We needed a small SUV and the Mariner or Escort seemed to be one of the best, and it was the only true hybrid of any of the small SUVs.
It got good ratings from most evaluation agencies. I also had previous experience with a Mazda Tribute, an Escape/Mariner clone.
We owned a Mazda Tribute for 2-1/2 years before giving it over to my daughter, and we found the truck to be very versatile and reliable. Since we were in the market for a small SUV/wagon hybrid, it was a natural.