2010 Mercury Mountaineer

 

Specifications prices Modifications and Image  2010 Mercury Mountaineer
What happens when you take an Explorer and slap a Mercury badge on it? Why, you get the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer, of course. Aside from minor styling and equipment differences, the Mountaineer is basically an Explorer by another name, which means it's a holdout from that bygone era when all SUVs employed tough body-on-frame construction. One notable difference is the Mountaineer's optional full-time all-wheel drive (the Explorer typically offers a true 4WD system with a low-range transfer case) that hints at its slightly more upscale intentions. This is an SUV for the suburban set. Trouble is, there are a slew of car-based crossover SUVs on the market now, and just about all of them are better choices for the suburbs than the dated Mountaineer.

The one thing the Mountaineer unequivocally has going for it is towing capacity. With a maximum rating of over 7,200 pounds with the optional V8, the Mountaineer can tow as much as some pickup trucks, whereas crossover SUVs typically top out at less than half the Mountaineer's limit. If you plan on towing trailers or boats on a regular basis, the Mountaineer actually makes sense. As vehicular workhorses go, this Mercury is pleasantly refined and luxurious.

As modern SUVs go, however, the 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is mostly outclassed. Its available all-wheel-drive system is matched by every notable crossover SUV, and a crossover's car-based chassis will always trump the Mountaineer's truck-style underpinnings when it comes to negotiating bumps and corners. Performance and fuel-efficiency are issues as well: The base Mountaineer's archaic 210-horsepower V6 is put to shame by virtually every other six-cylinder engine currently available, and neither the V6 nor the optional V8 comes close to matching the typical crossover SUV's fuel economy.

The Mountaineer does have some old-school SUV company. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Borrego, Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner can all be counted as spiritual brethren, proving that there's still a market for nature-oriented 'utes even in this day and age. And for on-road use, the Mountaineer is actually a pretty good pick among this group. But the Mountaineer's on-road bias means you really should cross-shop it against crossovers more than traditional SUVs. And in this case, there are simply better choices than Mercury's rebadged Explorer.

INTERIOR
The Mountaineer can carry five occupants, with an optional third-row seat raising capacity to seven. The Sync communication system integrates phones and media players and allows those devices to be voice-activated. Sirius' subscription-based Travel Link service, included with the optional navigation system, can pull up local gas prices, movie times, weather reports and sports scores.

    *Optional heated leather seats
    *Second-row seats can be bench or buckets; they recline on the Premier
    *Optional Sync system and satellite radio
    *Optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system with 8-inch video screen
    *Optional navigation system with Sirius Travel Link
    *Optional power-folding third-row seats
Technology and Connectivity Features
Standard and available 2010 Mercury Mountaineer technology features include:
* AM/FM single CD/MP3 player with audio input jack
* Premium AM/FM in-dash, six-CD/MP3 player with subwoofer and audio input jack
* Voice-activated navigation system
* Rear-seat DVD system
* Power Code™ remote start
* Battery saver feature
* Illuminated entry
* Keyless Entry Remote (2)
* Security – SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS)
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
* Adjustable pedals
* Heated windshield

EXTERIOR
Mercury says the front styling and rectangular headlights suggest a subtle evolution in the company's design direction, with an emphasis on the vertically stacked front-end elements. Premier models add upgraded wheels and aluminum roof rails.

    *17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels
    *Satin aluminum touches on exterior
    *Available power-retractable running boards
    *Standard black crossbars for roof rails
    *Standard capless fuel filler system

ENGINE
The 2010 Mountaineer's standard engine is Ford's 4.0-liter V6, which makes a lackluster 210 hp and a more respectable 254 pound-feet of torque. The Mountaineer Premier can be equipped with an optional 4.6-liter V8, which puts out a peppier 292 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V6, while the V8 comes with a six-speed unit. Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available with either engine.

A V8-equipped AWD Mountaineer required 8.3 seconds to reach 60 mph in our instrumented testing. That's not bad, but the Toyota 4Runner is quicker, and many V6-powered crossovers put up comparable numbers. EPA fuel economy estimates for a rear-drive V6 Mountaineer are below-average at 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined -- the V8 is actually better at 15/21/17. Opting for 4WD predictably lowers the ratings for both engines. Properly equipped, a rear-wheel-drive Mountaineer with the V8 can tow up to 7,220 pounds.

