1989 Mercury Topaz GS 2.3 from North America

Summary:

A great all around, fun car to drive

Faults:

The blower motor went out.

I replaced the alternator because it was making funny noises.

Speedometer stopped working.

Motor mounts broke from too many neutral drops.

General Comments:

This has been my best running car yet. No major problems have ever occurred. I've done some cosmetic work on it (I.E. painted valve cover, painted distributor cover, painted spark plug wires,) I put a new exhaust on it which consists of a glass-pack muffler and a tip (to get that loud tuner sound.) Car has decent acceleration, and a top speed of about 115mph. There's no shaking during high speed driving. The seats are VERY comfortable, and I receive compliments on them daily.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2004

15th Jul 2004, 18:59

Fun car???

The Mercury Topaz (and its awful brother, the Ford Tempo) ranks near the bottom of the Automotive world as one of the very worst vehicles ever.

Whatever the category - engine performance, steering, handling, ride comfort, noise, quality - it represents the darkest ages of Ford Motor and the American car industry.

It always reminds me of third world cars in design, execution and function.

It was Ford US early attempt at compact FWD (second after the horrid original Escort), with no experience or engineering knowhow in FWD, a strangled development budget, and lousy build quality.

Low expectations breed low results.

Thank God we're past that chapter.

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1989 Mercury Topaz XR5 2.3L HSO from North America

Summary:

A street rod in disguise!

Faults:

The power seat belts no longer move forward. I could not figure out how to fix this, so I had to disconnect their power source.

The driver's side door no longer opens from the outside.

The rotors warped and had to be replaced.

Passengers side brake caliper had to be replaced.

Went through one alternator and two belts.

General Comments:

This is an excellent car!

I have made many aftermarket modifications to it. Performance parts are hard to find, but easy to customize.

The car has guts. Most don't go anywhere fast, but after tweaking, the Topaz unleashes some serious hidden power. She flies!

The engine itself is indestructible and runs like a dream.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th December, 2003

30th Dec 2003, 23:31

Your car, with its puny 2.3 liter motor, has never been and never will be a "street rod" no matter how many "performance parts" you "customize".

Stop this foolishness, you silly boy.

15th Jan 2004, 11:49

My 1989 Mercury Topaz XR-5 has 205,000 miles and has done very well in the way of reliability, mileage and style. Mine is silver and looks similar to recent cars. Mileage was about 30 mpg and the car has a five speed transmission. I'm about due for my second clutch replacement.

The car looks almost brand new due to continued body work from accidents including being struck by a police car. None of the accidents were my fault so the repairs were free and the cooperation of a friendly bodyshop got improvements at minimal cost. I removed the fins over the tail lights since I had one broken and could not find a replacement. I do have the other for sale. The problems include: 1.A driver's door that will not align to close due to wear on the body striker. I wrap with duct tape every 6 months and it works fine. 2. The driver's chest seat belt does not work although the motor keeps running for about 30 seconds after closing and the dash seat belt sign always flashes. 3. There is power to the radio but the audio does not function and the neat radio removal special tools to pull it out do not appear to work. 4. The driver's side leaks only enough water to freeze the door in the winter. Entry is a struggle with lots of snow

17th Apr 2004, 12:12

I have a topaz LTS which is basically the 4 door version, compared to Honda civics it has some power, but I have gotten beaten by a Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX all wheel drive turbo.I'm trying to find some aftermarket performance parts and if anybody knows where to get them e- mail me.Staticage138@earthlink.net.

20th Apr 2004, 10:06

Perhaps the Mercury Topaz isn't the car that comes to mind when one mentions "performance," however, I also own an '89 Mercury Topaz XR5 and have left countless Honda Civics eating my dust at traffic lights. I was surprised, to say the least, at the car's overall performance. I have the 5-speed manual and with the addition of a cold-air intake and a universal dry-shot nitrous system, as well as custom ground effects, this makes for one surprisingly fast and stylish car. I am still amazed sometimes. When people laugh at you, rev your engine and let them eat your dust. Any car, especially an unbreakable Mercury Topaz, can be as fast as your wallet and imagination allow. Good Luck.