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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  Can you beat this? - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Merc123 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Can you beat this? Buyers beware. Some have no problems while other have tons. V6 Automatic with 56K miles on it. Part x Replacement Times ----------------------- Altenator x 6 Flywheel x 1 (flexplate in ATX) Brakes Rotors x 1 (Bought aftermarket @ over $500) Brake Pads x 1 (bought aftermarket) Hood Latch Cable x 2 Center console x 1 (still broke) Trunk x1 (fixed self after 2nd time) Radiator hoses replaced x 1 A/C fixed x 1 Weather stripping x 2 (still messed up) Wheel bearing x 1 Defrost vent pops up. Transmission started slipping at 28K and is now slipping nicely at 56K. Alarm still randomly goes off for no reason

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  Dont buy it with big kids! - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By Superhawk5 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new and have had only two problems, the drivers seat belt wouldnt latch, dealer fixed it on warranty. I got some bad gas, three tanks of gas fixed it just like the owners manual said. I dont understand "the engine could use a little more oomph", my wife beat a Nissan 350 Z when she was going to the store. Awesome cornering capability. Keep the Firehawks on it, I got more than 80K miles out of the first set. Mileage exactly what the sticker said. Great value. Didnt get my son to sit in the back before I bought it. First drive in it, he hit his head on the hatchback window. At the time he was 14 and about 56". Now he will not sit in back.

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  Love my Cougar! - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By Wandawoman99 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  In fact I love it so much, I am about to trade it in on a brand new one! I have never had any problems out of my 2000 cougar. It has been a fun reliable car for me. I am looking to buy the 2002 Anniv. Special real soon! So you can go look up my little Blue trade in and get you a really good car!

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  Transmission Trouble - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By Sue - May 2 - 6:26 pm

  I had to review my car after reading all of these reviews. I love my cars styling, but its NOT the most reliable car Ford ever made. My transmission went out at 92,000 mi. Looks like theres more people with the same trouble. Ive replaced tires several times and a rim that was dented from the low ride. Im buying a Focus next time.

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  Best Cougar Ever - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Jose A. M. Nolla - April 29 - 3:26 am

  I had bought 2 Cougars before this one. Some like my 1970 XR-7 with the 4V 335hp V8 had great power but none as nimble as my 1999. I ordered it with the sports package and had some problems getting it to my location in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico since Mercury Hq was not allowing the vehicle to be exported. So my Cougar became the first new edge one to arrive in San Juan. Good Things: Performance when you turn AC off, handling in curvy mountain or country roads, looks from observers and engine sound with free flow mufflers. Many people ask you about it so patience with people who want to buy your car. Bad things: Original tires (which where great) have gone out of production.

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  I love it! - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By Mrhdaisy0 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a cougar for years before I actually bought one. Im not at all disappointed. She could handle a bit better in the snow, but overall, I love her!

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  Dunno what car you people are driving... - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By MarcusM - March 30 - 2:00 am

  ...since I have had NO PROBLEMS with the exception of having to take it to the dealership to replace a fuse for the left turn signal. The acceleration, braking and handling make this car fun to drive. Easily gets up to 100 MPH. Fuel economy could be better as could the front drink holder. Reading the reviews made me laugh as I thought of using two hands to grab a drink larger than 20oz. One hand to pull the drink out, the other hand to keep the plastic in the center console! You people know what Im talking about! Overall its a great car and you people that dont think so are foolish!

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  Great Car - Great Deal too! - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By CarLady - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought the base vehicle with the 2.5L Duratec, spoiler, and an Automatic Trans. Just $200 over invoice less $1500 rebate less $500 owner loyalty rebate as well. Love the way it drives. Has a nice secure feeling to it. Compares favorably to an Acura RSX but looks much better than the Acura and cost about $7,000 less after rebate. Pretty much a no-brainer I would think. Well... gotta go. My Mercury awaits me. Just looking at it makes me want to drive it.

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  Love my Cougar - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By Nickt - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Cougar one year ago, and I love it. It has been a great car, and I am really surprised how good it is on gas. It has been very dependable, other than a broken hood latch. The ride is great, although the car is a bit loud. This car seems to get some bad press, and I dont see why. To me, the quality is very good, and the overall feel of the car is great. I also can not understand why Mercury is discontinuing this car. It could give the Eclipse/Acura NSX/ Toyota/etc. a ride for their money if Mercury would enhance some things.

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  Hunk of Junk !! - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By kristan85 - March 20 - 3:08 pm

  Ive had my Cougar about 4 years now and its only just over 89,000 miles. Ive had to have 3 fuel flushes ..the gas was filthy and very dark brown and causing the engine to miss. Ive had to put 2 new batteries in it along with an altenator. I had plugged ECG valves. Last week I spent $700. on a new fuel pump along with a fuel/oil pressure censor. Ive replaced all 4 tires. The dash lights and headlights are always flickering. It wont start if its cold out. My sunroof wont open. Its starting to rust. The battery light is always flickering on and off (even with a new battery and altenator). When its cold out my trunk wont stay open I have to hold it up (hatchback)..do not recommend!!!