Mercury Tracer

Last updated
Mercury Tracer
Mercury-Tracer-sedan.jpg
1993–1996 Mercury Tracer 4-door
Overview
Manufacturer
Production1986–1989
1990–1999
Model years 1987–1989
1991–1999
Body and chassis
Class Subcompact car (1988–1989)
Compact car (1991–1999)
Layout FF layout
Chronology
Predecessor Mercury Lynx

The Mercury Tracer is an automobile manufactured and marketed by Ford's Mercury division for model years 1987-1999, over three generations in three- and five-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon configurations.

Contents

The first generation was marketed as a subcompact; the two succeeding generations were sold in the compact segment. All three generations derived from the Mazda 323/Protegé.

After 1999, Mercury ended sales of the Tracer; while the Ford Escort was later replaced by the Ford Focus, Mercury exited the compact segment. A planned Tracer fourth generation was projected for 2012, [1] cancelled by the closure of the Mercury brand at the end of 2010.

First generation (1987–1989)

First generation
1st-Mercury-Tracer.jpg
Overview
Also called Ford Laser (KC)
Production1986–1989
Model years 1987–1989
Assembly Hermosillo, Mexico [2]
Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Body and chassis
Class Subcompact
Body style 3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
5-door station wagon
Platform Mazda BF platform
Related Mazda 323
Ford Laser
Powertrain
Engine 1.6 L Mazda B6 I4
Transmission 5-speed manual
3-speed Mazda F3A automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 94.7 in (2,410 mm)
LengthHatchback: 162.0 in (4,110 mm)
Wagon: 169.7 in (4,310 mm)
Width65.2 in (1,660 mm)
HeightHatchback: 53.0 in (1,350 mm)
Wagon: 53.7 in (1,364 mm)

For 1987, Mercury introduced the Tracer as its subcompact model range to replace the Lynx. The first Mercury-brand vehicle assembled outside of North America, the Tracer was a counterpart of the Ford Laser (itself a variant of the Mazda 323) [3] [4] sold in Asia-Pacific markets.

The first Tracers went on sale in Canada in early October 1986. [5] In the United States, the model line went on sale in March 1987 and would be sold alongside the Lynx until the end of the model year. [6] For 1988, a 5-door station wagon was introduced as a third body style. The Tracer had nearly no United States parts content and as such did not count towards lowering Ford's Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE). [7]

Canadian production (three-door and five-door hatchbacks) was sourced from Ford Lio Ho in Taiwan. [8] Three-door hatchbacks, five-door hatchbacks, and the later station wagons were assembled by Ford in Mexico by Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly for the United States. Mexican assembly of the first generation Tracer ended in August 1989, with late examples sold as "89 1/2" models into calendar year 1990. [7] In spite of the cancellation, Tracer sales in the United States actually picked up in model year 1989. [7] In Canada, Tracer imports ended during 1989, with sales slowing to a trickle by the end of the year. 5,489 Tracers were sold in Canada in calendar year 1988, followed by 1,775 cars in 1989. [9]

Chassis

The Mercury Tracer is an American counterpart of the Australian-market Ford Laser KE, sold in Japan, Asia, and South Africa. [3] [4] While sharing a slightly different body, the Laser shared a common chassis with the front-wheel drive Mazda 323, designated the Mazda BF platform.

A 1.6-litre B6 inline-four from the 323 was offered with the Tracer. For Canadian-market examples, a 71-hp carbureted engine was offered, with an 84-hp fuel-injected engine offered in the United States. A 5-speed manual was standard, with a 3-speed automatic offered as an option.

Body

In line with its Lynx predecessor, the Tracer was offered as in 3-door and 5-door hatchback configurations; for the United States, a 5-door station wagon made in Mexico was also offered. Sharing its body panels with the Ford Laser, the Tracer was distinguished by a Mercury grille, badging, and wheel covers; slight revisions were made to the hatchback and station wagon liftgate. Unlike the hatchbacks, the Tracer Wagon received identical sheetmetal to the 323 Wagon. Along with a base L trim, the Tracer was offered in GS and LS trim, in line with the Topaz, Sable, and Grand Marquis model lines.

