2008 Mercury Mariner Safety Review
Based on analysis of 11 Mariner reviews and test drives.
Mercury Mariner Safety Review
Safety - 8.8 (Very Good)
The 2008 Mercury Mariner has performed moderately well on government crash tests. For this model year, Mercury has improved the Mariner's ability to avoid an accident by adding a traction control system and making all crash protection features standard equipment.
The federal government has made its crash tests more difficult for 2008, and awarded the Mariner only 3 out of 5 stars for protecting the driver in a frontal collision, but 5 out of 5 for the front seat passenger. The Mariner did win 5 out of 5 stars for protecting all passengers in side-impact accidents. The Mariner received 3 out of 5 stars, an average score, for its ability to prevent a rollover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Mariner a rating of "acceptable", its second-highest rating, in front-impact crash testing. In side impact testing, IIHS gave the Mariner its highest rating, "good."
Accident Avoidance
For 2008, all Mariners include traction control as standard equipment. Anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution, and a tire pressure monitoring system, which warns the driver of underinflated tires, is also standard. Rear obstacle detection is standard equipment on Premier models.
Crash Protection
The 2008 Mariner offers next generation air bags for both front-seat passengers, which inflate at differing speeds for different impacts. These lack the occupant positioning sensors that newer competitors are beginning to offer. Head curtain air bags protecting both rows of seating, designed to remain open during a rollover. Ford's new head curtain system is designed to slide between the window glass and passengers even if the passenger is leaning their head against the window. Torso-protecting side air bags for front seat passengers are now standard equipment. Front seat belts include pretensioners.
