2010 Mercury Mariner Base 4WD

For a bit of added traction and stability, the 2010 Mercury Mariner Base 4WD trim offers the same choice of a 2.5-liter inline four or 3.0-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic, but with the benefit of 4WD. Traction control modulates power for the 16-inch alloys, further bridled by antilock brakes with anti-skid. Inside, cloth upholstery covers the front buckets and split-folding rear, although the tilt steering wheel is wrapped in leather and holds controls for the AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, which also houses a digital media player connection. Convenience features are plentiful, with air conditioning, cruise control, rear privacy glass, a center console, floormats, a tachometer and power windows, mirrors, and door locks with remote keyless and keypad entry. Variable-intermittent front wipers help keep the view ahead clear, with the help of foglights, and a rear defogger/wiper combo make sure your view out the rear is unobstructed as well.

Additional safety features include dual front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags with rollover deployment, a theft-deterrent system, and a tire-pressure monitor.

By Michael Perkins