Second generation (1991–1996)

Second generation
Mercury-Tracer-sedan.jpg
1993–1996 Mercury Tracer
Overview
Production1990–1996
Model years 1991–1996
Assembly Wayne, Michigan, United States
Hermosillo, Mexico
Body and chassis
Class Compact
Body style 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
Related Ford Escort
Mazda 323
Mazda Protegé
Ford Laser
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 5-speed M5 manual
4-speed F-4EAT automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 98.4 in (2500 mm)
Length
  • Sedan: 170.9 in (4,341 mm)
  • Wagon: 171.3 in (4,351 mm)
Width66.7 in (1,690 mm)
Height
  • Sedan: 52.7 in (1,339 mm)
  • Wagon: 53.6 in (1,361 mm)
Curb weight 2498 lb (1133 kg)

After skipping the 1990 model year altogether, Lincoln-Mercury released the second-generation Mercury Tracer in early 1990 as an early 1991 model. While remaining a counterpart of the Ford Laser, the redesign also made it a Mercury counterpart of the American Ford Escort (alongside the renamed Mazda Protegé sedan).

In another shift, the Tracer grew in size, shifting from the subcompact to the compact segment, with all assembly consolidated at Hermosillo Stamping in Mexico. North American parts content was considerably higher than for the preceding generation.

The Mercury Tracer LTS was named to Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1991.

Chassis

The second-generation Tracer is derived from the front-wheel drive Mazda BG platform (officially designated the Ford CT120 platform), sharing a 98.4-inch wheelbase with the Escort and Protegé. An 88 hp (66 kW) 1.9-liter CVH inline-four is the standard engine (shared with the Escort). From 1991 to 1994, a 127-hp 1.8-liter Mazda BP inline-four (shared with the Ford Escort GT and Mazda Protegé LX) was offered. A 5-speed manual was standard with both engines, with a 4-speed automatic offered with the 1.9L engine.

Body

The second-generation Tracer was offered in two configurations; along with the station wagon, a four-door sedan replaced the previous hatchbacks (offered as an Escort). While sharing almost no body panels with its Mazda counterpart, the Tracer differed little from the Escort, with the latter distinguished largely by amber turn signal lenses.

Throughout the second-generation Tracer's production run, only two trim levels were available: an unnamed base model sedan and wagon, and the LTS (Luxury Touring Sedan), which served as the flagship of the model range. Largely the counterpart of the Ford Escort LX-E (the four-door equivalent to the Ford Escort GT), the LTS was powered by a 127 hp (95 kW) Mazda 1.8-liter engine; the LTS was produced through the 1996 model year. For 1994, a "Trio" package became available on the base Tracer sedan and wagon. The Trio package featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 7-spoke aluminum wheels (Shared with the Ford Escort LX Sport) and a "Trio" decal on each fender; Tracer sedans with the Trio package also featured rear decklid spoilers. The package continued to be available through 1996.

During its production, the second-generation Tracer saw few external changes. For 1991, the base model Tracer sedan and wagon were styled with a body-color front grille, while the LTS featured a light-bar grille; the base model received the LTS's grille for 1993. For 1994, the Tracer was given a drivers' side airbag as a passive restraint; for 1995, the passenger airbag was added, requiring a redesign of the dashboard, however, the automatic seat belts retained through 1996.

The Mercury Tracer left the Canadian market after 1993.

Third generation (1997–1999)

Third generation
97-99 Mercury Tracer sedan.jpg
Overview
Production1996–1999
Model years 1997–1999
Assembly Wayne, Michigan
Body and chassis
Body style 4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
Related Ford Escort
Mazda Protegé
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L CVH SPI I4
Transmission 5-speed IB5 manual
4-speed F-4EAT automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 98.4 in (2,500 mm)
LengthWagon: 172.7 in (4,387 mm)
Sedan: 174.7 in (4,440 mm)
Width67.0 in (1,700 mm)
HeightSedan: 53.3 in (1,350 mm)
Wagon: 53.9 in (1,369 mm)

For 1997, Lincoln-Mercury released the third-generation Mercury Tracer, sharing a redesign alongside the American Ford Escort. While sharing the same chassis underpinnings as the previous generation, the powertrain and body underwent substantial revisions.

