Mercury Mystique (CDW27/CDW162). 1995–9 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan. F/F, 1998 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 2544 cm³ (V6 DOHC). Plusher version of CDW27 Ford Contour, the American Mondeo. Began in 1995 with more formal grille, interior changes in 1996 for more legroom, facelifted for 1998 model year with lights resembling Mondeo’s and Contour’s but with different grille, which found its way to the Taiwan-built Ford Mondeo M2000 in 2000. No real changes throughout each year; dropped before 2000 model year started so had an abbreviated sales season for the remainder of 1999. European flavour; but underpromoted while buyers happily went to similarly sized BMW 3er-Reihe and Audi A4. Not directly replaced till Mercury Milan came on the scene a few years later.

Manufacturing location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cuautitlan, México

Marque: Mercury | Predecessor: Mercury Topaz (1988–94) | Successor: Mercury Milan