Mercury Mystique
22.5 MPG The 2000 Mercury Mystique is EPA-rated at 22.5 MPG combined (19 city / 27.8 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 667 gallons, $2133 a year in fuel, or $0.142 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1995–2000 run it averages 22.6 MPG, essentially flat across 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.111 | $1111 | $1667 | $2222 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.133 | $1333 | $2000 | $2667 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.142 | $1422 | $2133 | $2844 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.156 | $1556 | $2333 | $3111 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 22.5 MPG | 19 | 27.8 | $2775 | 397 | 4 |
| 1999 | 22.3 MPG | 19 | 27.8 | $2813 | 402 | 4 |
| 1998 | 22.8 MPG | 19.3 | 29 | $2763 | 394 | 4 |
| 1997 | 22.5 MPG | 19.3 | 28.3 | $2775 | 396 | 4 |
| 1996 | 22.8 MPG | 19.3 | 28.8 | $2750 | 392 | 4 |
| 1995 | 23 MPG | 19.8 | 28.5 | $2725 | 388 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the Mercury Mystique ranks 137 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Oldsmobile Achieva (22.7), BMW 335i xDrive (23), BMW 640i Gran Coupe (23), Cadillac CT4 V AWD (23), Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 4matic (23).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 397 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercury Mystique get?
The 2000 Mercury Mystique is rated at 22.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 19 city and 27.8 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 22.6 MPG, ranging from 20 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercury Mystique cost in fuel per year?
At 22.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 667 gallons — roughly $2133 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.142 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2000 model is $2775.
Has the Mercury Mystique become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 22.5 MPG today against 23 in 1995 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mercury Mystique efficient for its class?
It ranks 137 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 4.1 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.