Though the once-storied Mercury brand now faces an uncertain future, buyers looking for a good deal on a small SUV should still check out the 2011 Mariner. Introduced in 2005, the Mariner is positioned as a more luxurious alternative to the Ford Escape. While the 2011 Mariner gets distinctive front sheet metal and a two-tone interior, its platform and engines are lifted right from the Escape parts bin. The compact Mariner fits nicely into most people's conception of a crossover SUV, featuring seating for five within its 103.1-inch wheelbase. The car-based unit platform offers consumers a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive.

With its fine-tooth front grille, jeweled headlights and squared-off profile, the 2011 Mariner is quite handsome. It eschews the common, ovoid shape so popular among crossovers these days and manages to look confident and substantial. The platform's height gives plenty of ground clearance and provides a good view out. Standard 16-inch alloy wheels and a front air dam with foglights contribute to the Mariner's upmarket look.

The Mariner's so-called CD2 chassis dates back to 2001 and is short on refinement compared to its newer competition. The SUV's handling lacks the fluidity of a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV. Though it delivers a creamy ride on smooth pavement, the Mariner loses its composure over large road imperfections. Its electric power steering, while accurate, lacks positive feedback, and the disc/drum brake setup is a dynamic disappointment. Despite these drawbacks the 2011 Mariner will likely satisfy drivers for whom sporty handling isn't a prime concern; the cabin is quiet and the controls are easily manipulated.

For 2011 the Mariner gives buyers the choice of four- or six-cylinder power. The base engine is the familiar Duratec inline four, enlarged last year to 2.5 liters. With aluminum construction and variable valve timing, the four-cylinder produces 171 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque. Though it's not quite as smooth as some of the engines from Honda and Toyota, the Duratec four revs willingly and has gained an enviable reputation for reliability. With the front-wheel-drive Mariner weighing in at 3,300 pounds, the four-cylinder feels peppy around town, however it struggles a bit when called on to provide highway passing power.

Stepping up to the optional 3.0-liter V6 engine nets Mariner buyers 240 hp and 223 lb-ft of torque. When burdened with passengers and cargo (or heavy AWD hardware) the extra thrust of the larger motor is greatly appreciated. In addition to brisk acceleration, buyers of the V6 Mariner will benefit from smoother operation and a more assertive exhaust note. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission (unlike the Escape, no manual is offered) that delivers seamless shifts and contributes greatly to the Mariner's commendable fuel economy. Front-drive models equipped with the four-cylinder are capable of 28 mpg, and even a loaded AWD V6 gets 23 mpg on the highway.

With just 99.4 cubic feet of passenger room, the 2011 Mariner trails its chief rivals in interior space. Legroom up front is fine, owing to its chair-like buckets, but rear seat passengers will find their quarters rather tight. The seats themselves are nicely upholstered, but lack lateral support and become uncomfortable on long drives. Cargo capacity also falls short of the standard set by the competition: Only 31.4 cubic feet of space are available behind the rear seats.

The Mariner's interior is noticeably classier than the Escape's. The two-tone color treatment and upgraded materials lend an upscale air. The dashboard features soft-touch plastics and a modern design. Though some of the switchgear is cheaply rendered, all controls are logically placed. Standard Ice Blue instrumentation helps spruce up the gauge cluster, while optional ambient lighting illuminates the floor and console with adjustable LEDs.

The 2011 Mariner is offered in two trim levels, Base and Premier. Base trims are lavishly equipped and feature standard air conditioning, cruise control, power accessories, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an AM/FM/CD stereo. Stepping up to the Mariner Premium nets buyers leather upholstery, heated front seats and an upgraded six-speaker audio system with standard SYNC phone and MP3 connectivity. Notable options include GPS navigation, a rear-view camera and a power sunroof.

Safety is a big selling point for the 2011 Mariner. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, as are side-intrusion door beams. The Mariner has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top rating of Good in their rigorous offset frontal crash test. Mercury's MyKey security system allows parents to restrict the vehicle's top speed and stereo volume in order to keep young drivers safe.

With Mercury production winding down for good this winter, buyers will likely be able to drive a hard bargain on any 2011 Mariner. Future parts availability and service support is likely to be excellent, as there are thousands of Ford dealers that will perform work on Mercury products. Though it may lack the sophistication and prestige of a Toyota or Honda product, the 2011 Mariner is a safe, reliable choice that is long on value.