Overview & Reviews

Depending on how old you are, you probably have different recollections of the Mercury Cougar: Baby boomers will likely remember the original V8-powered pony car and its evolutionary change into a big, personal luxury coupe. Car enthusiasts of a younger vintage are probably more familiar with the Cougar as a small, spry front-wheel-drive sport coupe. About the only common link between all Cougars is their Ford genetics.

Debuting in 1967, the first Mercury Cougar was closely related to the second-generation Mustang. Mercury's version was marketed as being more plush and European. Coupe and convertible versions were offered, and this was the first time that "XR-7" appeared as an option package. From a performance standpoint, these early Cougars were highly regarded, especially as they could be equipped with a variety of powerful V8 engines.

By the mid-1970s, however, the focus on performance had diminished. The Mercury Cougar of this era was more of a personal luxury car. Mercury even experimented with sedan and station wagon variants. The Cougar finally settled into its role as a luxurious coupe at the dawn of the 1980s. As a close relative of the Thunderbird (atop Ford's new "Fox" chassis), the Cougar remained rear-wheel drive and could be V6- or V8-powered.

With consumer tastes shifting away from this type of vehicle in the 1990s, Mercury cut all previous ties for the Cougar's final iteration. As a smaller front-wheel-drive coupe with a focus on style, this Cougar was meant to draw in young buyers who otherwise perceived the Mercury brand as being old and out of touch. However, this approach didn't quite work as well as Mercury had hoped. Faced with disappointing Cougar sales, Mercury finally pulled the plug on one of its most popular and well-known nameplates in 2002.

Most recent Mercury Cougar

The Mercury Cougar spanning from 1999 to 2002 was based on the Ford Contour (and the associated Mercury Mystique), a small sedan with European breeding. Mercury hoped these underpinnings would give the Cougar a sparkling on-road personality while the coupe's sharp "New Edge" styling did the rest, yet this generation of Cougar never met with much success. Some say the car's branding as a Mercury ruined its chances with the younger consumers the company was after, though our experience with the car gives us a few theories of our own.

The Cougar had the makings of a credible entry-level sport coupe thanks to its accurate handling, head-turning exterior styling and an available 2.5-liter V6 with a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic. It also had a generally well-laid-out and comfortable interior (rear seats excepted), a surprisingly utilitarian hatchback body style and a price that was considerably less than other competing models of the time.

On the other hand, the car was merely adequate in a lot of ways. Steering feel was heavy, and acceleration was nothing special, even with the 170-horsepower V6 (the standard four-cylinder put out a meager 125 hp). Outward visibility was also poor. In a comparison test of six sport coupes we conducted in 2001, the Mercury Cougar finished last.

Needless to say, this wasn't one of our favorite sport coupes. Shoppers still interested in a used Cougar from this vintage, however, can pretty much look at any year, as Mercury didn't make any significant changes during the model's four-year run. Slightly altered front styling went into the '01 model, when the instruments and steering wheel were also revised. For the Cougar's final year, Mercury released the 35th Anniversary Package with chrome wheels, hood scoop and an in-dash CD changer. There were also a few special appearance packages, such as the C2, the Zn ("Zinc Yellow") and the XR.

Past Mercury Cougar models

The last and best of the traditional Mercury Cougars came along in 1989. Along with the still-related Thunderbird, the Cougar was redesigned atop a new chassis with an independent rear suspension, and to everyone's surprise, gave up its V8. Instead, this Mercury Cougar used a pushrod 3.8-liter V6 with 140 hp (supercharged to 210 hp in upscale XR-7 trim).

The 1991 model year saw the demise of the five-speed manual transmission and the dropping of the supercharged V6 in favor of Ford's classic 4.9-liter pushrod V8, rated at 200 hp. A better 205-hp 4.6-liter SOHC V8 replaced it in 1994, when the body got a styling refresh and the motorized seatbelts were traded for dual airbags. More styling changes came in 1996, and the interior was made over for the Cougar's last year in 1997.

