1990-1994 Mercury Capri: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Mercury Capri and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Handling
- Acceleration (XR2)
Cons
- No antilock brakes
- Noise
- Rear-seat room
- Cargo room
Vehicle Highlights
Ford of Australia produced this front-drive 4-seat convertible, launched in the summer of 1990 with major components borrowed from the prior-generation Mazda 323. A 100-horsepower, 1.6-liter dual-cam 4-cylinder engine drove base Capris. The sportier XR2 used a 132-horsepower turbocharged variant. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with either engine; 4-speed automatic optional, but only for base models. All Capris got a driver-side airbag, power steering, all-disc brakes, and fully independent suspension. Antilock braking was not available. An optional lift-off steel hardtop contained interior lights and an electric rear-window defroster.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercury Capri XR2 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 34 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Mercury Capri. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Mercury Capri.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mercury Capri:
XR2s got slightly thicker front and rear antiroll bars for 1991.
1992 Mercury Capri:
New wheels, tires, and cabin trim were installed on the XR2 edition for 1992. Larger tires (195/50R15) on 3-spoke wheels replaced the 185/60R14 rubber, which still was used on the base Capri.
1993 Mercury Capri:
Except for a new radio, nothing significant was changed.
1994 Mercury Capri:
A passenger-side airbag came in 1994, along with a mild facelift. Bumpers, headlights, and taillights were new. Outside mirrors switched to body color. New alloy wheels were installed on both models, but the XR2 gained a standard sport suspension. Ford discontinued its imported convertible after the 1994 season.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Mercury Capri includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Mercury Capri and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Mercury Capri is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is adequate with the base engine and a lot quicker with the turbocharged XR2. Sadly, the latter suffers from turbo lag and moderate "torque steer." Shift action with the 5-speed manual transmission is quick and sure, though short gearing makes both engines buzzy. Capri is nimble, though the nose will plow through a turn if you take it too fast. Handling cannot approach a Miata or Toyota's MR2, but front-wheel drive makes it easier to handle in tricky situations. The new sport suspension for the '94 XR2 sharpened its reflexes markedly. Noise levels are high whether the top is up or down. Tiny it is, but Capris do have a rear seat. All it amounts to, though, is a padded parcel shelf with a hard-upright backrest and very little leg room. Even small children are likely to be uncomfortable. Otherwise, the Capri's cabin is surprisingly wide and front-seat room is good. The interior has a rather high beltline and the driver faces a tall cowl. Instruments and controls are neatly arranged, on a dashboard that's straightforward but stodgy. A Capri's trunk can stow grocery bags standing up, and might hold a weekend's worth of luggage for a couple. With the convertible top up, you endure large blind spots to rear corners. Also, the plastic back window is prone to scratches and wrinkles.
Value for the Money
All convertibles are beset with compromises, and Capri has its share. But if the price is right, it might not be a bad buy for fun-in-the-sun motoring.
All convertibles are beset with compromises, and Capri has its share. But if the price is right, it might not be a bad buy for fun-in-the-sun motoring.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercury Capri XR2 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 34 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercury Capri includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercury Capri .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
The air-conditioning lines tend to leak at the spring-lock couplings; larger O-rings are available as a service replacement. (1991-94)
Engine noise:
Loose heat shields over the muffler and catalytic converter cause a rattling or buzzing noise. (1991-94)
Tail/brake lights:
The turn-signal switch does not stay engaged on right-hand turns. (1991-93)
Water leak:
Numerous problems with the convertible top including roof bow flap coming off (1991-94), rear-window breakage (1991-94), and water leaks. (1991-93)
Wipers:
If the windshield wipers freeze to the glass in cold weather, the 15- or 20-amp fuse for the wipers (and radiator fan) blow. Replace with a 25-amp fuse. (1991-93)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $885 |
| Alternator | $630 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $940 |
| Brakes | $230 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $815 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $700 |
| Exhaust System | $470 |
| Radiator | $405 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $640 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $215 |
Our price chart for this generation Mercury Capri details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Capri | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Capri XR2 | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Capri | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Capri XR2 | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Capri | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Capri XR2 | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Capri | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Capri XR2 | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Capri | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Capri XR2 | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercury Capri include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 94.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 167.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 64.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 50.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2423 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 8.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.4 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 25.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Both 4-cylinder engines displaced 1.6 liters and featured dual-overhead cams, but the turbocharged version installed in the XR2 produced 32 more horsepower and an extra 41 pound-feet of torque. Five-speed manual shift was standard, and only the base model could be equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, as an option.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 100 | 95 | 5-speed manual: 25/31 4-speed automatic: 23/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 132 | 136 | 5-speed manual: 23/28 | 5-speed manual: 24.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Australia
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercury Capri include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1994 Mercury Capri directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991:
Rubber tube connecting automatic transmission to oil cooler in radiator may disconnect, resulting in fluid discharge.
1991-92:
Airbag module may be inadequate for high-temperature performance; bag may tear and malfunction.
1993:
Rubber tube connecting automatic transmission to oil cooler in radiator may disconnect, resulting in fluid discharge.
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