1996 Mercury Mystique GS review from North America

Brake Pads Replaced at 84000.

Driver side door handle is very difficult to open, refuses to open the door without a great deal of force.

Had one bad O2 sensor when I bought it, starting causing problems, fixed at about 87000. $180 for one, and this car has two of them.

Passenger side front door motor blown sometime before I bought it. Not yet fixed.

Seems the car was sold to me with the valet key and a copy of said key. Called up mercury and they replaced it and had me pick it up at a local dealer close to me.

Rather fun to drive, handles very well.

Power from the 4Cyl auto is not very good, rather sluggish on hills and passing on the highway. Manual and any 6cyl of this model is much better. Turning Overdrive off gets a little more pickup out of it.

Interior is comfortable if you like cloth eats, and I do.

Stock sound system only reaches acceptable clarity at higher volumes, power is very low.

Power options are nice, especially power seat, windows, and door locks.

Backseat is not as small as many say (in the 4dr). but definitly not for larger adults.

A/C remains cold as all hell when you need it to be.

All driver interface devices are nicely molded (steering wheel, shifter, etc.)

Driver for long periods of time is very comfortable even or 4 people.

Can make fairly tight turns with no complaint.

Gas mileage is about 23 or so city 30 or more highway.

Auto shifting is OK, except from 1st to 2nd, where is seems it will keep moving up in RPM's until you lessen the pressure on the gas pedal.

Braking is very tight and comfortable.

Rear suspension can be noisy at times, but I've checked and nothing is wrong with it, not very noticeable.

Body Rigidity is good.

Clear coat still looks great after 7 years.

Trunk is actually fairly spacious.