It was time to for another vehicle, my 91 Camry LE V6 with 295,000k/184,375m's was showing too much rust. I had always liked the 98 Mystique model year and the time and price was right. For $13,000 CDN,
V6, auto, Pwr ant/win/doors/locks, A/C, 15" tires w/6 spoke aluminum rims, am/fm cassette, 60/40 split back rear seats, sport package, SUPER CLEAN & only 36,400k/22,750m's, it was too good of a deal to pass up. The carpets had no wear, trunk was spotless and not a mark on the seats. The V6 engine is a dynamo, handles like a sports car should (better than my brothers mustang!) People have to remember it's european heritage, if you want a plush ride buy a " real family car"! Fit & finish excellent, no rattles, this car is in mint condition, the original owner traded it in for a mini van. I had a choice of colours but black is the best colour! Dealership sales and service excellent!

Not much to dislike, have had some minor work done: slight leak in the licence plate area and trunk lid hitting bumper but nothing else. This V6 is comparable to the V6 in the Camry I had but it uses a little more fuel, not quite as smooth but the Camry V6 is one of the best. The back is small but liveable for junior.

I would recco this car to others. Unfortunately, they were not sold in Canada after the 99 year but still available state side till the end of the 2000 model end. The 98 model year with it's freshened styling has been one or Ford's better model years. Which means the price for used, end of lease models have come down. For $13,000(cdn), it was the best bang for the buck, we looked at mini vans with 3-4 times more mileage, 3-5 year old cars with higher mileage but for value, the 98 & 99 model years are an excellent buy, most with low mileage.

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I grew up in a Ford family then owned a 84 Chrysler Daytona Turbo Z (one of the few non-lemons), then owned an Accord, Pulsar, Integra and Camry. The quality of domestic cars just turned me off after the Daytona. But I am really surprised on how well built this 98 Mystique model is.

I purchased the car in Oct 99 as a commuter car. It had 24000 mi and was a lease return.I now have 44000 miles and am very pleased so far. The only problem was the check engine light came on twice right after I purchased it, and the dealer had to replace parts to fix it each time. This kinda frightened me into thinking it was going to be a consistent problem. But it has proven me wrong. It is a fairly comfortable car. It has the 4 cyl engine and I find it to be pretty peppy except when on long mountain hills, but it will compensate by downshifting upon a heavier acceleration. Gas mileage is great, usually around 31 mpg highway. Which an advantage for me, seeing as I drive at least 500 miles a week. So far, it has proved to be a reliable vehicle.

Cup holders are set back too far. Stereo is far from Premium.

Paid $9500. I would recommend this car to friends, but a little cramped in the back seat for adults, but thats most of the vehicles of this class.

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A lot more comfortable and peppy than the Escorts I have rented.

Looks nice, easy to get around in, good value (so far).

Not very big, some suspicious rattles, mediocre acceleration.

We paid 11,500 for a 1999 GS in March 2000, and it seems to be worth it so far. It is more than OK for just hauling the family around in, and would probably suffice for most people. However, if you are looking for performance and/or luxury, look somewhere else.

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This car replaced a 1986 Plymouth Reliant... anything would look good compared to that car. I test drove a Ford Escort, which is hopelessly small, noisy and slow compared to the Mystique.

Gas mileage, dependability, handling No major repairs in 5 years. Driven thru the floods of Floyd, extreme cold of last January and the extreme heat of last summer with no problems other than one close encounter with a floating log.

Dealers unwillingness to provide complete and thoughtfull repairs to an inexpensive car.

$14,500

I recommend it. With 30 years of driving experience and a similar amount of time in the auto industry I had realistic expectations for a car in this
price range. So far I have not been dissappointed.

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Much better than the Topaz which it replaced.

It hasn't rusted...yet.