The third generation is the only version to be assembled entirely in the United States, with all assembly consolidated at Wayne Stamping & Assembly in Wayne, Michigan.

Following the 1999 model year, the Tracer was withdrawn (along with the Escort station wagon). For 1999, 23,146 examples were sold. [10] The final Mercury Tracer rolled off the assembly line on July 2, 1999.

Chassis

The third-generation Tracer is derived from the front-wheel drive Ford CT120 platform, used again by Ford, sharing the same 98.4-inch wheelbase as the previous generation. The sole engine is a 110-horsepower (82 kW) 2.0-litre CVH Split-Port Induction (SPI) inline-four, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Body

The third-generation Tracer again was offered in four-door sedan and five-door station wagon configurations (with the Escort hatchbacks withdrawn altogether). The Tracer largely was distinguished from the Escort by its front fascia and taillamps, along with model-specific wheelcovers. The Tracer station wagon carried over much of the second-generation bodyshell, with updates limited to the front fascia, sideview mirrors, door handles, badging, and dashboard.

As with previous generations, the third-generation Tracer was sold in GS and LS trims, with Mercury also offering a Trio appearance package for the GS. The LS trim was distinguished by alloy wheels, leather interior, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, and tachometer.

Proposed 2011 revival

Shortly before the end of the Mercury division, Ford had been planning a revival of the Tracer model line as late as early 2010. As Ford confirmed its 2012 model lines with its dealers that year, the Mercury division was to add a compact sedan derived from the 2012 Ford Focus as an additional sedan line. [1]

Slotted below the Milan, the Focus-derived Mercury was unofficially confirmed to adopt the Mercury Tracer nameplate (ending a 13-year hiatus). [1] As 2011 was the intended final year for the Grand Marquis, a 2012 Tracer would have returned Mercury to two sedan lines. [1]

In the summer in 2010, Ford announced the withdrawal of the entire Mercury division, cancelling the possible revival of the Mercury Tracer. Ford instead expanded the Focus range by introducing the premium Titanium trim level.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercury (automobile)</span> Automobile marque of the Ford Motor Company

Mercury is a defunct division of the American automobile manufacturer Ford Motor Company. Created in 1938 by Edsel Ford, Mercury served as the medium-price brand of Ford for nearly its entire existence, bridging the price gap between the Ford and Lincoln model lines. Its principal competition was General Motors' Buick and Oldsmobile divisions, and Chrysler Motors' DeSoto and Chrysler brands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Laser</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Laser is a compact car, originally a subcompact car in the first three generations, which was sold by Ford in Asia, Oceania, and parts of South America and Africa. It has generally been available as a sedan or hatchback, although convertible, wagon and pick-up versions have also been available in different markets. The sedan, and briefly station wagon, versions were badged Ford Meteor in Australia between 1981 and 1987. The Ford Meteor name was also used in South Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Telstar</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Telstar is an automobile that was sold by Ford in Asia, Australasia and Africa, comparable in size to the European Ford Sierra and the North American Ford Tempo. It was progressively replaced by the Ford Mondeo. The car was named after the Telstar satellite.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Country Squire</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Country Squire is a series of full-size station wagons that were assembled by American automaker Ford. Positioned as the top-level station wagon of the Ford division, the Country Squire was distinguished by woodgrain bodyside trim. From 1950 through the 1991 model years, eight generations of the Country Squire were produced. Following the discontinuation of Edsel Bermuda, Mercury marketed the Mercury Colony Park as a divisional counterpart of the Country Squire, sharing bodywork and trim while the Mercury was not available with a six cylinder engine and was more expensive due to the optional equipment on the Ford that was standard on the Mercury.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Festiva</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Festiva is a subcompact car that was designed and manufactured by Mazda for Ford between 1986 and 2002. Festiva was sold in Japan, the Americas, and Australia. The name "Festiva" is derived from the Spanish word for "festive". It was not related to the similarly sized and named Ford Fiesta, and was not replaced by the Ford Ka, which is smaller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercury Cougar</span> Ford Motor Company car model

