Not bad at all! Looks like a mini Mountaineer

::yawn::

OMG. Ford actually made the Mariner ugly

I swear they copied Thomas the Train, and plastered his face on the front of this gas money pit.

mercury should DIE

and when the did the escape come out,um 2001

why is it us car makers have such LONG model lifes, and makers like say – toyota or honda, have 5 year cycles

how bout that ranger that is on about year 22

Long lifecycles are a big problem for US makers, Ford in particular… Glad to see that Mercury will be more than rebadged Fords (sigh…). It looks old already…

#4 platform was redesigned and updated in 2005. For the most part, FLM is running the same number of year cycles on a platform as any manufacturer, Toyota and Honda included.

WOW… I think it looks WAY better than the original Mariner. Good job Mercury!

#4 The platform was redesigned in ‘05? Also, there is no way Ford is redesigning their models as rapidly as other makers, which they themselves have admitted… Let’s see…
Crown Vic
Current Focus (Europe got the new model, not us…)
Prevous Taurus
Ranger
Previous gen Mustang

All long in the tooth currently or for their time…

#6 you are INCORRECT sir!

it was “updated”.
the platform is, and will continue to be EXACTLY THE SAME as in 01

facelifts, thats all

“The Escape and Tribute were updated for 2005 with a new base engine (the 2.3 L Duratec 23), added airbag and seatbelt safety systems, an intelligent all wheel drive system, and exterior changes. 2005 was the first model year an automatic transmission was available on the base four-cylinder models. Ford also deleted the recline feature on the rear seats. The Mercury Mariner, new in 2005, was also introduced with these new features. It also included stylistic differences, such as a two-tone interior, European-style turn signal repeaters, monotone cladding, and the signature Mercury “waterfall” front grille.

A significantly facelifted version of the Escape will be released in the second half of 2006, for the 2007 model year. The updated Escape will feature a larger, bolder grille, with additional chrome, as well as restyled front bumper and headlights. Side mirrors will feature integrated indicators. On the inside, changes include a new floor mounted automatic transmission shifter, in place of the old column shifter. Mechanically, the Escape receives a 5-speed automatic in place of the previous 4-speed, and the rear drum brakes of the previous model have been replaced by disc brakes. Engines remain the same, but the V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%, while the 4-cylinder has improved mid-range torque and an electronic throttle

Go Merc! A great American marque that deserves better. One of Mercs most beautiful cars was the ‘67 Cougar, which nearly out sold the new for ‘67 Camaro! Rebadging can work. That ‘67 Cougar was basically a ‘67 Mustang, but I believe the only common sheetmetal was the trunk lid! James Dean Merc! Lead Sled Merc! Bill Stoppe Merc! Woods Brothers Merc!

Yes, yes, yes. Mercury should die. Yesterday. DIE.

Looks like a formerly happy face, with nose ring and eye brow ring. This car scares me.

#9 – What’s incorrect? You just stated exactly what I was refering to, it wasn’t just some “new chrome”. that _is_ a facelift. They made significant changes to powertrain, driveline, suspension, interior, etc, etc. If that’s not updated and redesigned, what? I never said or insinuated that it was an all new vehicle from the ground up.

BTW, you obviously haven’t been in the rig or got your info from the wrong source. Escape hasn’t had a column shift since 2004. Center shift console has been standard since spring of 2004, when the 2005 was introduced.

Ewww.. they ruined it.