1999 Mercury Tracer Review
1999 Mercury Tracer Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- A high-tech engine and overall solid feel make this an excellent entry-level Mercury.
Cons
- Interior roominess, especially for rear seat passengers, is lacking even for a compact car.
What’s new
The Tracer gets a new sport wagon model to help extend its appeal to young buyers. The LS Sport Wagon model comes standard with leather seating surfaces and 15-inch wheels. Other changes include a standard interior trunk release on all sedans. A remote keyless entry and AM/FM cassette player is standard on LS models.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Mercury Tracer GS 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$147/mo for Tracer GS
Tracer GS
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The Tracer has been Mercury's bread-and-butter car since it replaced the Lynx model in 1988. Think of it as the car that brings consumers into the Mercury family. The Tracer's low price, decent reliability and above average crash test scores have consistently offered recent college grads and young families an attractive set of American wheels.
After a major redesign in 1997, the Tracer has seen only minor upgrades in '98 and '99. The one and only engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with overhead-cam and split port induction. Each intake port is fed by two intake manifold runners. This design allows for maximum efficiency and performance at both low and high rpm. It helps the Tracer make 110 horsepower at 5,000 rpm while still being classified as a low emissions vehicle (LEV) in the state of California.
One-piece body construction, a cross-car beam and stiffer stabilizer bars give Mercury's smallest car the confidence young buyers enjoy when traveling along winding roads or cruising at highway speeds. An Integrated Control Panel combines stereo and climate controls for a more efficient use of dash space.
Striking a more mature chord, the latest Tracer has fewer cut-lines and a more polished demeanor than previous models. We find this ironic considering how much fun the new one promises to be. In the end, we feel that the Tracer is a real winner; no more increased blood pressure when merging with freeway traffic, no more shaking like a willow when driving over uneven pavement. Mercury has done a fine job bringing this car up-to-date and we are starting to see quite a few of these latest generation Tracers on the road.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Mercury Tracer.
5 star(54%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
30 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
It grows on you
wardwoo, 01/10/2009
1999 Mercury Tracer GS 4dr Sedan
I bought this car from the dealership my brother works for. He found and researched it for me, decided it was a decent choice for my current situation. Thank you bro! It's already payed for itself in more ways than one. Great buy for the money and reliable as can can be. No problems so far other than the check engine light (duh, check everything and if nothing's wrong ignore it, it's … just a new light on your dash) great gas mileage, decent handling, gets through snow awesome for some reason (have a 5- speed) and can do a 1 turn on a one way street (or side walk) get it? Don't feel wronged if you purchase one. Just check your fluids and you'll be fine, just like any maintenance car work.
3.5 out of 5 stars
98 tracer
stoman, 02/01/2012
1998 Mercury Tracer LS 4dr Sedan
over 200,000 miles
still going strong
5 out of 5 stars
Great Car
borgward, 06/09/2009
1999 Mercury Tracer GS 4dr Sedan
My girlfriend bought it on her own. I was very impressed from the beginning. She gave it to me after 3 years when she bought a Toyota Corolla as the Tracer was no longer available. The interior and exterior still look almost brand new. 5 speed manual. 28 MPG once, 45 MPG once, 34 to 37 in town. I get 39mpg at 75 to 85 MPH w/AC on the Hwy. 170000+ miles. The repairs have been power … steering hose, recommended timing belt replacement and recently the alternator. Oh After we had the car 1 day the r headlamp receptacal had to be replaced, and replaced 2 more times. The headlight housings started turning opaque after the first year. Would like station wagon w/5 speed manual.
4.63 out of 5 stars
195,000 as still going
Trace, 04/28/2009
1998 Mercury Tracer GS 4dr Sedan
This has been a great car. It has great mileage. It is easy to service. It handles well in snow.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Mercury Tracer, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tracer since its last redesign.
1999 Tracer Highlights
Sedan
GS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $147/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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