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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Last of the Big Cats - 1997 Mercury Cougar
By Hershell Smalls - February 21 - 10:00 amI bought this vehicle with 28000 miles on it. I now have 90000 miles on it and the only problem I have had with it is with a radiator leak. This was after the warranty expired but the Mercury dealer still repaired it for free. Ride and handling is still a pleasure. Although the car is on the heavy side, the V-8 has a nice kick.
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Cougar - 2002 Mercury Cougar
By Bobothechimp - February 18 - 10:00 amI have had to take my car into the shop several times for different problems. I have had the stereo replaced 3 times and it still does not function properly. I still love the car just wish it would have been built better.
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The best car for the money "excellent" - 2002 Mercury Cougar
By Raymond A. Garrido - February 16 - 10:00 amI really wasnt thinking to buy a new a car, but I have to admit that when i test drove the Cougar v6 with the c2 package I fell in love with it!! With the help of the Salesman Mr. Carlo everything went smoothly, needless to say that Mr. Alvarez the finance Mgr. put every effort on it, I got a good interest rate & a cash rebate, the car handles like a European car, the performance only compared with a good Sport Car it has plenty of power, I when I knew about a tune-ups every 100,000 miles I said the American Automotive Industry finally got it.! Its very confortable for two people (in the front) forget 4 on a trip.
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A good bang for the buck!!! - 1999 Mercury Cougar
By spb18 - February 9 - 2:00 amLike the famous song, "Im gonna buy me a Mercury and cruise it up and down the road...", thats exactly what I did.I bought this car used in June of 2002. It has been a great car, and I have experienced none of the problems other reviewers have. I will consent however, if Ford would have put a little more effort/quality into their design, it would no doubt be a more popular seller. I drive my car pretty hard (as most 18 year olds do), and for the price I would say it has ample power. This is a way better car than the Neon I had before it. Note: To anyone looking to buy a Cougar, go with the V6 Automatic, from what I hear they have the least problems.
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Great car - 1999 Mercury Cougar
By mtrox - February 3 - 2:00 amThis vehicle has served us well. We really love the look and it drives well. The v4 doesnt "pick up" too quickly, and its not comfortable for driving long distances, but thats not what its made for. It rides very smooth, and hasnt given us a minutes trouble.
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Sporty in looks, Tame under the hood - 2000 Mercury Cougar
By Vonlarl - January 29 - 10:00 amLooks great. Harsh handling in steering wheel. Excellent breaking power. Sluggish reaction to gas pedal. Needs more "getup and go", surprising for the horsepower of the V6. Almost think Im driving a V-Tech with the poor performance in low RPMs. Rigid body-nice for the turns. Poor stock tires, hard rubber that wears normally. Road noise excessive for the poor performance. If it was a true sports car, noise would be consistent. Replacement tires difficult to find and expensive(avg of $120 installed). Fit and finish excellent. Had difficulties with the hatchback trunk cover breaking repeatedly.
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Miss it a lot - 1999 Mercury Cougar
By kljw04 - January 28 - 10:20 amI wish I still had this car! It was fun to drive, handled well and had a sleek sporty look and it got really good gas mileage. If I ever find another one just like it I would buy it again.
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Great Ride - 2002 Mercury Cougar
By DBAIRD - January 5 - 2:00 amMost fun Ive ever had driving regularly...comfortable, looks great...what else can I say? I LOVE THIS RIDE!!!
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Best Car I Ever Owned - 1999 Mercury Cougar
By I luv my cougar - December 23 - 7:30 pmI bought my Cougar new in 1999. It had 91 miles on it. I just traded it off 3 days ago with over 128,000 miles on it. I loved that car. Even with that many miles the engine and the transmission are still going strong. The Cougar is built solid and reliable. I traded it because my family is expanding and it is not practical with 2 car seats, but I will miss it terribly.
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My Last American Car - 1999 Mercury Cougar
By Ford Hater Forever - December 22 - 3:06 amI bought my car right after my divorce, thinking that I needed a reliable car to drive my kids around, boy was I wrong. The car has left me stranded numerous times with my children in the car. Ive replaced the alternator twice, tied rod ends, wheel bearing 3 times, the check engine light is always on because of a vacuum leak 5 mechanics havent been able to find, I cant get it inspected, Ive put tires on 4 times and it eats brakes, the radio shorts out and the anti freeze light comes on if the antifreeze goes below max level. Im considering parking the car because I owe so much money on it I cant trade and cant afford to drive it
