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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  I cant complain - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By dmastri682 - February 18 - 2:36 pm

  I bought my cougar a year and a half ago for $4,500. Honestly, I dont think I could have gotten a better car. It had about 80,000 miles on it when I bought it. Ive put about 35,000 miles on this car in less than 2 years and ive only had to get new tires, brakes, and a major tune up. It drives great, and I am so grateful for its reliability and integrity. Recently, I considered purchasing a newer "flashy" car. I ultimately decided against it because getting rid of the cougar would just be plain dumb. If I sold it, I dont think I could live with myself for getting rid of such a great car simply because Im an impulse buyer. I would recommend this car to absolutely anyone.

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  Overall, a great car. - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By Oneandonlywayne - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Since their release in 1998, Ive lusted for a Mercury Cougar. I finally got my chance when I traded in my Grand Marquis in January of 2002. This car is amazing. It still turns heads as I go down the road. The car seems to be moving, even when its parked. Interior styling is done fantastically, although some plastics have a cheap feel to them.

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  Love my Car - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Drc Pepperville - February 10 - 8:36 pm

  I test drove my car with 8 miles. Today I have 241,432+. No joke! It is still going strong. I totally believe in the reliability of my car. I have had very few problems with it. My A/C has always worked, Headlights have never stopped. I replaced the clutch, water pump, timing belt, the usual wear and tear parts. It has been an awesome car from day one and I dont plan on trading it any time soon. Many memories! I get better gas mileage than anyone I work with! Love it,love it, love it! Cant say enough good.

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  cougar - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By carlos - February 6 - 10:00 am

  i love my cat is a really good car, i had some problem like the alternator but is really good i nerver have problem about the gas i drive my car with 0 of gas an nerver stop is a great car

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  Great car if youve got $$ to burn. - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By she can read - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The 1999 Cougar is my first car. Ive had it for about 2 years now, and am looking for a new car. I recently entered college and switched to commuter status... bad idea with an unreliable Cougar. I love the look of it, and when theres nothing wrong with it, its an absolutely awesome car to drive. However, its been in the shop countless times within these 2 years for stupid problems such as an airbag light coming on (theres nothing wrong with the airbags), same with the engine light... and it costs $75 a pop to turn these lights off! Its become a nuisance and in short, Im looking for a sturdier car with better gas mileage (I only get about 17-18 MPG, 19 or 20 on the highway).

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  Excellent Vehicle!!! - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By Estranged - December 20 - 7:43 pm

  I got my custom V6 manual in Feb01. Its custom cause I got convenience package + ABS brks. Its very fun to drive (both the stick and auto). Transmsn is designed/made in Germany and it shows! A very european car, with a huge trunk. The biggest plus of this car is handling. It has a computer: "temperature outside", "average speed", "mpg", and best of all "miles before empty tank". Id also say that chicks dig the car - one made me roll down my window on the hiway to say how cool my car was.

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  Good kitty - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By Tawan - December 12 - 6:36 am

  I have had my Cougar for 3 yrs and have never had a problem. My gas mileage is usually 32-33 mpg. The trunk is big enough to put almost anything in it. It lacks power, you will not win any race, but you will be the best looking slow car on the line!

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  Great car for the price! - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By wicked_gk - November 19 - 6:34 am

  I bought this car for $400 not-running. It had the common fuel-pump failure. Cost me $200 for a new one with labor. The mechanic then told me the engine had been over-heated which I suspected. Luckily Ford cross-platforms many of their vechicles so another engine was cheap ($350). Swapped engines and ever since its been running like new :) Interior quality is high quality and the suspension is rides smooth. Will be keeping this car till it stops running :)

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  Sad to see it go - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Sarah - November 17 - 9:50 pm

  I have had problems with my car since the day i bought it. Timing belt, alternator, transmission (TWICE), paint fading, A/C compressor and clutch, Serpentine belt, vacuum hoses, O2 sensors, fuel filter, battery, and i think there is more just cant remember everything right now, but when it was running good i loved this car! I cant keep putting money into it though time to let her go :(

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  96 XR7 is the Best car I ever owned - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By mike - October 28 - 5:23 am

  I bought my 1996 XR7 4.6V8 in Oct. 95 and it has 224,000 miles on the original engine and still runs like new. I average 19 mpg in town and 23.5 on the freeway. The only real problem I have had is the Air-con gave out at 200,000 miles and it will cost too much to replace ($900).