Used 1997 Mercury Mystique Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Mystique, so we've included reviews for other years of the Mystique since its last redesign.
would NEVER own another!
Tim, 09/04/2009
1996 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My 96 has cost me over $8,000 to fix! Includes transmission, engine, timing belt pulleys, and cv joints! If you want to buy a new car, stay away from mystiques.
Dont Listen To the Negatives People
Kevin Landy, 12/17/2003
1997 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT THIS VEHICLE IS OVERALL WONDERFUL. MY MYSTIQUE IS IN PEARL WHITE WITH A KEYLESS ENTRY, SUNROOF, ALL POWER OPTIONS, AND IS EQUIPPED WITHT HE SPREE PACKAGE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS 4CYL IS ONE OF THE MOST TOUGHEST 4 BANGERS AROUND ESPCIALLY HAVIN A DOHC INSTEAD OF A SHOC. PASSING MANUEVERS ARE NOT BAD, THROTTLE RESPONSE IS SATISFYING, GAS MILEAGE IS VERY GOOD, AN HAS ONE OF THE SMOOTHEST RIDES A 4 BANGER CAN OFFER. BELIEVE ME PEOPLE I KNOW MY VEHICLES AND IM TELLIN YA IF YOUR LOOK FOR A REAL NICE CAR, BEAUTIFUL FEATURE,HAS GOOD POWER, GOOD GAS MILEAGE, AND GREAT RELIABILITY. THE MYSTIQUE IS FOR U.
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See all 0 listingsThought it was a good buy
EPierce, 02/15/2006
1997 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought used with 50,000 miles. Looked to be in goods shape. In less than a year had to replace the water pump (plastic impeller broke in two), power steering pump, puller idler arm, and some vacuum hoses. Now transmission is making noises and idle problem has cropped up that no one can find. Not my idea of reliability. Have cars with double the mileage with less problems.
Under appreciated
flyzone, 05/19/2002
1996 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is one of the most underrated, most fun to drive cars out there. A sleeper and performance car in sheeps clothing. Ford just didn't know what they had (or the market didn't) - poor marketing. Paint and corrosion are great. Mine has been outside for 6 years; still looks great. Seats are super; locks you in. A real drivers car. I bought two!
Will be sad to see it go.
midcoastme, 10/20/2003
1996 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This has been a comfortable, mostly reliable vehicle. Main repairs: front wheel bearing, heater hoses, MAF sensor. Currently has 97000 miles, averages 28.9 mpg overall, not bad for an automatic. Lack of decent cupholders prevents a 10 for interior design. Will be sad to see it leave the driveway for the last time.
Now I understand the joke about Fords
rebecca.shrode@bovis, 01/05/2004
1996 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car was very reliable until I got a recall w/ a valve that has to do with emissions. It just constantly broke down every other month. I dumped about $6,700 into it until I got fed up and bought a new car. That by the way is a Pontiac. This was absolutely the worst car I ever owned and I owned 3 before this one. I always buy used and never experienced so many problems as this car had. It was a LEMON!!!!!!!!!
A sharp buy
George, 05/30/2006
1996 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I now have 128,000 miles on my 24 valve 2.5 V-6 engine and since this car and engine were made by mazda they have been very reliable. This car drives like a more expensive car and holds the road as if riding on train tracks. Great acceleration combined by good fuel economy + above average construction. Very tight car which i intend to drive into the ground.
Not too bad if u dont count all recalls.
Cody5530, 08/14/2002
1997 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Overall a decent car, but the recalls are driving me crazy, plus the window switches have gone out and belts need replacing.
Don't Buy One
Mary, 02/11/2007
1996 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have only had this car for a year and it has been in the garage more than i have driven it. Everything that could possibly go wrong with a car goes wrong with this thing. The transmission is going for the second time and i just had it replaced not too long ago. So if you don't have money to waste don't buy this because it sure takes a lot of money to keep this on the road. it is the WORST car i have ever owned and i will never buy another ford.
Super Mystique
nancib, 10/02/2008
1996 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car used in 2002, have driven it everyday approx. 30 miles per day since that time. I love it, no major defects,no problems. It's beginning to have things wear out, but that's to be expected. Wish I had another as good as this one has been.
My MISTAKE
burnedbymystique, 03/13/2009
1996 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When it runs, it is a pretty cool car to drive. I have had more problems with this car. I bought it in '06. In '07 I had to have the transmission rebuilt. In '08, I replaced the engine. This year, I have had to fix both timing tension pulleys, the valve gasket, and the cam. Iliked the car when I bought it. Now I hate it.
