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 LOVE MY CAR - No problems in 5 years - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Original Owner - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new and havent had to replace anything but gas, oil, coolent, tires and window switches. I figure if the only surprise after 80K miles was the two window switches on the driver side, Im in good shape. Ive taken it on numerous road trips and its my daily driver.

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  Lemon!!! - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By kp2002 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst car ever!!! In the two years since I purchased the vehicle I have had it in the shop 6 times for stalling or not starting. I have problems with my windows leaking. The interior construction is a mess. Shortly after purchase, the upholstry in the back seat starting coming up. And dont get me started on the worthless cup holder that has spilled more drinks than it has supported. Also the interior lights have had shorts since purchase. Other than the cute body style I dont have anything positive to say!

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  2001 Mercury Cougar - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By RFarrell - September 25 - 8:30 am

  Had a 1999 Cougar. Bought the 2001. Large improvement in interior styling and feel(driveability). Could use some more power, but then again cant every car? I am very happy with my car. Handles well. Firm but not harsh ride. Nice styling. Good quality interior materials. A good value.

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  Transmission Blowout - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By Karlina Dunston - September 14 - 5:23 am

  I own a Mercury Cougar and it has 58,000 miles on it. I always got the car serviced at the dealer, and the transmission went out on me with no signs. It just went out at 58,000 miles.

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  quality is possible - 1997 Mercury Cougar
  By falco - September 1 - 2:43 am

  great car only problem was intake manifold recall average mpg highway is 35 burns no oil have 17500 miles still going strong. have not even changed a bulb wow! secret use mystery oil!

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  I love this car! - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Cougar new in 2000 and now am approaching 120,000 miles. It has been the most reliable car Ive ever had. Only normal maintenance until last year when I had a repair bill for $700. However, one bill in 10 years Ill take any day. This car is fun to drive, sporty, fast, yet tons of cargo space if you need it (fold-down hatchback). I average 24 mpg city/30 highway, which is better than many new cars. Ive been trying to convince myself to trade it for a new car, but I just cant find one that matches up (considering itll mean a car payment again + having to cross my fingers I get another good car). I may give it to my nephew (and that tells you how much I trust this car)

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  Put some work into it and its way better - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By BS - July 25 - 2:20 am

  I bought this car with stock (V6) features a bit under a year ago with 30,000 miles on it and it was ok i guess, performance wise. It could beat a V6 mustang anyway (yea woo-hoo). Since then Ive spent maybe $1500 on performance parts off ebay and installing them myself and its made a world of difference. The Dual Exhaust with a couple of flowmasters and the cold air intake (about $500 for both) really add a lot of power, and a decent suspension that went for about $450 made this thing handle turns easily at 45+ mph (although it doesnt balance well). A few other small mods and this cars performance can keep up with its fast looks. Keeps up with a friends souped-up RSX easily!

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  Piece of Junk - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By Horrible Vehicle - July 11 - 6:40 pm

  My wife purchased this car new for around 30,000 Canadian and it has been nothing but trouble, broken master cylinder causing brake failure while driving, intake manifold carboning up, broken brake calipers, premature brake wear (every 50,000 km), sun roof failure, fuel pump failure, poor suspension (shock failure 80,000 km), check engine light comes on constantly, maintenance light on since new and dealer cannot clear, the car is worth nothing now. Do not purchase this car!

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  1997 Mercury Cougar RX7, - 1997 Mercury Cougar
  By J Black - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful Styling, best looking of all 1983-1997 Cougars & T-Birds .... Design, comfort, and handling all good to very good, with very nice & reasonably quiet ride ... Car runs very well after 111k miles ... 6 cyl eng is woefully underpowered but reliable ... Brakes have been the biggest problem from day one ... Fuel economy is average, 19-23 mpg ...

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  Love my Cougar - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By BacardiRobb - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Coming from the snow belt I too wish that my cougar came with the traction control, however 100 pounds of sand and studded snow tires I can go anywhere. Since I bought the cougar used in 2000 with 30,000 miles, not too many folks want rear wheel drive in NW PA, so it was a dirt cheap purchase. The only expense I have had to date are plugs, breaks and tires. Awesome car.