When you first think of Mercury, you think Ford, right? Well, when it came time to purchase a new SUV, I did consider the newly designed Mercury Mariner Hybrid. I know, I know. Drive American? Well, yes, in fact we have driven alot of American cars in the family. Ford, Oldsmobile, Pontiac. So considering a Mercury was not alien.

Now, let review the major differences in the Mercury Mariner and the Ford Escape. First of all the price is the major factor. With a price tag difference of $2000 USD, you should decide if the flare of Mercury is up to snuff. With underpinning of Toyota under neath the skin, you are in for a treat. With 2008 rolling in, the Mariner has updated its hybrid transmission and and is practical in size and city-going performance. However the price tag can increase as you add options. This one factor can effect the buying decision in todays oil crunch. Well back to the specs, Mercury has topped this vehicle with additions like:

regular-size navigation screen; 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, with a 133 horsepower output, CVT.

Compare to its Japanese rivals, Mercury still lacks the refined fuel economy of the honda CRV or RAV4 but it does stand out in terms of styling.