Mercury Tracer
26.5 MPG The 1999 Mercury Tracer is EPA-rated at 26.5 MPG combined (23 city / 32.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 566 gallons, $1811 a year in fuel, or $0.121 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1988–1999 run it averages 25.8 MPG, improving by 1 MPG over 11 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 | $0.094 | $943 | $1415 | $1887 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.113 | $1132 | $1698 | $2264 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.121 | $1208 | $1811 | $2415 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.132 | $1321 | $1981 | $2642 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.151 | $1509 | $2264 | $3019 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.170 | $1698 | $2547 | $3396 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.189 | $1887 | $2830 | $3774 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 26.5 MPG | 23 | 32.5 | $2350 | 336 | 2 |
| 1998 | 26.5 MPG | 23 | 32.5 | $2350 | 336 | 2 |
| 1997 | 27 MPG | 23.5 | 32.5 | $2300 | 330 | 2 |
| 1996 | 25.3 MPG | 22.5 | 29.8 | $2513 | 356 | 4 |
| 1995 | 25.3 MPG | 22.8 | 29.8 | $2500 | 356 | 4 |
| 1994 | 25.8 MPG | 23.3 | 30.5 | $2438 | 348 | 4 |
| 1993 | 25.3 MPG | 22.8 | 29.8 | $2475 | 354 | 4 |
| 1992 | 25.8 MPG | 23 | 30.3 | $2438 | 348 | 4 |
| 1991 | 25.3 MPG | 22.8 | 29.8 | $2475 | 354 | 4 |
| 1989 | 25.5 MPG | 23.5 | 29 | $2450 | 350 | 2 |
| 1988 | 25.5 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2450 | 350 | 2 |
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 Tracer ranks 78 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Hyundai Accent/Brio (26.8), BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe (27), BMW 320i xDrive (27), BMW 540i (27), BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe (27).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 336 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.0 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercury Tracer get?
The 1999 Mercury Tracer is rated at 26.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 23 city and 32.5 highway. Across all 11 model years in the database it averages 25.8 MPG, ranging from 22 to 30 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercury Tracer cost in fuel per year?
At 26.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 566 gallons — roughly $1811 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.121 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1999 model is $2350.
Has the Mercury Tracer become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 25.5 MPG in 1988 to 26.5 in 1999 — an improvement of 1 MPG, or 4% across 11 model years.
Is the Mercury Tracer efficient for its class?
It ranks 78 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 0.1 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.