2000 Mercury Mystique Review
Price Estimate: $1,123 - $1,866

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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Solid handling, four-cylinder or V6 engine choice, affordable price.
Cons
- Limited room for rear passengers, pedestrian interior.
What’s new
The Mystique comes standard with an emergency glow-in-the-dark trunk release, designed to allow a child or adult trapped in the trunk to open it from the inside. Two new exterior colors debut.
Edmunds says
As the Ford Contour's twin, for pure road-going thrills in a well thought-out package, the Mystique makes for a fun car at a great price.
For sale near Eugene, OR
1 listings
- Not Priced
- 116,123 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 18 City / 26 Hwy MPG
- Auto Mart (1,466 mi away)
- Air Conditioning Pow...
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Located in Minneapolis, MN
Call us at 6**-7**-0*** today or visit https://calendly.com/automartlakestreet/30min to schedule an appointment. Air Conditioning Power Windows Power ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1MEFM66LXYK609064
Stock: 11699
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-22-2025
Vehicle overview
Since its introduction in 1995, the Mystique has been Mercury's counterpart to the Ford Contour. Based on the same platform, the Mercury has differentiated itself by having different styling and trim packages. But for all intents and purposes, the Contour and Mystique were the same car.
The Contour and Mystique are still the same car for 2000, but there is an added difference: the Mystique is the only one to offer a four-cylinder engine. To avoid having the new Ford Focus steal sales away from the Contour, Ford has taken the Contour upscale, discontinuing the entry-level LX series. The remaining 2000 Contour comes only with a V6 engine.
Customers looking to purchase a more fuel-efficient (and less expensive) four-cylinder should check out the Mystique GS. The Zetec DOHC 16-valve four produces 125 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 130 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. The GS also comes with a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lamps and special floor mats. While we still aren't sold on the exterior look, the Mystique GS has plenty to offer the small-sedan shopper. The body structure is stiff, and the ergonomically correct instrument panel features legible dials and controls. The interior still receives some gripes, however. It lacks some of the refinement found in competing cars and Mercury has never been able to solve the lack of room for rear-seat passengers.
The more upscale Mystique LS comes standard with the 24-valve Duratec V6 engine, which develops 170 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 165 foot-pounds of torque at 4,250 rpm. Improvements over the LS include leather bucket seats, 15-inch alloy wheels, larger tires, a performance-tuned suspension, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and four-wheel disc brakes on manual transmission-equipped cars.
When we've been behind the wheel of V6-powered Mystiques, we've generally had a good time. The V6 is just one part of an equation that makes this car such an excellent purchase for the shallow-pocketed enthusiast. The real excitement of the Mystique's driving experience is the result of the car's excellent chassis, suspension and steering.
Since its introduction, the Contour/Mystique platform has won plenty of awards and has received great press from automotive critics. In 1998, Mercury gave the Mystique an exterior freshening to make the car more distinctive in the crowded family-sedan marketplace.
The Dodge Stratus and Chevrolet Malibu may offer greater interior volume, but for pure road-going thrills in a well thought-out package, the Mystique makes for a fun car at a great price.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Oregon
$200/mo for Mystique GS
Mystique GS
vs
$198/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2000 Mercury Mystique has 5 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
5 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 99V361000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 99L02
- Manufactured from:
- 1999-12-03 to 1999-12-06
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1381
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN INCORRECT LABEL WAS INSTALLED ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR. THIS LABEL CONTAINS INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ACTIVATION OF THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCKS.
- Defect Consequence:
- THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE MAY BELIEVE THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCK WAS ACTIVATED WHEN IT WAS NOT, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE DOOR TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE.
- Corrective Action:
- OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REPLACEMENT LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
- Recall Number:
- 08E033000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 6903
- Defect Description:
- FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- Defect Consequence:
- THE NUTS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGING FOR THESE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES ARE MISSING THE INTENDED PREVAILING TORQUE (SELF-LOCKING) FEATURE. IF THE INCORRECT NUT WAS TO BECOME LOOSE, THE JOINING MEMBERS MAY LOOSEN LEADING TO A SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT. THIS MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- FEDERAL MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL MOGUL AT 877-489-6659.
- Recall Number:
- 06E022000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 7440
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
- Defect Consequence:
- LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
- Recall Number:
- 00V228001
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 00S21
- Manufactured from:
- 2000-05-03 to 2000-08-10
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 144435
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
- Defect Consequence:
- IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
- Recall Number:
- 00V075000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 00S03
- Manufactured from:
- 1998-08-02 to 2000-02-29
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 436200
- Defect Description:
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF BOTH PCRV'S MALFUNCTION, VEHICLE HANDLING COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED DURING BRAKING AS A RESULT OF THE REAR WHEELS LOCKING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL IMPROVED PCRV'S IN THE REAR BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS RECALL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 2000 TO INCLUDE 1999 AND 2000 FORD CONTOUR, MERCURY MYSTIQUE AND COUGAR VEHICLES.
Mercury Mystique Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Looks Can Be Deceiving
3.75 out of 5 starsAnthony Cardoza II, 04/08/2008
1999 Mercury Mystique GS 4dr Sedan
Car looks great. I should have researched this vehicle before I purchesed it. Car had 105000 miles on it, when I purchesed it. The car runs great, but the check engine light comes on all the time. So, far I had to change the thermostat and flush the cooling system as well as change the hoses. Its Catalyst Converter already needs to be changed. The rear defogger grid lines burn out to … quickly. It averages about 21 mpg. It has some minor electrical issues. I sugest if you are interrested in purchesing this model, only do it if it has low miles. Oh, one more thing the regulator on the dirver side window has had to be replaced as well. So, in conclusion I guess thats not bad for a Ford product.
IDK
4.63 out of 5 starshottdrummer, 03/19/2008
1999 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
I've had my Mercury Mystique for about 2 months now and I really really enjoy it. It's sporty but not too sporty. The power it has amazing (V6) and it is one great car. The only thing I don't like is the transmission slips. I got power but sometimes I can't use it all but to the rough idles and slips. I have a great system in the car and it really bangs. My friends love the car and I … love it just as much.
one thing after another!
2.88 out of 5 starsbrian, 01/10/2010
1999 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
This car has been decent overall, but because of the style of the car- to get it fixed costs way more than it's worth. Since buying this car, I've replaced the transmission, 2 batteries, alternator, breaks, 2 sets of wheels, cat. Converter, and I'm in the process of having the starter reinstalled, and I was just called by the shop to tell me they're having trouble putting it in. Every … time I need anything done with this car, I get that phone call. I paid 6k on this, and I've put at least 3k into getting it fixed.
Long time owner
4.25 out of 5 starsWoody, 11/21/2007
1999 Mercury Mystique LS 4dr Sedan
Having owned this V6, 5-speed, leather seated, sunroof equipped car for over 8 years, I've developed a few opinions on it. The engine was designed by a joint effort of Porsche and Cosworth, and is impressive to behold. Normal mileage is 22 city / 28 highway, although if driven very carefully will increase to 24/32. My previous car was an Acura Integra, and this Mystique would run … rings around it. European feel, 4 cams, 4 disc brakes, and supportive seats make for a fun driving experience. Roughly 3000 rpm at 65 mph seems a bit high, although the engine is very smooth and quiet. This is a European designed car, built in Kansas City.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2000 Mercury Mystique, so we've included reviews for other years of the Mystique since its last redesign.
2000 Mystique Highlights
GS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $200/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 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 – OriginalPoor
- 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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