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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  02 cougar V6 - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By rjohnson319 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a little over six months now and havent had any problems. I feel that it is pretty sporty, and its a lot of fun to drive. Its light weight combined with the V6, really gives it some oomph!

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  bad ass! - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By fordpwnage - June 27 - 10:00 am

  man, i love this car! its so fast (4.6L) and people just dont see this car coming. its awsome when you tell people, i have a cougar and they think to the new ones. ;). this car makes the best sleeper. i had trouble getting into rear seats of other 2 door cars, but not this one! the quiet idle doesnt give away the v8, when i gun it, its to late for them. the only thing i hate is it needs more power. Im gonna fix that soon though... it would be bad ass if it could hang with z28s, or its brother, the mark VIII.

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  This Cougar LOVES her Cougar! - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By alznwonderland - June 8 - 2:25 am

  I bought my Cougar in 2003 with 19,000 miles on it. 88,000 miles later, I have had to sink about $2,000 in her. But for me, she is worth it. I get compliments all the time about how cool looking this car is. I have replaced the computer, brakes, and most recently, the coil. I was having problems with surging, a gulping or missing action when I accelerated and my mechanic couldnt figure out what the problem was. I found that in 2004, the fuel module had been recalled and was effective to have it replaced until October, 2011. It was at that time the seviceman told me the coil is what was causing the "missing" affect. I had a friend replace it for $70.00. Runs like new again! I love this car!

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  Love my 99 Cougar "big red" - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By se7enbender - June 2 - 12:16 am

  I got my 1999 Mercury Cougar 2 and 1/2 months ago for $500; was my half brothers before but wasnt well taken care of. Had to make numerous repairs to get it running and did some body work on top of that. Now, with almost 94000 miles (had 92k when I got it) runs like new. Would def. recommend to someone who wants a sportier feel

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  lemon law should apply - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By Cougarowner - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am displeased with this model. The mercury gods could have put a little more than 170hp under the hood, but what this car lacks in power, It sure makes up for in handling!! Semi- smooth ride, Has its Corvette like qualities, Corners on rails! I once made a 80 deg. turn at 65 mph in a 4 wheel drift, She went right where I wanted her to just by hitting or letting off the gas. However, Things are not all well in the Cougar stable. The 99 Cougar allong with select 2001s are having PCM programing problems. Causing hesitation in 1st and 2nd gears. Replacement of the PCM chip will determine which gear this problem will show up in.

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  Not bad for the last of its kind. - 1997 Mercury Cougar
  By Rayro - May 28 - 8:13 pm

  This car is a cruiser. I love to take it on vacation or any time that I get on an interstate. Too bad it took Detroit until 2005 to start building solid RWD cars again, but we a glad that we had this Cougar to weather the void.

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  great lookin car for a costly price! - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By volcomchik04 - May 23 - 4:04 am

  Bought this car back in 2003 from a family member it was runnin great for a while, but since about 2005 i have had to have multiple alignment jobs done,multiple new tires,a new radiator,radiator hoses,new power steerin hoses,new batteries, a new transmission, new motor mount, multiple alternators, new mass airflow sensor, new spark plugs, just recently had to have the o2 sensors replaced and the egr valve fixed, and my catalitic converter needs to be replaced (fyi just for the catalitic converter alone its gonna be $300)...all in all its a good lookin car and has lasted me a long time but im definately ready to get rid of it!!...It has cost me a lot of money!!

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  Dont even think about it! - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Give Up! - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Headache is the first word that comes to mind. I have the car in the shop at least every third month. You always think that this is the last time but... wrong again. Catalytic convertor replaced at 25000, ignition replaced, fuel guage/pump replaced, tyerod bolt snapped off, security system locked up twice and of course wiring is not covered under the Extra Care warranty that I bought to cut expenses. To top it off, the resale value is pathetic!!!

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  A Dream Car in my Garage - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By Stephen - May 2 - 10:00 am

  An eye catcher in 35th Anniversary Edition Skin with options and standard features to back it up. A beautiful car with an even more beautiful interior and a sound system that sounds like its worth $1000.00, rides like a sports car and feel like a sports car in handeling. The only downside to the car is that by all means it looks fast, but in this case looks are deceving. This car is unfortunitly underpowered. That aside it has been everything and more than what I expected for a Mercury for the price of $22K. A good solid investment if you had the money to tweek up the engine.

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  Vrrrroooooom!!! - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By babybrowneyes - April 21 - 12:23 am

  This car has, by far, been the best car that I have ever driven! I have previously owned a Probe as well as a 98 Escort and the ride is a lot better than either of those. This car takes corners and turns like nothin else! I dont even feel the turn. Its a beautiful car, Ive washed it every other day since Ive had it. The only thing Ive noticed on it is the paint chips VERY easily. I almost want to avoid the express way with this baby because of it. I see a paint job in the future.....