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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  Tough little car - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By barry - July 23 - 7:50 pm

  This car is very economical to drive. Not just the mileage, but also maintenance and repairs (which have been few) FYI it does have a recalled fuel pump, which I havent taken care of bacause problems dont surface if you keep the tank over half full --- thats easier than keeping it in the dealership for an entire day;

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  Not your Daddys Cougar - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By purpix1 - July 13 - 12:23 pm

  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.

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  Would not suggest this car to anyone - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By cat - July 4 - 9:46 pm

  alternator has gone 4 times in the year and a half...need a new high pressure power steering hose at 6ok miles new rack n pinion new tie end rods ect.

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  I dont know what I was thinking - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By nikki - May 29 - 11:23 am

  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.

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  I Love It! - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By Lauren - May 25 - 5:23 am

  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!

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  Not a Ford man but I like my Cougar. - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Just Curious - May 18 - 1:23 am

  Bought with Sport Package option which means the 16" tires, V-6, sport cloth interior, fog lights, spoiler, rear wiper and 4-wheel disc brakes. This car also came with ABS, auto, and traction control. We have had it for 5000 miles and have yet to put a dime into it. The road noise was a bit much but I switch from the Firehawk tires to Dunlop SP Sport A2s and it is extremely quiet now. The windows tend to creak but this is because they dont have a window frame.

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  What a disappointment... - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By BADKITTY - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I would discourage anyone from even thinking about purchasing this car. It has been vitually falling apart since I purchased it 18 months ago. On the outside, the trim around the window is coming loose, the headlights are full of condensation, the paint is easily scratched. On the inside, the defrost trim is constantly popping out, the sunroof motor fell apart, the carpet is pulling away, electrical harness falls out, the cup holder is useless. I have lights lit up all over the dash for no reason. Dont throw your money away. Worst car I ever owned by far and Ive owned a bunch.

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  Wonderful Car - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By Liz - April 17 - 9:56 am

  I just bought my Cougar last January, and I love it. It drives and handles great. I also learned that on long trips the gas mileage isnt as bad as you would think. I have drove it from North Carolina to Nevada with no problems. Now I am about to drive it from Nevada to Washington and so far the car seems like it has no problems this time, even after not being drove for 7 months. I just wish that the cup holders in the front were better. Besides that its a great car.

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  Looks good, but thats about it. - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By CarlosSeoane - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought it October 2003 with 20,000 miles for $ 10,000. Thanks Goodness I bought an extended warranty, because a week after buying it the transmission blew and it cost the warranty 4,000 bucks to fix. It has 26,000 miles now and nothings broken yet, although sometimes it wont start easily and others it feels like its going to die on me when idling. I hate the fact that I cant trust my car.

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  Probably the best Cougar - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By JR - March 23 - 7:06 pm

  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!