4 Star Reviews for 2002 Mercury Cougar

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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Take the Good with the Bad - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    I love the outer appearance however it is lacking in other areas. I have the "leather" interior. this car is 5 year old and already the seats are shot. I have rips/holes just from every day use. I have only had this car a few months and have had to replace the brakes and recut rotors. The transmission seems to be slipping at times too. Its fun to drive but the repairs will cost you. I have a Chevy before and I think I just might go back to buying them next time around.

  • 2002 mercury cougar v6 35th anv edt - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    well i bought this used just 5 months ago its a 2002 sport 35th sp ed of the cougar it only had 32000 miles when i got it in the 5 months i had it i have no 42000 miles on it and it already needed a new transmission!!! thank god i got a warrenty on it which paid for it but wasnt easy 4000.00 it was before that new tires and the car sits very low and feels EVERY bump pot holes not so good it is fun for me to drive goes fast i love it!

  • Great car - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    I just bought it 4 months ago with 60,000 miles. I have not had any problems with this vehicle. I just hit 81,000 miles. I will be parting with it shortly because my wife is pregnant and we need a 4dr car. It is a great car.

  • I HATE my Cougar - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    I bought my Cougar with 62k miles on it. Ive had nothing but issues since I got the vehicle and have spent thousands fixing it. Now at 84k miles on it me engine is knocking and ready to go. Nothing but Engine problems since Ive had it and other misc. things. The gas mileage is horrible. Everyone Ive known that has owned a Cougar has had issues with the engine or transmission. Take my advice, buy a Honda.

  • So far so good - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    Just bought the car from an individual a few days ago, and enjoy it so far. It handles very well, but, just like everyone else says, it doesnt have the most get up and go. Its definitely a reliable A to B car, but dont go racing anybody. The seller said it was his daughters car and she had never had any problems the 2 years that she had it.

  • OK for the money - 2002 Mercury Cougar
    By -

    This car is definately a looker. The C@ pkg really adds to the look. DO NOT plan to have more than 2 people in it! Gas mileage is very good. The car handles curves extremely well. The engine is sluggish on start, but does well once on the road. Make sure you watch your blind spots - this car provides several.

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