1998 Mercury Mystique GS 2.5L Duratec V6 from North America

Summary:

Performance bargain with questionable reliability

Faults:

Unfortunately the car went back to the dealership for two weeks after only a week of ownership. The master brake cylinder had leaked (manufacturer's defect) onto the transmission, corroding the moving parts. I was left with only third and fourth gear for the duration of a long trip. The repair was lengthy and difficult, as the engine is fairly crammed into its bay. They actually had to remove it to replace the transmission parts. I have had other random problems since, but luckily none so bad.

General Comments:

I enjoy driving this car very much. The depreciation on Mercury and Ford made it a very economical acquisition for me considering the comfort and performance of the car. I only wish it were more reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th April, 2001

15th Jul 2002, 09:09

This is the only bad review that I've read about the V6-manual combo.

Your last car was a Jetta? Good choice! It was the only car in its class that beat out the Mystique in Consumer's Reports tests.

29th Aug 2003, 15:22

I have had the Mercury Mystique since it first came on to the show floor and it has been nothing but an absolute nightmare if not for one reason, but for another and it is usually for the fact that they built the car to compete with up growing style of European cars, but their design is a flop, and the car went south as soon as it came on the show room floor.

1998 Mercury Mystique LS 2.5l V6 24 Valve from North America

Faults:

The car lost a wheel weight and developed a shimmy. A piece of trim in the rear of the vehicle (interior) came off. The trim just snapped back in place with no effort.

General Comments:

This car is well built and a strong performer in every sense of the word.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 1999

1998 Mercury Mystique LS 2.5L Duretec V6 from North America

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong but the car has had some recalls. Emergency brake cables could freeze, throttle cables could hang up, and headlight switch could overheat; but none of these problems showed up on my car.

General Comments:

I have the 2.5L engine and the 5-speed manual transmission. The car accelerates very well and the European suspension (Mondeo in Europe) makes the car handle very well on twisty country roads. It is fun to drive and averages about 28 mpg combo city/highway driving. Best 4 door sedan for the price, compares well with much more expensive euro sedan like BMW.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 1999

22nd Apr 2001, 22:18

I have the automatic transmission in my 98 Mystique LS (2.5 liter) and it gets 16 miles to the gallon average on highway miles. Other than that aspect it is a wonderful car all around.

7th May 2002, 11:46

I have a 1998 Mystique LS, V6, automatic and it gets ~20 around town and 28mpg on the highway. This closely matches the manufacturer's claims. I've had to replace the transmission at 54,000 and sway bars. Luckily I extended the warranty. It's had numerous recalls, nothing really serious as far as I can remember. The interior has held up well, though tiny rust dots are starting to appear on the outside. It performs well now at 56,000 but would not buy it again as reliability is questionable.

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