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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  23 Times to the dealer for warranty work - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Tavy - May 20 - 10:00 am

  In short, this is the worst built car I have ever owned. I had it in for warranty work 23 times in the time that I owned it which was only about 33 months. Between warranty work and regular service, it was in the shop about 3-4 days a month for almost 3 years. Getting rid of it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Door open sensor, check engine light, misfiring cylinder, suspension end links, transmission, brake rotor life is horrendous, trunk latch release, sunroof, dash illumination, the list goes on... Ill never buy another Ford.

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  Little Red Cougar - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By wingjk - May 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! The V6 is plenty fun although not exceedingly strong. The automatic transmission is smooth and has a great sound. The car gets great gas mileage and is comfortable even on a long trip. Aside from being great looking the hatchback design makes it easy to carry over-size objects. Even with the performance Comp T/A 16 inch tires it is very surefooted in rain, snow and ice. The car is beautiful, fun, economical and reliable. What more is there?

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  MY CAT - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By nrt - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE IT IT IS SAFE ON ROAD,AND GOOD FOR SPEEDING.

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  Love/hate relationship - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By tikitime - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This Cougar was a great design- different enough to hold some stylistic ground with the only other daring design of that time the Audi TT. I still love the it and get compliments often. Im also still impressed with its material fit & finish which are far beyond most. It has been a reliable car on many road trips and in the daily commute. Similar problems of engine light, cupholder, defroster grill, etc. Pricey repairs with pwr locks going out at 50k for a cool $600. Brakes lasted til 54k, alt/batt to 58k and tires to 30k. Some engine issues popping up which have me worried but still a darn reliable car thats fun to drive.

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  Sweet Ride! Excellent Vehicle. - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By Drathon - April 19 - 3:56 am

  I have owned this car for almost six months now; and have enjoyed almost every minute of it. Pickup in first gear was a little slow, until I installed a short air intake, and new perfomance muffler; now this car has excellent acceleration. The 5 speed manual transmission is perfect, I love the shift. Exterior of the car is awesome, and interior is nice too. My only major problem has been my sunroof. It was supposed to have been replaced before I bought the car HA! Its not any better than the old one, it still leaks. Very aggravating to come out to your car after a rain, and get soaked as you drive down the road. Overall, I love the car to drive, but, being a Ford, it does have problems.

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  I wouldnt buy - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By Wanda - March 14 - 11:40 am

  I have had to replace 3 alternators, has to get tires replaced a lot. I have to get my transmission electrial system replaced. I had to get wiring for from my engine to my alternator. My set does move up it stays in one place. My trunk, will not open on its own. Recommendation, is to check out everys car reviews before purchasing this vechile.

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  why even buy it. - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By sweetbesos24 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has problems with electrical system and fuel pumps. They need to improve on the quality of the vehicle overall. Such as more power and a lighter frame for the car. The vehicle handles and turns ruff and should not turn like a truck. The vehicle also fishtales in the rain or making a somewhat of a fast turn.

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  I like it... - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By cougarman - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my cougar in November of 1999. I love it. I make sure it has its scheduled maintenance, and in return, it purrs like a, well...cougar. After 3 years, I just replaced the tires and brakes. Thats it. No other problems. There were a few minor recalls for items like a battery cable not connected correctly, but the service I receive from my dealer gets me in and out quickly. I have a 5 spd which performs well in merging situations and pulling out into traffic. The interior is really constructed for not more than 2 people, but the bucket seats make for a comfortable ride.

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  Cooper is dying - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Heather - March 3 - 8:20 pm

  I got my Cougar, Cooper as I call him, for my 16th birthday and at 22 now I realize it was the worst purchase I have ever made. I have had problems since day 1, everything from the engine, transmission, sun roof, tires, brakes, catalytic converter, wheel bearings, you name it its needed fixing. I love driving it though. You can beat 90% of the people on the road and it handles like a dream. But dont get used to it. Each year Ive put at least $700 into repairs and just this month I was told I have $1200 in repairs. I am currently shopping for a new car. I loved my Cougar and if you dont mind paying for repairs then 99 Cougar is the car for you. But your check engine light will forever be on!

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  Is that a Jag your drving? - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By coyotefreek - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Well dispite no one ever knowing what a Mercury Cougar is, they always seem to love it once they see it. The design is great, the interior confortable. The storage with this hatch is amazing, just last week I took home a 7 foot long storage unit, and had the hatch shut. The car is a Ford so it does suffer from lots of creeks and rattles, though reliablilty has so far been good. Power is supprizingly sporty despite the slow 0- 60 time. I think its very fun to drive, main complaints being a lousy auto tranny and a large amount of body roll with spirited cornering. I highly suggest this car to those who are looking.