This is the most unreliable car I have ever encountered. Check out the NHTSA's website and look at the registered complaints for this car (not even counting the Contour twin). The transmission has been rebuilt 3 times, the belt and tensioner need to be replaced every 4-5 months, the brakes need replacing constantly (not pads mind you, CALIPERS AND DISCS!), the alternator has been done twice, rear shocks multiple times. Rattles from day one, bits of trim falling off, overall miserable quality...I could go on but it is just too painful.

This has been one of the worst experiences in my life, and certainly the absolute worst auto-related experience. The car is a lemon, the service from every single Ford dealer (6 so far) has been abyssmal (things being 'fixed' but still not working right, claims of replacement of parts that were bogus...one time I marked the part before servicing so know they didn't replace it...bad attitude, no urgency), FOMOCO has been COMPLETELY unresponsive (apparently, they do not 'control' the dealer service departments, or even police them in ANY way whatsoever...so will do NOTHING to help you) and the car is out of service for WEEKS at a time, constantly.

Because of this experience, I will NEVER buy a Ford product ever again, and I constantly advise anyone I know against it. Ford has had multiple opportunities for 'service recovery', but continually 'kick me when I'm down' or act like it's my fault (I guess it is, I was dumb enough to buy their car). The worst part of all is that, until very recently, the car was worth far less than I owed on the loan...that is just pathetic.

In my experience: At Ford, Quality is job NONE.

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Similar in size: Audi A4 (comparison? puhlease! The A4 is everything the Mystique is not...solid, dependable, fun to drive, a TRUE quality machine...apparently Audi assemblers stay sober at work or Audi's engineers are just plain superior).

Bought this in 98, it is a 96, and it had less than 10k miles on it when I bought it. I bought it for much less than a new civic or corolla, and it is so much more car. These V6 models are extremely good values, as they are relatively inexpensive used.

I was stunned when I heard the series was cancelled. Probably too expensive to make. Ford spent 6 billion to design and develop this car for the world, through Europe, I have read. It shows. Handling is superb for a car like this. The engine (2.5L 6) is a GEM, smooth, no torque steer, and I have never gotten below 20 mpg ever. I have gotten 28-31 mpg on the highway with the OD on, and that includes some high speed cruising- 80-90 mph. I have had two mechanics say they think it is one of the best cars domestically produced in a long time, and dismayed that it was being cancelled. I have 50k miles now and the engine seems to have loosened up and the car seems quicker. This is a sleeper car, - 80-90 mph feels like 30- it is VERY Euro in highway cruising demeanor- and I have driven Benz type cars all over Europe on business/vacation. Furthermore, it does not attract attention, is quiet, and pleasing to the eye.

Makes some strange noises, when driving away, and backing up, but always has. Not loud, just- well, peculiar.

Wish the fuel tank was bigger.

Don't like the traction control- I think it is really hard on the electrical system as the whole car seems to shudder when it comes on in slippery roads or in some snow. I turn it off, and don't use it. Hey- its front drive, and gets around plenty good on the slippery stuff when you are careful.

The interior materials are a ltlle on the cheap side, but they are OK, though not as nice as cars like the newer Audis.

This is absolutely, without a doubt, the best American car I have ever owned, and one the best overall. I paid under 11 for mine and it is an incredible value for that price. I have no idea how it will hold out over the long haul, but I want to keep it and find out. Very sad to see this car dicontinued. It is roomy, efficient, fast, quick, fun to drive, and OK to look at. We have anough bloody sport utes, we need more competent, intelligent cars like these!

Find a good one used with low miles, get the 6, you will not be disappointed.

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I have owned 2 Audis and 3 Saabs over the years. This car seems to combine some of the best features of both. The rear seat folds down for bikes, a la Saab, and the handling and road feel are Audi like, maybe better. I don't have the endless trips to Audi dealers for electrical problems, and the service options are much easier than Saab or Audi. This car doesn't have the snob appeal of the other two, but I could care less. No one want to steal this car, and that is fine with me. This car has a safety cage with boron door beams (Saab), and galvanized two sided steel (Audi- won't rust while we are alive!), so the differences have narrowed. I got very tired of the Saab/Audi survice shuffle, and the costs, and this has been nearly maint. free, designed as so with the duratec V6. Overall a very intelligent design in many ways.

