2005 Mercury Mariner Road Test

Sporty? You bet! I've always been a fan of the Escape and Tribute when driving dynamics entered the picture. Their fun,

Like its Escape and Tribute siblings, the Mariner is a fun, "tossable" little SUV. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

"tossable" little SUVs, as is the Mariner. It comes with responsive rack and pinion steering and a four-wheel independent suspension, set up optimized for pavement rather than rough trails, although I've overcome some pretty treacherous boulder strewn hill climbs in a similarly equipped Tribute that left me astounded at its agility off the beaten track. Getting back down without the security of a bull-low gear ratio is a bit intimidating, however, never knowing if one of those sharp-edged rocks might sever the brake line. With that in mind it's probably best to keep the Mariner to light-duty adventures.

Braking in mind, stopping power is commendable. The Mariner features standard 4-wheel discs and ABS in 4WD trim, helped along by sticky 16-inch

The Mariner's cargo storage is quite good, delivering up 830-liters behind the second row of seats. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

rubber wrapped around attractive alloy wheels. Front-wheel drive Mariners get rear drums and standard ABS.

As for hauling a boat or camper to your favorite vacation spot, it won't handle anything over 1,588 kg (3,500 pounds). This should be ample, though, for most applications. Its cargo storage is also quite good, delivering up 830-liters (29.3 cubic feet) behind the second row, and 1,770-liters (62.5 cubic feet) if the rear seats are flipped forwards. Remove the 2nd row cushions and a total of 1,877-liters (66.3 cubic feet) can be utilized.