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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  very good car - 1997 Mercury Cougar
  By pls317 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  the cougar and the t-bird from 1991 to 1997 are the best cars made in that time frame

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  Despite problems, I love this car - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By mu4120 - December 4 - 1:56 pm

  I rolled this car off the lot with 22 miles on it and nearly 7 years and 139,000 miles later I am still driving it. The transmission did go out around 64,00 and the fuel pump was replaced (both under warranty). Other than normal wear and tear, this car is great. People still compliment me on it, and I love to drive it. However I hate how small the backseat is. I now have two kids and its way too small, but we deal with it. I wish it took off faster and the mileage isnt real great - in my opinion. However it does the job and looks great and gets me from point A to point B. I hate buying tires because they are expensive with the 17 inch rims. But I still love the car, regardless.

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  A great car! - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By FREDDY COUGAR - December 2 - 5:00 am

  After reading some of the troubles other people had with their Cougar, I must have got all the good parts. My 2000 Cougar SE had only 25 miles on it and came with the five speed. For the next 6 years and 120,000 miles not a thing went wrong aside from the tires and brakes being replaced 3x. Then the alternator went and a few months later the original battery died. I consider that normal wear. For 2008 Ive done a the front brakes and my 4th set of tires and have 145,000 miles on it. I give the car a good detailing every spring inside and out and she still looks new. Ill keep her as long as nothing major goes wrong with the engine or the tranmission. Good luck to the other owners.

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  The Car I LOVE & HATE - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By melifluffy - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Cougar brand spanking new and I thought it was the best thing I had ever done. For about 10,000 miles I loved my car and then my car became a regular at the Mercury dealers repair shop. I have had many many problems including bad breaks, a faulty gas gage, a malfunctioning fuel pump, alternator, leaking windows (which have yet to be fixed after 4 trips to the dealer), and lately my power windows have refused to go up or down. I will never recommend this car to anyone and I personally will never buy a car in the Ford/Mercury line ever again. Although my car is beautiful to look at, beauty doesnt keep this car running and/or out of the shop.

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  Quote - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By ColeenPFile - November 20 - 1:46 pm

  I liked this car very well. I get excellent gas mileage and have owned this car for almost 10 years. It has never given me any problem. I did replace the tires in 2007. Not worn out just dry rot.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2002 Mercury Cougar
  By COUGARGUY - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I now have over 3,000 miles on my 2002 cougar V6 and have had no problems. Took it into the mountains and averaged 25 mpg, and I was passing alot of cars in the slow lane that could not keep up to the speed limit going up the mountain. I love my Cougar!!

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  This Cat is Puuurrfect!!! - 1997 Mercury Cougar
  By Physicusman - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I just recently purchased this 30th Anniversary Cougar in July of this year. Its been great! The V8 is smooth and reliable. I already have an 1988 Cougar LS 5.0, so I LOVE these cars. One of the best ones theyve put out. The independent rear suspension just coasts over the bumps and the automatic tranny is responsive. The paint is beautiful as well. It has some Flowmaster mufflers, so she sounds (and performs) just as good as a Mustang! Tinted windows and all came with the car already! I am very happy with this purchase and hope to get many good years with it.

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  Bought Used - 2001 Mercury Cougar
  By Mr x - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I love my new car, I know its a bit early and Ive only driven her about 50 miles... I can say it can hold up over a few years unlike other Ford products. If the car is well kept it always looks modern and sporty, I armor all every 200 miles, so far it drives great although sometimes the open door buzz goes a little too long, build quality is very solid and the steering wheel is awsome compared to most cars,because it has a heavy "meaty" feel to it, I am a teen and I can say the little features along with over all quality is a perfect match. The car is cheep in terms of its type, its out of production but has ons of parts so it will always look good. gas mileage is about 25 mpg highway.

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  1999 Cougar - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By LMigliore - September 30 - 5:03 am

  Car handles reasonably well. Its almost impossible to shift smoothly; revs dont drop for several seconds. Dies occasionally. Maybe theyve fixed it now. Cant see out the back or sides.

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  BAD CAR breaks down monthly - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By makemelaugh - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my cougar since 1999 and it has low miles but there is ALWAYS something wrong with it- engine light coming on for months, then breaks, then had to have switch on LIGHTS for 300 some $$ then broke down twice on vacation overheating and was towed for electrical problems again when we wanted to drive to Fla.! This things a BAD CAR.