Mercury Cougar is a nameplate applied to a diverse series of automobiles sold by the Mercury division of Ford from 1967 until 1997 and from 1999 through 2002 model years. While the nameplate is associated with two-door coupes, at various times during its production, the Cougar was also marketed as a convertible, four-door sedan, station wagon, and a hatchback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mazda Capella</span> Motor vehicle

The Mazda Capella, also known as the 626 in North America and Southeast Asia, is a mid-size car that was manufactured by Mazda from 1970 until 2002. Sold in the Japanese domestic market under the Capella name, the vehicle was also commonly known in other major markets as the Mazda 626. Ford, Mazda's partner at the time, also used the Capella platform to create the Ford Telstar and Ford Probe. 4,345,279 of the 626 and Telstar models were sold worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mazda Familia</span> Motor vehicle

The Mazda Familia, also marketed prominently as the Mazda 323, Mazda Protegé and Mazda Allegro, is a small family car that was manufactured by Mazda between 1963 and 2003. The Familia line was replaced by the Mazda3/Axela for 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Fairmont</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford Fairmont is a model line of compact cars that was manufactured by Ford from the 1978 to 1983 model years. The successor of the Ford Maverick, the Fairmont marked the third generation of compact sedans sold by Ford in North America. Initially slotted between the Pinto and Granada within the Ford line, the Fairmont was later marketed between the Ford Escort and Ford LTD. In contrast to its predecessor, the model line was offered as a two-door notchback sedan, two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. Though never sold as a Lincoln, Mercury sold a divisional counterpart of the Fairmont as the Mercury Zephyr.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercury Grand Marquis</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercury Grand Marquis is an automobile that was sold by Mercury from 1975 to 2011. Introduced as the flagship sub-model of the Mercury Marquis, the Grand Marquis became a stand-alone model line for 1983, serving as the largest Mercury sedan. Subsequently, the model line would serve as the sedan counterpart of the Mercury Colony Park station wagon; it would later serve as the basis of the revived Mercury Marauder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercury Villager</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercury Villager is a minivan that was marketed by Mercury from 1993 to 2002. Taking its name used by Mercury to denote its wood-trimmed station wagons, the Villager was developed in a joint venture between Ford and Nissan; the latter manufacturer marketed the line as the Nissan Quest. The first front-wheel drive van produced by Ford, the Mercury Villager was introduced between the Ford Aerostar and the Ford Windstar, competing against Chrysler minivans and the General Motors APV minivans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercury Sable</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercury Sable is a range of automobiles manufactured and marketed by the Mercury brand of Ford Motor Company. Introduced on December 26, 1985 as the replacement for the Mercury Marquis, the Sable marked the transition of the mid-size Mercury product range to front-wheel drive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercury Capri</span> Motor vehicle

Capri is a nameplate marketed by the Lincoln-Mercury division of Ford Motor Company on three distinct series of automobiles between 1970 and 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford LTD (Americas)</span> Model range of automobiles

The Ford LTD is a range of automobiles manufactured by Ford Motor Company for the 1965 to 1986 model years. Introduced as the highest trim level of the full-size Ford model range, then the Galaxie, the LTD offered options and features that had previously been reserved for more luxurious Lincoln and Mercury models. The largest vehicle produced by Ford in North America for most of its production, the LTD was joined by the intermediate Ford LTD II from 1977 to 1979; the LTD II served as the replacement for the Torino/Gran Torino range. At various times throughout its production, the LTD range included two- and four-door pillared and hardtop sedans, a two-door convertible, and the Country Squire five-door woodgrain station wagon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Tempo</span> Car model

