Faults:

I replaced the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve shortly after purchase to take the idle back down about 300 rpm to a normal 650-700 rpm.

Added a bigger transmission cooler. Drained and filled with 7 qts of transmission fluid.

I did the suspension and brakes just because I always do that with cars I get.

I replaced the throttle body, because it was sticking with junk yard throttle body and worked like a charm. This year does NOT have the ELECTRONIC throttle motor like the 2009 and newer which had known electronic issues.

I fixed the ignition play when turning the key with a plastic piece wedged to take up space in the housing, which was known to be slightly too big causing the key to turn without starting the car.

The steering sensor had a factory recall, but I never had them "reprogram" the computer, because it would then actually void the warranty if sensor went bad.

The transmission mount causes vibrations to enter the cabin via the steering wheel. The balance is off and mechanic says it is normal for this vehicle. You can feel the most vibration on the left most cylinder. I replaced all the mounts and had the vibration disappear for a few days after doing the transmission mount, but it was short term fix only.

I had a spark plug get loose due to the vibration and crack the coil pack and fly somewhere on the road. Engine vibration over time probably to blame. So, new coil pack and spark plug fixed it.

Exhaust rusted near intermediate muffler due to Northeast Ohio use of road salt.

I had the thermostat housing replaced by mechanic, because it was easier to do with a lift than in my driveway.

I replaced the gasket on the intake manifold.

I replaced the rear control arms to get the alignment to stay in the green.

I replaced the lock actuator in the rear because it was sticking.

Replaced headlights with LED because I couldn't see while driving at night with the standard headlights.

The vehicle struggles to go fast on windy days, so I would say having a roof rack is just making it worse. I tried to remove it but the screws were super tight and could not be loosened.

I did fuel system cleaning at a mechanic with no change in MPG.

I did an air intake service with slightly improved idle afterwards.

General Comments:

It is an engine that will not allow easy merging because the vehicle is underpowered and it shakes despite a lot of effort on my part to figure out the issue. I would recommend this vehicle only for those that just drive around town or don't commute to work everyday with it. The engine is known to go 300k miles, which most modern cars cannot achieve even with more engine sensors.

Faults:

Transmission failed. 2WD.

Rust over rear quarter panel.

Seat padding got soft.

Front axle needed replacement.

Tire sensor failed.

Poor gas mileage with V6.

General Comments:

Heater seats are great.

Trans is a costly fix and a weak link.

Faults:

If the vehicle sits for a week or more in hot weather, when first driving it after 3 blocks, it stays in 2nd gear too long for one time. A Ford bulletin says this is normal for this vehicle. After sitting in cooler weather, it does not do it for me. Since most of the year I drive it everyday, it hardly ever happens, or never. I had just let it sit one time in the hot summer when using my other car. If it does happen, you just go carefully, and after it stays in 2nd a little too long, you can go faster, and it is back to normal. Stay at the same speed in 2nd until it shifts late.

Have not had any other problems, and this is really no problem for me. The transmission still seems durable anyway.

General Comments:

I love the car for the money. Drives nice and is quiet inside. I had a Honda CRV that sounded like sitting outside when a semi went by, to me. The Mariner is much more quiet inside. I drove a recent Toyota Rav4, and it feels and sounds a lot more cheap to me.

I have front wheel drive with the 4 cylinder engine. Not thrilled with 6 speed transmissions, but you get used to it. Kinda of go along with it when you don't have to step on it for any reason. I like 4 speed better. Less to go wrong and nicer at slow speeds.

The Mariner has much better heat than I had in the Honda CRV. The Honda would actually give less heat if really cold out, the more you drove, especially at idle. But the Mariner takes a little longer than I would like for heat at the floor, but is always hot at the vents. No big deal for me, because I just blow the vents on me.

I put a rear camera on the Mariner, bought at Autozone. A cheap one, but it works fine since I wired the antenna right next to the screen. Otherwise reception is no good if the antenna is in the back of the vehicle. I would not want this Mariner without it. I can see if kids are behind me.

The steering has a feel of something slightly, when backing out of my garage, turning left a little, but I never feel again when driving. Ford has bulletin on this too, I think I read somewhere, and it is suppose to be normal. Feels like slight binding.

Overall, I love the vehicle for the money. Rides nice. Seats are much better than a lot of vehicles I have been in. Comfortable. Don't like the seats in the newer model. Too narrow for me (I sat in the Mazda version of the Ford Escape).

I got the shade for the back and locking gas cap, and they both are nice.

The 4 cylinder engine has enough power, and has less weight for stopping in snow, which is more important to me than trying to get going. And like I said, plenty of heat! And by the way, the air conditioning is real cold too!