SAFERY
Ford's AdvanceTrac now incorporates standard trailer-sway control. The system senses when the trailer you're towing is starting to sway and takes measures to bring it back into line. Other standard features include:

    *Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
    *Side-impact and side curtain airbags
    *Electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control

Standard and available 2010 Mercury Mountaineer safety features include:
* AdvanceTrac with RSC and Trailer Sway Control
* Dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags
* Belt-Minder®
* Front Passenger Sensing System
* LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system on rear outboard seat locations
* SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
* Safety Canopy® with roll over sensor (two rows of protection)
* Safety Belts, pretensioner/Energy Management System
reference:www.edmunds.com,www.cars.com,www.autospectator.com

2011 Mercury Milan

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Mercury Milan
The 2011 Mercury Milan will be one of the final two vehicles sold by the Ford brand. In 2010, Ford announced it would close down the Mercury nameplate, leaving it with the Ford and Lincoln badges to apply to its new vehicles.

While they're available, the standard and hybrid versions of the Milan should be excellent deals for shoppers looking for a four-door sedan with a pinch of style, good interior space and a high-quality cabin, with the appeal of hybrid gas mileage to boot.

The Milan is essentially identical to the Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid models, with a thin layer of distinctive styling applied. Both Milan sedans were revamped in 2010, along with their corporate cousins. There's a waterfall grille on the nose, a  dash with wide pieces of metallic trim that distinguish it from the Fusion, and a handsome selection of interior upholstery choices, including a two-tone chocolate effect that's unavailable on any Ford version (or on the also related Lincoln MKZ, for that matter).

Buyers can choose from a range of Milan sedans. Those choices include four- or six-cylinder engines, manual or automatic transmissions, front- or all-wheel drive, and a hybrid edition. Not all combinations are available, though: the V-6 is the only engine offered with all-wheel drive, and the manual transmission only is offered with the four-cylinder.

INTERIOR
Of all the Milan's good qualities, the passenger cabin stands out as worthy of special mention. The overall look is attractive, and the use of soft-touch materials gives it a distinctly classy appearance. Though it's not the largest model in either the Mercury lineup or the family sedan segment, the interior feels roomy and seats four adults comfortably. In back, a relatively large trunk offers 16.5 cubic feet of cargo room, which is made more useful by the 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks. Unfortunately the fold-flat front passenger seat that allowed owners to carry extra-long items with the trunk lid closed has been dropped.

Though the dash layout seems to have a lot of buttons, everything works pretty intuitively. The ability to control your cell phone and MP3 player hands-free via the Sync system is a definite plus for folks who spend lots of time in their cars. Sync's new Traffic, Directions and Information service -- which is free for the first three years -- just makes it that much more handy.

EXTERIOR
 Like its near identical twin, the Ford Fusion, the Milan got a big makeover last year that included a stylish new exterior, an updated passenger cabin and more powerful and fuel-efficient engines to make it one of the most well-rounded entries in the highly competitive midsize sedan category.

Adding to the Milan's appeal for its final model year are a number of incremental improvements, including outside wide-angle spotter mirrors, available rain-sensing windshield wipers, an HD radio option and a so-called Appearance package that bundles 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and a rear spoiler. The available voice-activated Sync system also gets a new Traffic, Directions and Information service that can deliver everything from real-time traffic reports and turn-by-turn driving directions to info on local businesses, news headlines and even daily horoscopes.

ENGINE
to watch out for is its powerful engine specification. The 2011 2011 Mercury Milan has got the power of 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6 engine phenomenal in churning out 221 horsepower at 6250 RPM and 205 pound-feet of torque at 4800 RPM. The engine comes with 6-speed automatic transmission system. Thanks to 6-speed automatic transmission system facility, The 2011 Mercury Milan delivers decent fuel economy – 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on highways.

SAFETY
Antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on all Milan models. In government crash testing, the Milan earned a top five-star rating for its protection of front occupants in head-on collisions. In the side-impact test, the 2011 Mercury Milan earned five stars for front passengers and four stars for those in the rear. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, the Milan earned a top rating of "Good" in both the frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
reference:edmun.com,www.reviewcar.com,www.thecarconnection.com

2011 Mercury Mariner

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Mercury Mariner
Like its Milan sedan sibling, the 2011 Mercury Mariner crossover will be one of the final vehicles sold under its brand name. Ford announced in 2010 it would shut down the Mercury brand, leaving it with just Lincoln and Ford nameplates to apply to its wide range of sedans, trucks, and crossovers.