The basics stayed consistent throughout this Cougar's model cycle. A 200-inch-long body, roughly 3,600 pounds of weight and numb steering kept it from being truly sporty, but rear-wheel drive and the all-independent suspension gave it respectable handling and a rather serene ride. Acceleration was fine with any engine besides the basic V6, though gas mileage was pretty dismal regardless. Interiors are attractive (despite Ford's old hard-to-use radio) and four adults will fit, though the Cougar's interior space and comfort are more in line with that of a midsize car than its size and weight suggest.

There are definitely smaller, lighter, faster, more efficient ways to cruise the streets in two-door style, but if rear-drive, a V8, a decent-size backseat and a low price are of top importance (and muscle cars aren't your thing), this generation of the Mercury Cougar is probably a pretty good pick.

User Reviews:

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  Runs like a %@$#&@i#$!!! - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By maggycat - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Within 4,000 miles a bolt broke in the engine - took two weeks to fix and dealer wanted me to pay for rental car- unbelievable! Love the way the car looks inside & outside - drives harder than my 1981 Ford Fairmont Futura - very disappointed with the car and I only have 25000 miles on it - dealership even more disappointing - glad my lease is up in 10 months - also HORRIBLE in snow!

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By philly79 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is loads of fun to drive. The pickup is lacking slightly but you can definitely get it cruising. The handling is excellent and the hatchback is key. I just hope that some of the horror stories Ive read regarding reliability arent true.

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  Best kept secret - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By Great car - August 25 - 3:03 am

  This is my SECOND Cougar. The first one (2000)is still in service with 225,000 miles on it. My 2002 will turn 230,000 this week. Rock solid car and I cant understand the complaints. I intend to go at least 300,000 miles if not more. Both Cougars had brakes replaced the first time at 110,000 mile. Both also had to have fuel pump and AC clutch replaced at 140,000. Overall mileage is still above 27mpg. Great brakes and very sure footed and fun to drive.

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  Anns car - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By Ann marie - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is wonderful, I havent regretted buying it. I got into an accident, and it was pretty bad, and my car came out perfect. The structure on my 2002 stayed strong, and its comfort it perfect.

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  2002 mercury cougar v6 35th anv edt - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By angela - July 24 - 3:46 pm

  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!

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  costs too much - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By doege - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I will have to spend $600 every year after my warranty runs out to replace the feul pump. The mechanics that have already replaced two have told me no matter what I do it will still go out. My CD player already doesnt work and my car is almost 3 years old. I have bought 8 new tires and prices just went up in my area to $140 a tire. I would never buy a cougar again myself, and I would not reccomend buying one to anyone else.

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  Great car - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By Pogi - July 16 - 6:56 am

  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.

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  Love it and Hate it - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By CeeJ - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought at 36,000, needed new brakes. Then check engine light has been on since about 45,000 and it now has 81,000 miles on it. I dont think there is anything wrong though, probably just electrical short. Did need alternator replaced at about 70,000 miles, and my rims warped very easily causing tires to wear down quicker than usual. Rough ride at times, but once speed is picked up, its pretty smooth. My alarm, however, randomly activates, so I have taken out the fuse so it will not. Thus, w/o that fuse, I am unable to use the power locks and trunk door release until it is repaired.

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  Great smaller car - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By katjams - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but praise for the Cougars responsiveness and reliability. It is a fun car to drive, having sleek, sporty lines and a unique taillight configuration. It is average in gas consumption: I get about 18 mpg in city driving, and 24 mpg highway. Nice features are the electronic gas consumption indicator, the MPG indicator and outdoor temperature reader. 60/40 fold down seats are a real plus. Biggest complaints are the somewhat cramped interior and the 2- door hatchback visibility. I also think the suspension can be improved.

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  This car is awsome - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By ashman - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about 6 months now and it just keeps on getting better and better. I love this car. Its fast, turns on a dime, brakes on it are great. This car is just awsome. I cant get enough of this car. Ive already put a new esgost, cold air intake, racing chip, and anything else you can think of and now im putting Z28 camaros in my dust. If you want to have a really good car and have lots of fun you have to get this car