and it’s unlikely that we ever will. We don’t see the use of On-Star, or the many clones of On-Star, as we have a cell phone and it does it’s just quite nicely.

So, when we reviewed the 2007 Mercury Mariner hybrid, we didn’t have a lot to complain about. A lot of reviews have slammed the Mariner hybrid for having unacceptable features, such as a small LCD screen for the navigation system (who cares?) or having lackluster acceleration (it’s an SUV, not a sports car). Our drive, however, tells us a story that’s quite different from what the “industry” expects.

Driving the Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Containing a 94 horsepower electric motor and a 133 horsepower 2.4 liter four cylinder motor, the Mariner hybrid is certainly no slouch. Though merely average in terms of acceleration, the Mariner is able to achieve 400+ miles on a single tank of fuel, and it consistently achieves 30 miles per gallon. Compared to a “normal” mariner, that is about a 33% improvement.

The Mariner comfortably seats four with their gear, perhaps five if the back three are small. Unlike many of the hyper-efficient hybrid cars, the Mariner has utility as well as efficiency. This SUV looks, feels, and acts like one- the only real difference is the increased range and fuel economy associated with the hybrid power train.

One complaint that we do have is with the continuously variable transmission. It’s a good one, that’s for sure, but we just don’t’ like CVT transmissions. They make the vehicle feel more like a train on wheels as opposed to a car cruising on the road. We’ve grown quite fond of pronounced, deliberate shifts.

But none of that affects what is, at its core, a good SUV. With the government handing back $2,000 as an incentive to purchase one, they certainly become more appealing. Many people are criticizing the increased cost of a hybrid versus a “normal” model, citing that it would take 5 or 6 years to experience the cost savings. That may be true at the gas prices now, but as they continue to climb (and make no mistake, they will continue to rise) the savings associated with owning a hybrid will only increase.

Conclusion

A good SUV, with good utility and capability. Is it great? Admittedly, no, it’s not great. But it’s pretty darn good, and we are happy with that.