The Ford Tempo is a compact car that was produced by Ford from the 1984 to 1994 model years. The replacement for the Ford Fairmont, the Tempo was the fourth generation of compact sedans sold by Ford in North America. Along with transitioning to front-wheel drive, the Tempo marked significant downsizing over its predecessor. Mercury marketed the model line under the Mercury Topaz nameplate. The model line was produced as a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan through its production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Escort (North America)</span> Car model

The North American version of the Ford Escort is a range of cars that was sold by Ford from the 1981 to 2003 model years. The direct successor of the Ford Pinto, the Escort also largely overtook the role of the European-imported Ford Fiesta as the smallest vehicle in the Ford model line in North America. Produced across three generations, the first generation was a subcompact; the latter two generations were compact cars. Becoming highly successful in the marketplace, the Escort became the best-selling car in the United States after 1982, a position it would hold for much of the 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercury Marquis</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercury Marquis is a model line of automobiles marketed by Mercury from 1967 to 1986. Deriving its name from a French nobility title, the Marquis was introduced as the divisional counterpart of the Ford LTD; four generations of the two model lines were paired through rebranding. Initially slotted as the flagship Mercury full-size range, the Marquis would serve as the basis for the later Mercury Grand Marquis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Granada (North America)</span> Motor vehicle

The North American version of the Ford Granada is a range of sedans that was manufactured and marketed by Ford over two generations (1975–1982). Developed as the original successor for the Ford Maverick, the Granada shares its name with Ford of Europe's flagship sedan. The model line was marketed as a luxury compact vehicle, expanding the segment in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Taurus (first generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The first-generation Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable are automobiles produced by Ford as the first of six generations of the Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable. Launched on December 26, 1985, as a 1986 model, the front-wheel-drive Taurus was a very influential design that is credited with saving Ford from bankruptcy, bringing many innovations to the marketplace and starting the trend towards aerodynamic design for the American automakers in the North American market. Ford of Europe had launched the 1980s move to aerodynamic design for the company with the 1982 Ford Sierra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford Mondeo (first generation)</span> Mid-size sedan produced by Ford

The Ford Mondeo I (first generation) is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford, beginning on 23 November 1992, with sales beginning on 22 March 1993. It is also known as the Mk I Mondeo; the 1996 facelift versions are usually designated Mk II. Available as a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback, and a five-door estate, all models for the European market were produced at Ford's plant in the Belgian city of Genk. In December 1992, Autocar published a section on the Mondeo, and how it would conquer rivals.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Gauthier, Michael (2011-02-15). "New Ford Focus Badged as Mercury Tracer Due in 2011". Motor1.com. Archived from the original on 2016-02-21.
  2. Machine that Changed the World, James P. Womack, Daniel T. Jones, Daniel Roos, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Simon and Schuster, 1990, page 265
  3. 1 2 International Motor Business, Issues 137-140, Economist Intelligence Unit, 1989, page 54
  4. 1 2 Lamm, Michael (February 1987). "Detroit's Joint Adventures". Popular Mechanics . pp. 124, 126.
  5. Stark, Harry A., ed. (1987). Ward's Automotive Yearbook 1987. Vol. 49. Detroit, MI: Ward's Communications, Inc. p. 156. ISBN   0910589007.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ignored ISBN errors (link)
  6. Ward's Automotive Yearbook 1987 , p. 177
  7. 1 2 3 Stark, Harry A.; Bush, James W., eds. (1990). Ward's Automotive Yearbook 1990. Vol. 52. Detroit, MI: Ward's Communications, Inc. p. 90. ISBN   0910589.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ignored ISBN errors (link)
  8. "Ford Motor Co. looking to expand in Taiwan". Trade Opportunities in Taiwan. Far East Trade Services, Incorporated. 15 (1–26): 19. 1987.
  9. Ward's Automotive Yearbook 1990 , p. 257
  10. "Ford Motor Company Sets New Full Year U.S. Sales Record". The Auto Channel. 2001-01-04. Archived from the original on 2016-09-13.