There is one safety feature that clearly sells this, it is called the MyKey. Believe it, or not this device actually allows parents to control their teen driver’s speed and stereo volume. Limiting speed is good sense, but can you imagine, no more rattling metal that is thumping to a beat many people have a hard time listening to? The Mercury Mariner should sell within the blink of an eye with that ear saving device. Anyway, get down to the technical aspects and you will find that this compact SUV may not be worth the $23,560 price tag. The basic 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that gives 171 horsepower, is not exactly a power train. A more adequate choice would be the optional 3.0-liter V6 that makes 240 horsepower, although there are still yet more powerful alternatives in the class. With the disc/drum brakes the Mariner has one of the longest braking distances for a vehicle of this type. Although, Intelligent four-wheel drive is optional and probably a better choice all round. The stability control function hampers the Mariner while performing lane changes and grip on the road isn’t the best it could be. Fuel economy is an acceptable 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for four cylinder front wheel drive models. Looking at the exterior there isn’t that much to say, it is appealing enough to the eye. The chrome grille at the front is the feature that stands out the most. While the front seats seem comfortable enough it is a different story if you are in the back. The seats in the back are rigid and flat, they also don’t fold down very easily making it difficult if you want more cargo space. Talking about cargo space; you will get 31.4 cubic feet of space with all seats in use, and when you finally get the back seat folded down there is 67.2 cubic feet of space. Interior functions include, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, and Sirius satellite radio. On the safety side the 2010 Mercury Mariner has a lot to offer, it has dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. The Mariner is not the greatest SUV and costs more than the average vehicle of this type. This vehicle also has more than one down side that you may have to consider before purchase. However, the MyKey teenage control ear saving device is still the main reason any parent should buy the Mariner. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11