Mercury Capri Review

The Mercury Capri is a two door convertible that was made during the early 1990s. 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. 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.

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.

Inside a Capri

Noise levels are high in the Capri whether the top is up or down.  Capris are tiny, but they 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.  It is a very uncomfortable seating arrangement, even for children. 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. A Capri's trunk can stow grocery bags standing up, or a couple bags of luggage.  With the convertible top up, you endure large blind spots to rear corners. Also, the plastic back window is prone to scratches and wrinkles.

Mercury Capri Powertrain

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.  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.

Driving a Capri

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. To learn more about a Capri's performance, read another used Mercury Capri review.  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.

The Mercury Capri pricing starts in the mid $1000s.  It gets an estimated EPA Fuel Economy of 23 - 25 mpg for city and 28 - 31 mpg for highway.