Get an extended warrenty!
Doug2, 12/16/2002
1996 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car had lots of little problems, including about 4 factory recalls. Once we hit 80K miles, the whole thing started to fall apart. We had the timing belt replaced twice, and something is making noise again. Was reliable but now I don't trust it. Many of the plastic panels, etc. have fallen off the interior, although it is only slightly noticable. Front power window motors both broke around 75-80K miles.
Buyer beware
dismayed, 02/09/2003
1996 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car has a decent, engine, and usually good accelaration. Auto Transmission is bad. Handling and comfort was okay. Interior looks cheap, and car has many recalls. I is probably good that they took this car of the market. Just coming out of college and buying this car, I spent thousands of dollars on repairs I could not afford, and jobless ecomony that doesn't help. I will not buy a Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, or Mazda etc for a long time. Buyers look elsewhere.!!!
good car good buy
wisconsin, 10/21/2003
1996 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this has been a very dependable car for me. it has never needed anything other than tires and brakes and now has 91000 miles on it. there have been several piddly recalls that ford has taken care of. on the down side, the trunk seals leak and the taillights would fill up with water until i drilled holes in the bottom of them. but overall, probably the most dependable cheapest to keep car i have owned. Let's me carry obscenely large items in trunk.
take care of it and it just keep running
mysticdream96, 03/17/2005
1996 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i absolutely love this car its great on gas milage 29/37, its a great little city car and i love the trunk space i dont really mind the rear seat because its just me and my wife, the exterior of the car looks great, i love the glove box next to the steering columm, all this car needs in my mind is a sunroof, besides the electrical system wich after nine years this is the first time i've heard of this "on my car anyways" this car is top notch
Comfort but Unreliable
rockknocker, 04/20/2004
1996 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought used for daughter and she drove it for(6)years 30k miles. Very good fuel economy,30+ mpg. Car had some neglect, ran out of oil and driven 300+ miles until engine seized, then with only two quarts of oil it was driven another 200 miles. With 90K miles engine runs fine and does not burn oil! A very comfortable car. Repairs: Auto transmission-$1800, CV Joints, ball joints, brakes twice, front wheel bearing, rear slave cyl., two shift cables, replaced power antenna, power door motor, backup light trim seals leaked into trunk. Seems like a lot of repairs, but in all honesty, some could be related to a side impact/car wreck.
Wouldn't buy another
TamiJohansen, 07/18/2005
1996 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
its nice and fun to drive. the overall design is great.. when it comes to engines its not a very good car.. i bought the car for 7K about 5-6 years ago and have had to invest in repairs more than what i purchased it for... I should have just bought a brand new car for 14K... would have lasted longer and the engine is a hot engine so the transmission is going on me for the second time.. i would only recommend this car for people that are willing to fix it...
Fun to drive family sedan!
Contique96, 03/07/2002
1996 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We've owned this car for nearly 4 years, and it is still a joy to get behind the wheel. Our Mystique is a 5-spd. with a V-6, the only way to go! Zippy mid-sized sedan with true European handling. Fun, fun, fun! Oh, did I mention that it's comfortable (all the extras, most were standard) and has a smooth ride. Fold-down rear seat and 4-doors gives this "sports car" a true family angle -- rare for any car to be both fun to drive AND a family sedan.
Great car to own
mystique fever, 06/17/2003
1996 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for 3 years with not one problem. It's comfortable, gets GREAT gas mileage(28 in town and 37 on the interstate) has good acceleration, sporty 4 door car. I have the 4 cylinder with the 5 speed manual and I love it. I would buy another one in a second. I highly recommend them. I have heard bad things about the automatic transmission though so I'd stay clear of the automatics.
Sport Sedan
berne1, 03/16/2002
1996 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As an import die-hard, I have to say I am very impressed by this car. We bought almost new, with 7000 miles. Repairs so far have been front sway bar, front wheel bearings. Replaced the battery at 80K. That's it! This has been a VERY reliable car. It has every option except ABS. This was originally my wife's car. Had it been mine, I would have chosen ABS rather than the automatic.
