What is the Mercury Tracer?
The Tracer was Mercury’s small car, serving first as a subcompact and later as a compact. It came as a hatchback or wagon, with a sedan joining the range in the second generation. Its modest size and practical body styles suited everyday driving and family errands.
Mercury was Ford’s mid-market brand, and the Tracer gave its North American lineup a smaller car. The early model was based on the Mazda 323 family. Later Tracers shared their underpinnings with the North American Ford Escort, while wearing Mercury-specific styling and trim.
Tracer generations
The first generation ran from 1988–1989. Based on the Mazda-derived Ford Laser, it came as a hatchback or wagon. The second generation followed in 1991–1996, moving the Tracer into the compact class and adding a sedan. The third generation ran from 1997–1999, with updated styling and powertrain while retaining Mazda-based roots.
Engines and power
The US petrol range spans 1.6 L to 2.0 L. That gives the Tracer a choice of small-car engine sizes, rather than one specification for every version. It was sold in the United States from 1988–1999; the second generation was also marketed in Canada.
How economical is the Mercury Tracer?
The best combined US EPA rating is 30 MPG. The lowest listed consumption is 7.8 L/100 km, also on the EPA basis. EPA ratings use a different test procedure from Europe’s WLTP or NEDC and Canada’s 5-cycle test, so results from those markets are not directly equivalent.
Questions and answers
When was the Mercury Tracer sold in the United States?
It was sold from 1988–1999 across three generations.
What body styles did the Tracer have?
It came as a hatchback or wagon, and the second generation added a sedan.
What engines were offered?
The listed US petrol engines ranged from 1.6 L to 2.0 L.
What is its best EPA fuel economy rating?
The best combined EPA rating is 30 MPG.
