Faults:

My engine just went out after I let my sister borrow it. She never put oil in it.

Engine plugs and timing belt.

General Comments:

I am very pleased I purchased this car in April 2004. I was in the market for my first vehicle, and wanted something different from my friends. I new about the Contour (Ford's version), but I didn't really know the Mystique was only a more luxury version of the Contour.

I was looking to spend no more than $4,000. I was 18, and wanted a decent vehicle. I went to every car lot I know. Then I stumbled across my Mystique, and it was like love at first sight... I had to have this car. The next day I went to the dealer. I drove it, and immediately put a deposit on it. I purchased it with 73,000 miles for $4,000.

The only things that have gone wrong with my car are that it needed a timing belt at 95,000, and two engine plugs at 88,000 and 92,000. I consider that normal, because when you drive a car like I do, it takes a lot of punishment.

Overall, I am extremely happy I bought this car, and despite all these reviews, I don't believe it was a so called "Mercury Mistake". I find that a little extreme, seeing that some of these people purchased their cars with near 100,000 or more miles. What do you expect? A car with that type of mileage doesn't owe anyone anything in my opinion. It's made somebody happy.

Anyway, I have set out to buy another Mystique today. It is a 1998 like my old one, but has only 37,000 miles. It is blue, and it is a fully loaded LS Spree with the 2.5 Liter Duratec V6. They are asking 5,200. I feel this is well worth it for such a great car.

Faults:

Replaced left wheel bearing.

Replaced both front ball joints.

Struts in back are gone.

Wire shortage in car somewhere.

Dome light works when it wants to.

Can only control power windows from drivers side.

Driver side window works when it wants.

Driver side window brace is breaking and window falls forward.

Dome light fell out.

Water in headlights.

Revving extremely high, causing high gas cost.

Smells of antifreeze.

Heater motor is going.

Windshield washer motor went.

Oxygen sensor replaced.

Stalls and stutters when starting out.

No moving space in car for being a 4 door.

Trunk leaks.

Interior is squeaky and noisy.

Interior pieces falling apart that holds carpeting.

Front seat is loose.

Air control system had to be replaced.

Squeaky belt in cold and rainy weather.

Car surges ahead at times.

Let go of gas and the car jerks.

Recalls like crazy that I had to have done.

Keeps blowing driving light bulbs.

Headlights are very poor.

Blinker is screwed up and sometimes goes fast and sometimes goes slow. Left blinker only.

Clear coat on paint is peeling off.

Seal trim around doors is coming off.

General Comments:

This car is a piece of crap. It is the biggest mistake I have ever made. Of course, hence they changed the name from Mystique to Contours, which are not much better. All owners of these vehicles should be recalled and given an option of another car. This car has made me hate Ford products completely. I will never ever ever own another Ford car again. I am more willing to pay the extra for a foreign "RELIABLE" car.