2002 Mercury Cougar Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.36/5 Average
85 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

New colors spruce up the outside, and all Cougars get the formerly optional Convenience Group (cruise, remote keyless illuminated entry and rear wiper/washer) as standard equipment. Evidently, the Zn (Zinc Yellow) feature car from 2001 failed to get buyers' pulses up, so Mercury tries again for 2002 with the XR package, which includes special red or black paint, a rear spoiler, a fake hood scoop and special logos. The Cougar C2 feature vehicle makes a return engagement for 2002. Sadly, the shelved Cougar S never materialized.

Pros:
  • Unique styling, well-tuned suspension, large cargo area.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 85.00
  • Dont buy this car! - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    Id driven this car before so when it came time to buy I didnt waste any time comparing or looking on Edmunds.com I found the hard way that you should always research what you buy, even if you (think you) know what you are getting. Heres what I found: 1) the I4 engine is not powerful enough to run the airconditioning while driving up hill 2) You get no acceleration with this engine. Maybe I have high expectations since I am in Germany and Im rolling down the Autobahn next to BMWs and Audis but when you get the Autobahn you have to keep up!

  • AWESOME - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    This is my 3rd car and definately the best Ive ever had. V6,5 speed. Mine has a Stage 1 Roush package on it. For those that dont know, its got really cool ground effects, rear spoiler, 17" wheels with the Roush emblem, Roush floormats and an exhaust tip that makes it sound like a bumble bee. I was hesitant on leather interior and black for the color but I was sold on the Roush package. Its a 2000 model and it only had 7000 miles on it (was reposessed and passed around dealerships) when I bought it for $14500. My old car was a Neon and for $5000 more its a helluva deal! I love it! And get compliments ALL THE TIME!

  • First Annual Review - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    I liked my Cougar V6, when I first bought it. My Cougar now however, is developing rattles, has had pieces of weather-proofing trim come off, the rear brakes are groaning, 3 transmission bolts came loose, & the CD player starts skipping after ~3 hours of continuous play. I do drive my Cougar with verve, but I dont abuse my car. I maintain it properly, the way a pre-midlife crisis car should be. Its my impression however, that my car was not built as well as I thought and that its starting to fall apart. After reading Consumer Reports review of the Cougar this year where Cougar owners rated is as much worse than average for reliability, I am dreading the worst.

  • Not your Daddys Cougar - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    The short, round the block test drive I took with the new 2002 Mercury Cougar (2.5 v6), did not do this car justice. I bought the car however, based on other factors as well (price, fuel economy, options etc). After a few days of really getting the feel for this car on the open road, I began to realize the true sports car nature of this vehicle. Crisp, sure-handling, power and performance make for an effortless, yet exciting driving experience. You can really feel the sports car lurking within the Cougar on the curves. Smooth and sure-footed. The engine and transmission are smooth and responsive as well, with plenty passing power on the freeways.

  • I dont know what I was thinking - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    The car drives great when it drives, tires expensive, After 85,000 miles I had to replace the transmission. Built like a Honda or Toyota, I dont think so.

  • I Love It! - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    I have had my car for a year and a half and I absolutely love it! I havent had any problems at all. I love the design and everything about it. Nice big trunk, a lot bigger than a lot of people think. Gas mileage isnt the best, but it is a V6, so what do you expect? We have previously had Hondas and Toyotas and this car is so much better than any Honda or Toyota we have had. The seats are incredibly comfortable and we actually take this car on long trips rather than our CRV. It handles really well and the cruise is right on. Very smooth ride and you cant even feel it shift. I would recommend this car to anyone!

  • Probably the best Cougar - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    I own a 2002 cougar XR with 34,000 miles on it. Let me say i had a 1999 cougar and i thought it was sweet, this car by far beats it. The nicer interior and sweet headlights make me want to drive it constantly!

  • Fun! - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    I love this car. It is a blast to drive, especially on a windy road. Even though it is nearly 7 years old, it still looks and drives like new.

  • Beautiful Car - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    Great car, Birthday Present, Plenty of room Friends love the sporty look and just fun to drive!

  • Overall nice car - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    Bought new in 02 for wife who is tougher on cars than I am. Only mechanical issue in five years has been rear brakes and coil pack. Its got decent power for a 2.5 litre V6 and still gets around 27mpg. Rear visibility isnt good and took some getting used to and it has a killer blind spot. Turning radius is terrible when youre used to foreign cars, but it handles and rides very well. Seats are comfortable and head and shoulder room are more than adequate for me (6 feet tall, 210 lbs.) The tach has no redline and with the 5 speed stick and the engine being so quiet, thats an issue. Not surprised that Ford made this nice car and almost immediately discontinued it.

Mercury Cougar Reviews By Year:
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