The Mariner had received fairly extensive updates in the 2008 and 2009 model years. For 2008, Ford smoothed over the aging Mariner's looks and fitted a new interior that organized controls a bit more effectively, but cloaked them in too much grainy plastic.

INTERIOR
The Mariner's cabin is a pleasantly functional space, thanks in part to a huge center console with removable bins. Satin-finish metallic accents and available leather upholstery add a premium sheen. The Mariner shows its age, however, in terms of comfort and space. Up front, the seating position feels upright and trucklike and there's no telescoping steering wheel, so you have the feeling that you're hovering above the controls.

The front seats are shaped well enough, but the rear seat is as flat as a pirate's plank and offers neither a recline function nor fore/aft adjustability. What's more, folding the seatback down for maximum cargo capacity is a royal pain, requiring the headrests to be removed and the bottom cushions to be tumbled forward, a consequence of offering a flat load floor. Cargo volume stands at a useful 29 cubic feet with the rear seat in place and 66 cubic feet when that seat is folded down not bad given the Mariner's relatively compact footprint.

EXTERIOR
It comes in four different trim levels such as base I4, Premier I4, Base V6, and last but still important, Premier V6. The base model is well – equipped with various features like alloy 6 – inch wheels, privacy glass, air conditioning, fog lights, full power accessories, and audio controls steering- mounted wheel.

On the other hand, the Premier model has all basic to advanced amenities such as parking rear sensors, front heated seats, interior ambient lighting, power – driver seat, leather upholstery, Sync and rearview auto – dimming mirror and six – speaker stereo system etc.

 ENGINE

In 2011, the Mariner adopted more significant powertrain updates. A new base engine was added and the V-6 option gained more power. For 2011, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 171 horsepower, and the output of the 3.0-liter V-6 reaches 240 hp. Both versions are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

A third powertrain is offered in the Mariner Hybrid, which is virtually identical to the award-winning Ford Escape Hybrid. The technology in this version of the Mariner crossover couples a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a full hybrid system combining an electric motor system. The result: gas mileage that's EPA-rated at 34 mpg city and 31 highway, with acceleration similar to that in the stock four-cylinder.

SAFETY
Antilock brakes (albeit with rear drums), traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags with a rollover sensor are all standard equipment on the 2011 Mercury Mariner.

The Mariner earned a perfect five stars from the government in both front and side crash tests. In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Mariner scored the highest rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset and side tests. Unfortunately, the Mariner's braking performance is poor. From 60 mph, the Ford Escape we tested (mechanically identical to the Mariner) required 138 feet to come to a halt.
reference:www.superdupercars.com,www.edmunds.com,www.thecarconnection.com

2011 Mercury Grand Marquis

Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
Some would argue that it is inappropriate to castigate the 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis, likening the stabbing statements to gossiping behind someone’s back. Foo-fa-rah! Mercury is dead now, courtesy of Ford, so we have no compunction lambasting and lampooning the Grand Marquis all we want.

If cars were awarded Ig Nobel prizes, the Grand Marquis would come out weighed down with blingin’ hardware. It shares an engine with its 1992 ancestor. That’s like cursing the Pope. Eight cylinders are usually every gearhead’s dream, but the Grand Marquis turns them into a horrific nightmare. The powerplant is weak and inefficient, with little energy off the line and even less thereafter. It’s partnered with an antiquated four-speed automatic transmission and chugs fuel worse than the teenagers chug soda. The Grand Marquis is part of an elite group; it is one of the few vehicles sold today that pack eight cylinders and still can’t break the mid-eights in the 0-60 mph dash.

Handling is similarly lifeless. No responsiveness, communication, rigidity or energy. This 4,117-lb vehicle has the weight of an elephant with the agility of a sloth. It has one of the cushiest suspensions available, which is fabulous on highways, but makes your head endlessly bobble on the corners. Ironically, the Grand Marquis is rear-wheel drive, a setup normally reserved for athletic performers. Nice joke, Mercury.

