One problem related to engine exhaust system has been reported for the 1997 Mercury Mystique. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Apparently Ford/merc in their ultimate wisdom placed the catalytiv converter in the exhaust manifold. The mechanic indicated that they all seem to plug up around 140,000 to 170,000 km. The labour alone is over $600. 00 plus the parts are very expensive and both the front and rear need to be replaced or the car will start to lose power. So I have a vehicle that up until now ran well and had good gas milage. Now it is worth $2500. 00 dollars on a trade in but the repairs are $ 2600. 00 so the car is actually a total right off. Everything else works. Great Ford you have definitely lost a customer for life!.