NICE ACCELERATION (HAS V-6).
NICE HANDELING

CUP HOLDERS ARE TOO SMALL
OVERALL QUALITY IS POOR
DEALER SERVICE SUCKS

BOUGHT MINE IN JAN'1997. WAS A DEMO. I PERSONALLY THINK IT WAS A CUSTOMER RETURN. I HAD ALOT OF PROMBLEMS WITH THIS CAR.FIRST THE AIR VENTS LITERALLY FELL OFF THE DASH. THEN THE DRIVE BELT CAME OFF LEAVING ME STRANDED. THE CAR WOULD SOMETIMES HESITATE AND STALL WHEN COLD. THE DEALER CLAIMED NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSON WAS LEAKING TRANSMISSON FLUID. PART WAS ON BACKORDER FOR 40 DAYS.

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1991 FORD ESCORT GT

Excellent handling and brakes. V6 is lots of fun, even with an auto trans. Distinct styling. Bright headlights.

Back seat tight for large adults. Cup holders lacking. Foglights.

I bought the car new back in 1998 while actually looking for a Contour SE. A friend of mine told me to look at the Mystique, and I'm happy to say, am much more pleased with it over the Contour.

I bought the car with most every option available -- leather, V6, moonroof, ABS for a steal at under 20k. The interior is great up front -- the dash has a (albeit fake) woodgrain look that is much nicer than the Contour. It also has nice padded doors, armrests, and plenty of pocket holders. Gauges are neatly laied out and easy to read in day or night. The view from the driver's seat is great, and being 6'3, the moonroof didn't cramp my head and I have plenty of leg room. The cupholders, however, are a bit under-designed: the passenger one especially won't hold large drinks easily -- especially while cornering hard :)

The back seat is a bit small for large adults. For short trips it will work, or if you move the seats forward in the fron (which my tiny wife does) -- but a long trip back there for anyone over 6' is going to be a pain.

A nice feature I like is that you can fold down both rear seats from inside the trunk -- this way you don't have to go around and open the doors to do this while loading something. A neat feature I wish other automakers would consider. The trunk is quite roomy and with the rear seats folded down can hold quite a lot.

The drivetrain on this car is excellent! I bought the car with an automatic transmission, and it performs quite well. Sometimes, when stomping on the gas from a standstill and then quickly releasing the gas will cause the transmission to hiccup slightly. But overall the two mate together well and shifts are smooth and quick. Handling is wonderful, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel is nice and thick. Cornering on on-ramps is a lot of fun in this car! Acceleration is good and quite peppy, even at highway speeds. Braking is great, and the ABS works very well, especially on wet or snow covered roads. The headlights at night are quite bright and make for easy viewing of the road at night.

Outside the car has a distinctive look to it, not the ovoid shape of its Ford twin. I think it looks a bit more agressive, but that can just be my opinion. My only real complaint is the fog lights -- I've had both replaced at least once, the other twice. They seem to collect water inside them and blow out the bulbs. Otherwise, fit and finish on the car is great.

Overall, I really enjoy this car. Its practical for me and gives a lot of fun to my daily driving. Four thumbs up!

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Chevy Malibu, Ford Contour.

The V6 is an exceptional motor, and the automatic transmission does a very nice job. Mechanically speaking, I have had hardly any problems. I think mine was a lease-back, and it was just under two years old when I bought it, and had about 25,000 miles on it then. The driveability of the car is excellent. Although I have only had about 12 years' driving experience, I would say that this car is definitely better (mechanically) than the 1991 Chev Lumina Z34 that I traded in on it. The only thing I wish I still had was the 3.4L Chev V6. Those things put out!! Oh well, the 2.5L does do a good job, and I don't really have to put too much thinking when passing at highway speeds.