INTERIOR
2011 Mercury Grand Marquis lets you experience an effortless driving experience, enjoy a sleeker new look, and relax in a more luxurious cabin. This year, the car comes in four distinct models – the Grand Marquis GS Convenience, the Grand Marquis LS Premium, Grand Marquis LSE, and Grand Marquis LS Ultimate. Whichever one of these models suits your needs, you’ll find all of The 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis performance review specs you could ever possibly want right here. Exhibiting a further refined appearance, The 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis features a new sleek grille, along with a restyled front end, new wraparound headlamps and integrated cornering lamps. New styling also shows itself in the Grand Marquis’ taillamps and wheels. And to make things better, the new trunk offers 20.6 cubic feet of storage space. On the inside, The 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis features include the electronic automatic temperature control system, stylish lounge seating, power-adjustable foot pedals, a 6-disc, trunk-mounted, radio controlled CD changer, and an overhead console with controls that include a Digital compass, map lights, sunglass storage, valet clip and the HomeLink Universal Transceiver, a programmable remote control device to activate the garage door opener plus two additional home-based devices.

The Grand Marquis' general interior design hasn't really been changed since...goodness, we can't even remember. The original George Bush may have been president. Major controls reside in the center of the dash and can be difficult to reach, though they're incredibly easy to decipher and a testament to simpler technological times. Of course, that also means you go without the sort of modern conveniences Ford has become known for, like navigation, Sirius Travel Link and Sync, which you can use to control your iPod and cell phone using voice controls. We have a sneaking suspicion, though, that most Grand Marquis buyers won't care.

The cabin is quite wide, but backseat legroom is no more impressive than cars that are smaller on the outside. Nevertheless, the Grand Marquis is one of the few remaining cars capable of seating three people in the front seat, which means you can stuff six people inside. Their luggage will be able to come along as well, because the trunk measures 20.6 cubic feet, making it the largest of any car (though the Ford Taurus' trunk is but 0.4 cubic feet smaller).

EXTERIOR
Every Grand Marquis comes with a powerful 4.6 liter V-8 engine with a single overhead cam and an improved output of 220 hp. The Grand Marquis has been engineered to meet federal Low Emission Vehicle standards (LEV). A new standard feature for 2011, this system enhances protection via front-impact and driver-seat position sensors designed to provide a modulated and appropriate rate of front airbag deployment. Grand Marquis is the only car in its class with a double five-star front crash test rating five years in a row ..Brake and accelerator pedals travel up to 3 inches forward or backward to optimize the driver’s position relative to the steering wheel.

ENGINE
The rear-wheel-drive 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis is powered by a 4.6-liter V8 good for only 224 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard. Going from zero to 60 mph requires about 8.5 seconds, which is on par with many four-cylinder-powered sedans. Fuel economy is 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 combined. That's a big improvement over 1978, but pretty disappointing today given this car's meager power.

SAFETY
2011 Mercury Grand Marquis is designed to combine useful technology with plush luxury. The driver benefits from having controls within ready reach, making it easy to monitor vehicle gauges. Smooth, responsive power is standard on every Mercury Grand Marquis, thanks to the 4.6-liter SOHC 16-valve V8 engine.With confident authority, it offers 224 horsepower and 272 pounds per foot of torque. For enhanced performance and a smoother, more controlled ride, the standard handling package offers a uniquely tuned front suspension, rear air suspension with unique springs, 16-inch, 9-spoke aluminum wheels and more. in addition, the car’s Personal Safety System includes a crash severity sensor, a driver’s seat position sensor, and front outboard safety belt usage sensors, as well as front outboard safety-belt pretensioners and front outboard energy-management safety belt retractors. If that’s not enough, the Grand Marquis for sale comes standard with an Anti Lock Braking System, which prevents wheel lockup and enables the driver to maintain steering control even when braking on less than ideal surfaces. The 2011 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis is the car for the power-hungry master of commerce. The new model lets you experience an effortless driving experience, enjoy a sleeker new look, and relax in a more luxurious cabin. This year, the Grand Marquis comes in four distinct models – the Grand Marquis GS Convenience , the Grand Marquis LS Premium, Mercury Grand Marquis LSE, and Grand Marquis LS Ultimate. The new Grand Marquis also boasts a redesigned independent front suspension with power, engine speed-sensitive, variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering that delivers an improved ride, more precise handling and a smoother journey than ever before.
reference:zautos.com,www.reviewcar.com,www.edmunds.com