Anyone own a Mercury Mariner hybrid?

[Malibu Ken]

Do you like it? What's it's best and worst features? Would you buy it again?
We are swapping an '03 minivan for a more green vehicle. I do not want any of the hybrid cars on the market, but quite like the size and versatility of the Mariner hybrid. Any recommendations and blunt advice would be welcome!

[Ryan M]

Mercury is the ranked higher in quality than every other brand except one, according to JDpower, so I think that alone makes it a better purchase, plus, it comes with features like the voice activated SYNC system that plays music or makes phone calls from the commands of your voice: pretty cool, and it's not available in any other hybrid, except the Ford Escape. If you can't negotiate a good deal on an '08, then wait for the '09's: they offer the highest trim levels and certain packages with every powertrain option. The '08's have certain options available only with the v6 engine. Also, the '09's have bigger 4 cylinder engines (2.5 vs. 2.3) that make more power, but they get better fuel economy (increased by 2 mpg). The v6 remains at 3.0 liters of displacement, but now makes 40 hp more, and the fuel economy also increases by 2 mpg. One of the ways this was accomplished was from small aerodynamic tricks incorporated into body parts like the grill and fender flares, that increase the fuel ecomomy by 0.75 mpg at 70 mph. Power, Economy, Technology, Versatility, and Reliability: who could ask for anything more?

[turbocharged83]

Don't own one, but they do look pretty sharp. Definitely would be on my shopping list if was looking at SUV's right now, as well as the new GMC Acadia and the Buick Enclave, but they aren't hybrids.

[lilone06450]

I don't own one but work for Ford Motor Company and can tell you that unless you drive in stop and go traffic it's probably just as green to consider the Mariner I4 which costs less and is very fuel efficient. It has the same great look along with the same options for a lot less money

[Angelina_Apr]

I will be selling my Durango next April and moving to Germany for three years. We will buy a smaller used car for use in Germany and when we return to the states will buy a new car. I would like to buy a hybrid then but feel they need to improve them some before I spend the money it. They are raving about the new hybrid Tahoe that is coming out and I am appauled at the gas mileage it gets What a waste of money It is barely better than most non hybrid cars on the road and would not save any money at all because of its hefty price tag.

I have looked into the Highlander hybrid and so far unless anything better comes along in the next 4 years that is what I will probably buy when we come back.

I do have a question for those with hybrids...how/when does it switch from gas to electric? I thought that once you reach a certain speed 35-45 mph that is switches over to gas use. Is that correct?
bytheway soundtaxi has Christmas promotion open yet. That is a must have deal for tons of multimedia features available in their software pack