This Model Was Discontinued For A Reason
REESE, 03/18/2002
1996 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There are too many expensive repair issues associated with this model which explains why Ford has discontinued it. Such as Transmission (twice, faulty headlight switch, faulty air-conditioner blower switch, faulty Catalytic Converter, (the new one failed six months later), Interior lamps (multiple times), the clock, tie-rods end, power steering pressure line, rack & pinion and for the 2nd time a problem causing the vehicle to shut off whenever you slow the car to idle.
awesome car
realtexan24, 04/28/2008
1996 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall this has been an awesome car I know I just got it and I got it in a poor state and I still have a lot of work to do but, so far it's been relativaly easy to work on and parts are fairly priced.
Grew up with one.
eddieallen, 08/07/2013
1997 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My mom bought our car in 2008, it's always been there for us and it always starts up. We've driven it to Florida, New Jersey, and Cali before. We live in NY. It gets excellent gas mileage and is really sporty for a 4 door. My mom got a new car and it's mine now it's my first car and I've been rocking it for 1 1/2 years. The only things we've had to replace is the blinker light in the rear back. We have the Spree model and its a great model. It's always there for me and has never stalled. I'm 6' 2" and I fit in it comfortably. I just don't like the outside look of it besides that its my baby.
MyCarReview
Tay, 05/24/2002
1997 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a nice car. It drives smooth and is very reliable. It has great mileage.
Horrible Car
brettmoe, 07/04/2012
1997 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car when I was 16 because it was priced low and it had very low miles (65,xxx). Turns out this was a big mistake. This car has been nothing but a money pit. First off it is not an easy task to change oil in the 4 cyl. model. The oil filter sits up above some linkages making it very time consuming to get out. Second. Something was always wrong with this car in the 3 years I had it! First it had a leaky head-gasket next its catalytic converter insides clasped on its self and clogged the exhaust pipe. both were mildy expensive to replace. Finally at 95,000 miles the car blew a set of rings and has been a nightmare to get apart! This car is a maintenance nightmare!
OK Car
OK Car, 06/05/2010
1997 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car since 2008 it is an ok car. But they have had a lot of recalls. The heater works but it had to be recharged. The ac doesn't work unless I want to break my car. The muffler is not the best. When I go to the mechanic and fix the car something else breaks. It is an ok car but it has some issues. The radio is awesome. Unfortunately when I go up a steep hill the car started smoking and I got a bad smell. I fixed the smoke but I still have the smell it's a Cadillac Converter problem. Also beware of the ugly colors try to get a good color exterior. This car is so comfortable my kids always fall asleep in it. Work on the transmission
Not too shabby
aries, 11/12/2002
1997 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just a solid and reliable car without much flar or excitement. Great mileage for getting around town. Consumers would have bought more if the colors hadn't been so hideous.
It was nice to drive
TomP, 02/19/2003
1997 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had the V6 model and let me tell you that it was the most fun to drive. Having given it regular servicing I was amazed that it started developing transmission issues at around 90,000 miles.
Underated
daschlag1, 12/08/2003
1997 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Consumer Reports Magazine has said bad things about this car recently, but my experience with it has been very positive. Having been driven 57, 000 miles, it still drives well and even it's styling has worn pretty well and it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Ford no longer offers a car in this size/price range, in this country, so when I replace it next year it will probably be with a car with a Japanese nameplate, since GM's offerings are lame and I am afraid of Chrysler's dependability and resale.
Fun to Drive
nthurber, 03/04/2002
1997 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Mercury Mystique with the 2.5 V6 is a fun car to drive, own a new 2002 Dodge Intrepid and i perfer driving the Mercury. Performace is great especially for the price, excellent power and steering, this car is very perdictiable. I just wish it had 4 wheel disc brakes instead of the rear drum brakes.
Much better than expected
barnes-jr, 05/27/2008
1997 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it at cheap heaps so it needed a lot of work from the get-go but then wow just regular maintenance was needed in three years since. Talk about comfortable/roomy! Talk about very good mileage ( my best 32.3 mpg on a trip Pennsylvania-Connecticut ) Talk about quiet & smooth running yet powerful! Talk about a pleasure to drive! This is one under-rated car. Would highly recommend to anyone/everyone!
Discontinued For A Reason #2
jon_k, 12/27/2002
1996 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is a money pit. I will agree that it is fun to drive, but that's all of the positive experience I have had. I was skeptical about Ford products before purchasing this car and now I know why. This car has been in the shop way too many times for recalls and repairs. The latest issue is a flashing transmission overdrive light at 105k miles. It will cost $1200 to repair it or about $2000 for a new transmission. This car is completely unreliable and not worthy of spending good money to repair. I have done my part in keeping up with the maintenance schedule, but this car has failed me time and time again.