"Motor Trend" magazine's road test of the Marlin with the 343 engine reported zero to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds, and ran a 17.6-second quarter-mile at with two passengers aboard, which was comparable to the performance of a Dodge Charger with a . Fuel economy with the 280 hp V8 averaged city and highway, while with the 155 hp straight-six the big Marlin averaged city and highway. The Marlin "also handled well" and featured reclining seats that are "well worth the extra $44.65 to anyone who travels long distances."