2011 Mercury Mariner

2011 Mercury Mariner .In some ways, the Mariner is still a decent small crossover. The Mariner also offers a number of high-end features unavailable on most rivals, such as Ford's Sync voice-activated multimedia system. Other Mariner strong points are excellent crash test scores and the availability of a hybrid model (reviewed separately).



The 2011 Mercury Mariner compact SUV is available in four trim levels: base I4, base V6, Premier I4 and Premier V6. The Premier models add rear parking sensors, ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, leather upholstery (microfiber suede inserts are a no-cost option), a power driver seat, a six-speaker stereo, Sync and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Options for base models include a roof rack, a moon roof, Sync, leather upholstery (with heated front seats), a power driver seat and ambient interior lighting.



Power trains and Performance

The 2011 Mercury Mariner is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. EPA estimates are about average for this segment, with front-wheel-drive I4 models checking in at 20 miles per gallon city/28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined (19/25/21 for AWD models), while front-wheel-drive V6 models are rated at 18 mpg city/26 highway/21 combined (17/24/20 for AWD models).

Safety

Anti lock brakes (albeit with rear drums), traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with a rollover sensor are all standard equipment on the 2011 Mercury Mariner.



Unfortunately, the Mariner's braking performance is poor. From 60 mph, the Ford Escape we tested (mechanically identical to the Mariner) required 138 feet to come to a halt.

The Mariner shows its age, however, in terms of comfort and space. Cargo volume stands at a useful 29 cubic feet with the rear seat in place and 66 cubic feet when that seat is folded down not bad given the Mariner's relatively compact footprint.



Driving Impressions

The 2011 Mercury Mariner feels reasonably secure during quick changes of direction, and its ride quality is pleasantly supple.



In 2009, the Mariner adopted more significant power train updates. A third power train is offered in the Mariner Hybrid, which is virtually identical to the award-winning Ford Escape Hybrid. The technology in this version of the Mariner crossover couples a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a full hybrid system combining an electric motor system. The Mariner's somewhat upright look translates into plenty of interior space. Safety scores for the Mariner crossover have been strong. Features like Ford's voice-controlled SYNC system have kept the Mariner somewhat up to speed.

National base price of 2011 Mercury Mariner is around $ 23,565 which excludes destination charges.

Some optional features offered with base model are moon roof, roof rack, sync, power driver seat, leather upholstery and ambient interior lighting.

2011 Mercury Grand Marquis

Mercury brand vehicles concluding late 2010, the 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis will experience a shortened model year. With 224 horsepower managed through a 4-speed automatic gearbox, the 2011 Grand Marquis fuel economy is rated at 16 miles per gallon city or 24 miles per gallon highway. Anti-lock braking system and traction control is standard safety equipment but electronic stability control is not available on the 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis. Standard convenience equipment on all 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis sedans includes an AM/FM stereo with CD player, leather upholstery, cruise control, power windows and remote keyless entry.



The Mercury Grand Marquis is unchanged for 2011, this car's final year of production.

Sadly, they don't make 'em like the Mercury Grand Mercury Marquis for a variety of other, more important reasons. The car's handling is ponderous and the steering is slow, so you don't have much confidence in the car's ability to stay under control. As it goes to the big garage in the sky with the rest of its Mercury family, the 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis leaves behind a wealth of impressive, thoroughly modern big sedans that provide the comfort, space, performance and fuel economy today's buyers should expect, along with a few modern conveniences the Mercury Grand Marquis never got around to offering. The Mercury Grand Marquis is survived by its cousin, the Lincoln Town Car.



2011 Grand Marquis Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis is a full-size sedan that seats six people. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, rear air suspension, automatic headlights, foglamps, keyless entry, automatic climate control, a 50/50 split front bench with six-way driver and passenger power adjustability, power-adjustable pedals, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tilting leather-wrapped steering wheel and a CD player stereo. Options include heated seats, a leather-wood steering wheel and a cassette player.



The rear-wheel-drive 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 good for only 224 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard. Fuel economy is 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 combined. That's a big improvement over 1978, but pretty disappointing today given this car's meager power.



Safety

Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, traction control and front-seat side airbags. Neither stability control nor side curtain airbags is offered. Nonetheless, the Mercury Grand Marquis has fared well in crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, scoring a perfect five stars for both frontal and side impacts. The Mercury Grand Marquis' general interior design hasn't really been changed since...goodness, we can't even remember. We have a sneaking suspicion, though, that most Mercury Grand Marquis buyers won't care.



The vehicle comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. This warranty continues even after the basic warranty has expired. The basic warranty covers everything except normal wear and tear on the car. The Mercury Grand Marquis receives 12 mpg city and 17 mpg highway miles, making it a leading choice in gas mileage amongst its competition. Front head restraints are both adjustable for a more pleasurable ride, and the Mercury Grand Marquis offers 39.5 in. front headroom, 37.8 in. rear headroom, 57.4 in. front hip room, 56.1 in. rear hip room, 41.6 in. front leg room, 38.0 in. rear leg room, 60.6 in. front shoulder room, 60.0 in. rear shoulder room and 107.5 cu ft. interior volume. Riding in the Mercury Grand Marquis offers a comfortable ride every time.

2011 Mercury Milan

The 2011 Mercury Milan is a midsize sedan. The 2011 Mercury Milan Base has a 2.5 liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 172 horsepower. The Milan has standard air conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped, tilt-telescope steering wheel, and keyless entry. The audio system has 6 speakers, a CD/MP3 player, audio jack, and satellite radio. The Milan has anti-lock brakes, traction and stability controls, side front airbags, and side curtain airbags. It received ratings of 5 stars in all impact tests except the 4 star rating for rear passengers in side impact testing.



The Milan is essentially identical to the Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid models, with a thin layer of distinctive styling applied. Both Milan sedans were revamped in 2010, along with their corporate cousins. Buyers can choose from a range of Milan sedans. Those choices include four- or six-cylinder engines, manual or automatic transmissions, front- or all-wheel drive, and a hybrid edition. In basic four-cylinder form, the Milan is a competent performer. Four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, as well as side and curtain airbags, are standard on every 2010 Milan and Milan Hybrid. Ford will build a limited number of Milan and Milan Hybrid sedans for sale as 2011 models.



For its final model year, the 2011 Mercury Milan adds one-touch power front windows and integrated spotter mirrors to the standard equipment list. New options include rain-sensing windshield wipers, HD radio and an Appearance package featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and a rear spoiler. The available voice-operated Sync system also boasts a new Traffic, Directions and Information service. Ford's midrange Mercury brand is about to join that list, which unfortunately means the 2011 Mercury Milan sedan's days are numbered.



Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Mercury Milan is a midsize sedan available in base or Premier trims. The Premier adds 17-inch alloys, foglamps, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control, power heated front seats, leather upholstery, unique interior trim and Sync. The Premier's Driver's Vision package adds a blind-spot warning system, rearview camera and rain-sensing wipers. The Moon & Tune package adds a sunroof and 12-speaker Sony surround-sound system. The 2011 Mercury Milan comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. This engine is available only with front-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic are standard, but all-wheel drive is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22/29/24 with front-wheel drive.



Safety

Antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on all Milan models. In the side-impact test, the 2011 Mercury Milan earned five stars for front passengers and four stars for those in the rear.