The seats are very comfortable, but the manual tilt control (using a spinning wheel) on the passenger seat is less than extraordinary. Leg room is by far the best I have ever had - I am 6'5" and if I take my shoes off, I really have to stretch to touch the floorboard behind the brake and gas pedals - phenomenal!! I find that there are a lot of little things they have done right with this car, and my premium stereo sounds great - even for a dealer stereo.

I can say a lot of good things about the car, but you'll have to drive one to appreciate them all. I have about 90,000 miles on the car now, and have had some minor problems, but nothing I haven't experienced in other American cars.

I originally thought the car was a good buy, and after reading reviews about other cars out there (GM's and Chryslers), I think I am very happy with it.

- Rear leg room is pathetic - really - I hope my kids will have toothpicks for legs!
- No tilt steering or telescopic steering - nice for someone who always puts the seat as far back as possible.
- The recalls came just in time - my entire under hood eletrical harness had to be replaced once - thank God for recall and warranty work on that one.
- My "check engine" light comes on at certain times. I can actually make it come on myself. Take the car on the highway, get 'er up to say 60-65 MPH, then gun it. Take her back down to 60-65 MPH, and gun it again up to say 75-80MPH. Sure as a bear craps in the woods, there's the "check engine" light. I am too cheap to take it in, and tell myself its probably the O2 sensor. I really hate paying the $80-$120 scope check to replace a $15 part, so I don't bother.
- Don't put three adults in the back unless you know how to give a good massage.
- Hated the stock tires (as I'm sure you all do). Bought some Michelin X-1 tires, and they have a 6-year unlimited mileage warranty. Like I said, I'm cheap, and look forward to getting some free replacements at that time since I put on over 30,000 miles a year on my car.
- Cup holders - sigh. The design is actually ingenious, but they're made of plastic. One is broken, and will no longer fully retract into the console. The other is okay, but that's because it gets little use.
- The car is temperamental when starting, and even having the fuel injectors serviced hasn't alleviated the problem. Guess a new starter will have to be put in sometime since I expect I'll burn this one out due to this problem. BTW, the dealer never could get it figured out.
- There are probably a few other things I don't like about it, but who out there really likes everything about their car?

Good mileage, good little car, especially for the price. I expect my next car will be a Nissan Maxima since I hear alot of good things about them and have driven several, but this car is perfect for a family on a limited budget. I don't regret ever buying this car, and hope it lasts another year or two. I think my total repair bill on it since I have owned it have been about $1,500 - not bad for a 5-year old American car, and this includes brakes and other maintenance things of that nature.

I also haven't had to have it tuned up yet, but expect that will happen this summer, and hope that fixes the "hard starting" problem.

Would I recommend this car - yes. I really think a person could do alot worse in a different car. Of course, if money isn't as much of a consideration, I do find that the Toyota's, Honda's, and Nissan's are better cars overall in terms of reliability. You have to make your own decisions here, but I couldn't stomach paying the same price for a 1991 Accord with 50,000 more miles on it at the time I bought this car.

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1991 Chev Lumina Z34
1992 Nissan Maxima
1994 Toyota Camry
1997 Chrysler minivan
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee

I was somewhat stunned to read the previos reviews on this product and it's lack of reliability. With over 70K in miles I have replaced the muffler and wheel bearings. Car still runs very well, does not burn nor leak oil. THis fall I will give the auto to my son, and am confident it will last a few more years.

Cheap cupholders (BFD), not too much room for the rear seat passengers.

I feel fortunate to have my auto in lieu of the other reviews. This one is a manual 5-speed so that may account for some of the discrepancies.
Look, the car is not an engineering marvel, but if maintained well it should last for a number of years....MAYBE.

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Mazda and Chevy.