| Specifications:
Transverse
front-engine/front-wheel drive. Transmission:
CD4E automatic. Wheelbase
106.5"; weight 2805 lbs; unit-body construction; length 184.8". Built
in Mexico. 5 Stars NHTSA crash test rating.
|
Engines |
Size liters
/
cu. in |
Horse- power |
Torque |
Transmission:
EPA city/hwy |
|
DOHC I4 |
2.0 / 121 |
125 |
130 |
5-speed
manual: 24/34
4-speed automatic: 23/32 |
|
DOHC V6 |
2.5 / 155 |
170 |
165 |
5-speed
manual: 21/31
4-speed automatic: 21/30 |
Facts:
Mercury's compact front-wheel drive four-door
sedan based on the Mondeo CDW27 platform and replaced the Topaz. Trim levels
included GS and LS. Dual airbags, height-adjustable front shoulder
belts, and 5-mph bumpers were standard. Antilock brakes and traction control
(which works at all speeds) were optional.
Mercury's
Mystique is similar to the Ford Contour. The 4-door sedans have different front
and rear styling but similar mechanical components. Mystique, which replaced the
compact Topaz came in two models: base GS and plusher LS. A 125-horsepower,
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine was standard; 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter V6 optional.
A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with either engine, and electronic
4-speed automatic optional. Dual airbags, height-adjustable front shoulder
belts, and 5-mph bumpers were standard. Antilock brakes and traction control
(which works at all speeds) were optional.
1996:
In a quest for more rear-seat space, the front seatbacks were redesigned, now
scooped out instead of flat. That added about an inch more rear leg room. Later
in the model year came a second step: Rear-seat cushions were lowered and moved
farther back. Meanwhile, the 5-speed's gearshift linkage was revised, intended
to yield smoother shifts.
1997:
A new lower-priced base model joined the lineup for '97, as prices of the GS and
LS increased. A trunk light became standard, and traction control was no longer
available as an option.
1998:
The '98 Mystique got a redesigned grille, headlamps, and hood. Also new was an
optional rear child-safety seat.
1999:
Re-contoured rear seats and allow for 1/2-inch more leg room and a slightly
softer suspension were the only changes for 1999. Mystique would not return for
2000. 2000:
Mercury dropped the Mystique a few months after the 2000 model year began. Only
4-cylinder GS and V6 LS versions remained for the short season. Final Mystiques
got a manual in-trunk emergency release system.
Related Cars:
Ford Contour Ford Contour SVT
See Also:
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