The Mercury Mystique, Mercury's all-new front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, midsize 4-door sedan, debuted in late 1994 for the 1995 model year. Occupying the slot in the Mercury line once held by the now-defunct Topaz, the Mystique was a much more sophisticated car than the Topaz ever was.
Developed in Europe and the United States, the Mystique was a sister to the Ford Contour, and counted among its attributes peppy performance and sharp handling. Competitors include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Dodge Stratus, Chevy Lumina, Mazda 626, Nissan Altima and Pontiac Grand Am.
Year-to-year changes[]
1995[]
For 1995, the Mystique was available in base GS and uplevel LS trim and had two new engines and transmissions. Standard engine was the Zetec 2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder that produced 125 horsepower. The optional engine was the 170-horsepower 2.5-liter Duratec V6, one of the smallest and lightest engines for its size, that came with platinum-tipped sparkplugs. Simple routine maintenance was all that has been required for 100,000 miles.
Either of two transmissions, a 5-speed manual or the small and lightweight 4-speed automatic, could be had with either engine.
The V6 option also included disc brakes at all four corners, larger tires (on the base GS), a sport-tuned handling suspension, antilock brakes, all-speed traction control, air conditioning, 10-way power driver's seat (on GS), leather seats (on LS), 14-in. alloy wheels (on GS), and a premium audio package.
All Mystiques came with dual airbags, full analog instrumentation, a 60/40 fold-down rear seat and a MicronAir system that would filter passenger-compartment air, removing particles as small as 3 microns.
The Quadralink independent rear suspension had passive rear wheel steering, providing increased toe-in for increased stability in turns.
1996[]
For 1996, the front seatbacks are redesigned to add an inch of kneeroom for rear-seat passengers. Later in the year, a new rear seat expands passenger space even farther.
Available as a 4-door sedan only, Mystique comes in two trim levels, GS and upscale LS. The GS comes with a 125-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, while the upscale LS features a 170-hp 2.5-liter V6 matched with 4-wheel disc brakes, larger tires, a stiffer suspension and crisper steering. This package is also available to buyers of the GS. Aside from their engines, the GS and LS are distinguished by respective levels of standard equipment. Features for both models include dual airbags, rear-seat heat ducts, a pollen filter to clean air vented into the cockpit, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, remote trunk release, tinted glass, clock, driver's left-foot rest, tilt steering wheel and variable intermittent wipers.
The LS adds power antenna, cassette player, foglights, heated mirrors, larger aluminum wheels and tires, thicker carpeting and better seats. ABS is optional. So is all-speed traction control, which can be found elsewhere in this class only on the Mystique's near-twin, the Ford Contour.
Retail prices[]
As of July 20, 1994:
- $13,855 (1995 Mercury Mystique GS)
- $15,230 (1995 Mercury Mystique LS)
As of October 1, 1995:
- $14,330 (1996 Mercury Mystique GS)
- $15,705 (1996 Mercury Mystique LS)
Shipping prices[]
- $495 (early 1995 models)
- $510 (1995 models)
Gallery[]
