1996 Mercury Tracer Review
1996 Mercury Tracer Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Automatic transmission modifications make base Tracers more responsive, and the standard 1.9-liter engine now goes 100,000 miles between tune-ups. Last year's integrated child seat continues, and Trio models are now available in all colors, including a new one called Toreador Red.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Mercury Tracer LTS 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 $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$184/mo for Tracer LTS
Tracer LTS
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Tracer is the slow-selling Mercury counterpart to the Ford Escort. Available only as a sedan or a station wagon, the Tracer is a reliable but dated compact. Newer sedans from Dodge, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet and Pontiac render the Tracer an engineering also ran, but it remains a solid value at $12,000. Additionally, it is one of very few compact wagons on the market, and the speedy LTS sedan is a well-kept performance secret.
An 88-horsepower four cylinder powers the base sedan and wagon. For 1996, the 1.9-liter base motor goes 100,000 miles before a tune-up. LTS sedans get a twin-cam, 1.8-liter Mazda motor good for 127 horsepower, along with stiffer suspension settings and added trim and equipment. The LTS is a worthy competitor for newer cars offered by other manufacturers, but the base Tracer should be considered only against other bargain basement vehicles such as the Hyundai Accent or Geo Metro LSi.
The base engine is rough and noisy, offering passable acceleration. Off-the-line response has been improved this year on Tracers with automatic transmissions by revising final drive ratios. The LTS sedan is fun-to-drive. All Tracers have dual airbags and score well in crash tests. Antilock brakes are optional only on the sporty LTS.
New last year was a limited-edition Trio package that included alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a spoiler on sedans. This year, buyers can get a Trio in any of Tracer's exterior colors. Also added during 1995 was an integrated child seat. It continues for 1996.
If you're looking for a sprightly, high-revving, family funster, the Tracer LTS is worth a look. If you're looking for basic transportation, shop the Ford dealer and choose a slightly less expensive Escort LX sedan or wagon. Better yet, drop by the local Chevy store and see what a value the new Cavalier is.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Mercury Tracer.
5 star(40%)
4 star(44%)
3 star(9%)
2 star(7%)
1 star(0%)
45 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best Car I Ever Owned
HDW, 02/04/2007
1995 Mercury Tracer LTS 4dr Sedan
I bought my Trio brand new and she and I have bonded tremendously. She survived rising flood waters (after I only had it for a few months, she survived being rear-ended (the bumper was not damaged at all) and she fared well most recently when we were sitting at a stoplight and were blindsided by a doe on the passenger fender and front passenger door. I thought for sure my insurance … company was going to total her but fortunately they spared her. I have kept up with regular maintenance, oil changes, I had both the timing belt and water pump replaced at 50,000 and 100,000 miles and aside from having to recently get my ignition rekeyed THIS CAR HAS BEEN AND CONTINUES TO BE RELIABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Great car
atwaterdude, 09/11/2010
1995 Mercury Tracer 4dr Sedan
I have done a lot of repair on this car but thats because it was sitting for 3 years in my Grandparents drive way. but once i got it fixed up it was great.. i love the gas millage. and it had a great acceleration and braking.. it got me where i had to go and back and some traveling. i dont regret having it or repairing.. its a great car
4.63 out of 5 stars
GREAT!!!
Miss you, 11/03/2004
1995 Mercury Tracer 4dr Sedan
This was one of the best cars I have
ever owned oe driven. This car never
broke down and left me stranted. Very
little maintance. I had 180,000= miles
when it finally "went". I htink the
deal was wanting me to buy a new car.
Told me my engine just went. I had it
in the shop for a accelerator motor put
on and a tune up. Less then a month
latter my engine went. It … may not have
been a $200,000 dollar car but to me it
was priceless. I should have gotten a
second opinion.
4.25 out of 5 stars
1995 Tracer
roxie353, 10/14/2012
1995 Mercury Tracer 4dr Sedan
I bought my 1995 Merc Tracer as a demonstrator w/ 12000 miles in August 1995. I drove that car for 11 freakin' years and 120000 miles :-D In fact, I'd probably still be driving it had the head gaskets not gone on it. AND....... even when they DID, I was STILL able to get almost 30000 additional miles out of that Bad Boy!!! This little car is the very definition of "workhorse"!!! Wish I … still had mine (as much as I love my 2008 GMC Sierra PU :-P )
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Mercury Tracer, so we've included reviews for other years of the Tracer since its last redesign.
1996 Tracer Highlights
Wagon
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $151/month |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- 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 – Original0
- 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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