2011 Mercury Mariner in Morehead City, NC - $8,490

For 2010, the Mercury Mariner adds a host of new features that improve safety and make driving more convenient. The compact Mariner SUV also becomes one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to feature SYNC® with Traffic, Directions and Information – helping reduce distractions while accessing important route and traffic information.

SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology, and a customer's Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone. SYNC's new applications provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports, and weather.

Safety upgrades and enhancements include Integrated Spotter Mirrors, MyKey™ and an available Rear View Camera System to an already extensive list of family-friendly safety features. Additionally, newly available Active Park Assist allows Mariner owners to parallel park with the touch of a button, while Pull-Drift Compensation aids driving confidence.

The new MyKey™ system is designed to help encourage safer teen driving.

Parents simply program the vehicle key through the message center to incorporate features such as: a limited top speed of 80 mph, a traction control system that limits tire spin cannot be deactivated, the audio system volume is limited to 44 percent of maximum volume, and a speed alert chimes at 45, 55 or 65 mph.

Offered in Base and Premier trim levels and available in front wheel drive or Intelligent AWD, base power for the Mariner is generated by a powerful and fuel-efficient 2.5L four-cylinder engine with intake variable cam timing (i-VCT) and electronic throttle control (ETC). A 3.0L V6 engine with i-VCT and ETC is an available option. While a five-speed manual is the standard gearbox for the four-cylinder engine, a 6F mid-range six-speed automatic transmission is an available option. The six-speed automatic is standard with the V6 engine.

The six-speed automatic is calibrated for cruising fuel efficiency without sacrificing launch feel and performance feel in lower gears. A wider range of gear ratios is key to the six-speed's ability to deliver this combination of performance and fuel economy.

Mariner's unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension contribute to its car-like ride and handling. Last year, the Mercury SUV's suspension was revised and retuned, with the addition of a new rear stabilizer bar and revised shock absorber tuning, to help deliver a balance of enhanced ride comfort and handling confidence. The steering system has also been retuned for better control and tighter cornering capabilities.

Inside the cabin, comfort-designed seating includes soy-based foam that substitutes for petroleum-based products to conserve limited resources and reduce CO2 emissions. The Mariner features the automaker's first use of a "top of dash" display positioned at eye level on the dashboard, which shows ambient temperature, radio functions and climate-control readouts. This simple, efficient design puts much of the vehicles' information in one place at the tope of the dashboard, making it easier to reference when driving.

The Mercury SUV is also equipped with Ice Blue interior lighting. The cool blue lighting replaces the traditional green on the instrument cluster, center console, steering wheel controls and the door lock and window switches. Ice Blue presents a cool, crisp, easy-on-the-eyes light for night driving and enhances the overall feel of the interior.

Mariner's center console boasts best-in-class storage volume with space for a laptop computer. Two innovative storage bins fit snugly inside the center console, or can be removed and hung on dovetail mounting points on the front passenger side and rear of the console for additional storage.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 103.1; overall length: 174.7; width: 71.1; height: 67.9

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder – 171 hp at 6,000 rpm and 171 lbs-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm; 3.0L V6 – 240 hp at 6,550 rpm and 223 lbs-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed manual, six-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 2.5L four-cylinder – 21 city/28 hwy. (2WD), 20 city/20 hwy. (4WD); 3.0L V6 – 19 city/25 hwy. (2WD), 18 city/23 hwy. (4WD).

Cargo capacity: 67.2 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, dual side curtain airbags, battery run-down protection, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, SYNC communication system, fog lights, automatic headlamps, tire pressure monitors, remote keyless entry, anti-theft system, traction control, and AdvanceTrac roll stability control.

Optional safety features include reverse sensing system, universal garage door opener, auto park assist, navigation system, rearview camera, and remote vehicle start.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2010 Mercury Mariner SUV starts from $23,035 for the Base 2WD upto $26,855 for the Premier 4WD model. Destination charges add $725.