After winning Consumer Digest’s “best buy” three years in a row, one would think that the Mercury Mariner SUV couldn’t get any better. The 2008 year proves those people wrong. The year improvements to the design, interior, features and fuel economy are to be expected.

The newly refined interior is very impressive. A new dashboard layout places climate controls on each side with a temperature display high above the new audio and navigation systems. The rear seats may be condensed to increase the cargo volume to a notable 66.2 cubic feet of space. The addition of Mercury SYNC allows Voice activation to the Mariner’s impressive arsenal of features. Some of these features include a Navigation System, Bluetooth Phone service and more! Along with standard advanced frontal airbags, the Mariner comes standard with side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. This, on top of antilock brakes with electronic stability and roll stability control, makes this one safe vehicle.

Great attention was paid to improvements on the fuel economy of the 2008 model. Power steering replaces the old hydraulic system to cause less stress on the engine; this means more miles for your dollar! A 2.3L four-cylinder engine and a 3.0L V6 engine are available, both teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The option for AWD is also available.

Since the exterior design has been modified this year, you can also expect a smoother and quieter ride. You can finally listen to the lavish audio system without any outside noise filtering through your enjoyment. The 2008 Mercury Mariner is all about pleasing you in every way possible.

Long gone is the plastic side cladding, resulting in the 2008 Mariner’s lustrous appearance. New and improved headlights, taillights, doors, wheels and an updated grille give this hybrid a much-enhanced presence. The changes to the roof decrease the wind noise and allow the car to have an even quieter ride. On top of all of that, three new colors are available for more detailed customization.

The interior is quite nice as well. Changes to the windshield, floor, roof and windows further reduce the internal noise while driving. The new Navigation system includes a 6.5” screen that can play DVDs and display of power flow between the electric motor and the gasoline engine and charging status. Other luxury features include a 330-watt stereo system, MP3 compatibility, various power features and more! Safety wasn’t sacrificed for all of this improvement either. The 2008 Mariner Hybrid gets dual-stage frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and antilock brakes all as standard.

The AWD Mariner Hybrid gets a recorded 34 mpg city! With the 2.3-L four-cylinder engine, doubled with the continuously variable automatic transmission, gets a respectable 133 horsepower. The regenerative brakes have also been updated to provide a better transition from electric and gasoline modes.

Things are looking up for the 2008 Mariner Hybrid!

The Mercury Grand Marquis is one of few six-passenger RWD sedans available in the US. The Grand Marquis is the only one that offers a standard V8 engine and offers the most spacious interior and trunk for its class. The 2007 model offers an array of new features and is now E85 fuel capable.

As stated previously, the spacious interior can hold up to six occupants. The trunk has 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space and a trunk organizer is offered as an option. The new 2007 Palm Beach package includes new interior styling and power heated mirrors for better visibility in freezing environments. Frontal airbags and side-impact airbags keep the occupants safe in case of a collision and a dual-rate brake booster supplies full braking power during a “panic stop” all on its own. If that wasn’t enough, also included are all-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. It’s no wonder the Grand Marquis has received a five Star safety rating in all five categories every year since 1995.

The 2007 Grand Marquis gets a standard 4.6L V8 engine, capable of producing 224 horsepower. A 239 horsepower V8 engine with dual exhausts is also available for those who opt for the handling package. Both of these impressive engines team with a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. All of this gives this automobile a comfortable and pleasing ride.

Make sure to check out your nearest dealer for the newest model of this impressive machine!