2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
In 2004, Ford released the Escape Hybrid - the first hybrid SUV on the market. Mostly slow-selling at first, increasingly high gas prices have helped Ford sell every Escape Hybrid they can produce. 2006 marked the release of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. Mechanically identical to the Escape, the Mariner offers buyers an alternative to the Ford model - the only difference is styling and a better interior.
New for 2009: Overall engine output is increased from 153 horsepower to 177, due to the increase in engine size from 2.3 to 2.5 liters. The engine is mounted to the same CVT transmission as last year. The once four-wheel disc brakes have now been replaced by inferior drum brakes in the rear. That one’s a mystery to me. Buying a 2009 model now gives you more standard equipment - Ford SYNC is now standard, as is satellite radio, and steering-wheel mounted audio controls. Overall refinement and drive quality has also been increased for 2009. The design carries over from 2008. Continue Reading…
