Credit: $1,950
Status: Under the limit; sales and volume indicate that this, along with the Ford Escape Hybrid, should stay that way for awhile.
Pros: A Ford Escape Hybrid by a different name and the addition of a few more creature comforts, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid is really ideal for those who think there’s luxury cache in the Mercury brand and want an earth-friendly vehicle that gets 31 combined miles per gallon.
Cons: It costs more for what some consider to be a thin upgrade over the Ford Escape Hybrid, plus it comes only as a four-wheel-drive model – which hurts fuel economy.
Also: 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD: $1,950