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:

• 

  1999 V6 Cougar - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Jav - April 15 - 8:00 am

  When I first received the car, it felt nimble and quick, with time the car has settled in and doesnt feel as nimble; after 8 years, Ive decided to begin making it a more sporty car again by replacing the suspension with a european BAT suspension kit, put 18" wheels, and a new 20 mm rear sway bar, which after 8 years, all were pretty- much at the end of their service-lives, the nimbleness has definitely come back. The transmission comment made on your follow-up test posted 01-01-1999 hit it on the head about the car missing a low speed powerband and I would add a high-speed powerband when in fifth-gear for passing. Overall Im happy with my vehicle and look forward to continued fun with it.

• 

  Love it, BUT.......................... - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By NJCougar - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Car performs nicely and serves many purposes courtesy of the fold down rear seats. Encountered too many nickel and dime repairs, recalls, tweaks over 4 years, not to mention a problem with the Cat conv that I had to fight with Ford to have covered under warranty. Several electrical problems alternator, wiring harness, battery from year one to 2003

• 

  Sorry theyre gone - 1997 Mercury Cougar
  By lolakitty - April 10 - 3:53 pm

  I love my cougar and if they had one today just like it - I would buy it on the spot. Never had a problem until recently with emission. That is almost 13 years trouble-free. 1997 was last of the big cats and now mercs will be gone all together. There is no match for a cougar lover! I loved owning this car and the interior - for the money - all leather and so comfortable. Love the feel of a heavy car, the way it cruises along. Good bye sweet kitty.

• 

  Stay away from the Cougar - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By blinky1pxp - April 6 - 8:56 am

  Ive had the Mercury Cougar for 2 years now and it already is starting to fall apart. Im having tramission problems. My cat converter needs to be replaced. This car drinks gas like crazy. Its a cool looking car, but not a good buy. This car breaks down a lot and ends up being an expensive couch.

• 

  1997 XR-7 Sport Model - 1997 Mercury Cougar
  By Big Ern - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought new--Every time we think about trading it in, we remember all the good stuff--the superb handling, the terrific styling--still looks great!!-- comfort on long rides--etc., etc.!! Cant say enough about it!! Its the sports model, and in all these years, Ive seen only two others--its a rare car!! Maybe thats what I like best. Just got new tires--only because the others were 5 and a half years old!

• 

  Great fun and sporty Car - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By modette - April 4 - 10:00 am

  I got my 2001 Cougar ZN just over a year ago and I got 20K mile salready on my car. Its a great car that makes driving fun. HP could be at least 200HP but 170HP is not bad at all in it. I have the following options: 5-speed, ZN Package, ABS, 6-disc indash cd changer, power drivers seat, 17" rims. My friends have driven my Cougar and all love it. Car also gets 30mph on the Interstate if your not at 140mph and actually do the speed limit ;-)

• 

  Rabs 2001 Cougar - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By Rab5862 - March 30 - 7:13 pm

  This is an excellent car with good handling. Bit short on power but alot of fun to drive.

• 

  What a disappointment - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By crossed by the cat - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had to had to put so much money into this car and it only has 45k miles on it. At 40k my transmission had to get replaced. at 43k I needed a new alternator. And now at 45k the brakes will hopefully be the last repair I put to this money pit. I am on edmunds to read up on reviews and see if it is possible to trade the kitty in. Ive had it.

• 

  Bought a Cougar Again - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By Katherine - March 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second cougar - many little annoyances in the 1999 model year were fixed in the 2002 (coin slots added, cup holder upgraded, no more plastic grate on front w/ pieces that pop out, CD changer in dash instead of trunk). Its a peppy car, a perfect fit, and has an eye-catching look. Not meant for big/tall people and the back seats are more useful folded down for more trunk space than as seats. Great for people who cant see over the steering wheels in typical mid-sized cars and for those who haul more stuff than people. Can roll down the windows, open the sunroof, and not get blown to bits.

• 

  Worst Car Ive Ever Ridden In my life. - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By Joshua - March 9 - 5:00 pm

  This vehicle Is not reliable. I just recently wrecked my wougar going 45 and ran straight into a electrical pole. The airbags did not deploy and the seatbelt did not lock in place for the passengers in the backseat. The Cougar is not a good vehicle for a first time driver. Do not buy this car for your teenage daughter or son. It crushes like a can. I put a dent on my front right fender by just leaning on it. It broke down many times for multiple reasons.