Faults:

Transmission at 115,000.

Faded headlight lenses.

Interior plastic pieces cracked.

Interior pillar covers came loose.

Electric seat adjustment mechanisms broke.

Electric window switch failed.

General Comments:

Very reliable car. Just turned 192,000.

The four cylinder Mystique was underpowered.

The engine always ran warmer than normal, but never overheated.

Backseat comfort negligible.

Shade tree oil changes were difficult because of the location of the oil filter behind the right front wheel. The wheel had to be removed in order to get to the filter.

The rear suspension got real noisy, but the suspension was sound and good on tire wear.

It was very responsive in steering and had a good tight turning radius.

Ford/Mercury was good about recalls.

Forward and side visibility was fantastic.

The trunk was very roomy.

Faults:

My 1996 mistake has been noting, but problems for me.

I have had to replace the trans twice. The overdrive light flashes. Has a hard time shifting gears.

The cups holders are broke off.

I have had to take the control for the driver side window out so I can roll down the window.

The gas tank door never wants to open.

My car has leaked anti-freeze for as long as I can remember. I use the no leak stuff. I used to use it every couple of months. Now I have to use it every week. My car is now spraying anti-freeze all over my engine. When it does that the car shuts down. When I am driving the RPM go all the way down and the battery light comes on. When I pull of to the side of the road all the anti-freeze pours out on the ground. But when I shut my car off it will not start. It has to dry off and the battery has to be recharged. I have had it looked at and my battery and alternator are fine. My radiator has to be replaced.

General Comments:

I will never buy a mercury again.

I have had nothing but problems.

Faults:

Brake Pads Replaced at 84000.

Driver side door handle is very difficult to open, refuses to open the door without a great deal of force.

Had one bad O2 sensor when I bought it, starting causing problems, fixed at about 87000. $180 for one, and this car has two of them.

Passenger side front door motor blown sometime before I bought it. Not yet fixed.

Seems the car was sold to me with the valet key and a copy of said key. Called up mercury and they replaced it and had me pick it up at a local dealer close to me.

General Comments:

Rather fun to drive, handles very well.

Power from the 4Cyl auto is not very good, rather sluggish on hills and passing on the highway. Manual and any 6cyl of this model is much better. Turning Overdrive off gets a little more pickup out of it.

Interior is comfortable if you like cloth eats, and I do.

Stock sound system only reaches acceptable clarity at higher volumes, power is very low.

Power options are nice, especially power seat, windows, and door locks.

Backseat is not as small as many say (in the 4dr). but definitly not for larger adults.

A/C remains cold as all hell when you need it to be.

All driver interface devices are nicely molded (steering wheel, shifter, etc.)

Driver for long periods of time is very comfortable even or 4 people.

Can make fairly tight turns with no complaint.

Gas mileage is about 23 or so city 30 or more highway.

Auto shifting is OK, except from 1st to 2nd, where is seems it will keep moving up in RPM's until you lessen the pressure on the gas pedal.

Braking is very tight and comfortable.

Rear suspension can be noisy at times, but I've checked and nothing is wrong with it, not very noticeable.

Body Rigidity is good.

Clear coat still looks great after 7 years.

Trunk is actually fairly spacious.