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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  Shame on Ford Motor Company - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By budgie - February 20 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this car used for my daughter for college. It was fun to drive, sporty and she loved it. Two years later while on an internship 1500 miles away from home in Texas it stopped working. What a dissapointment! It started with a bad alternator, one month and three alternators later, we traded the car in at a significant loss. No one could fix it, not even experts in automotive electrical systems. Dont buy this car, and if you have one, trade it before you experience this problem; it is a safety issue. Bottom line, last Ford product I ever buy, too bad, I love the new Shelby Mustang!

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  Not for what you think your getting!! - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By usarfilly - December 25 - 4:36 am

  I bought my car after my deployment to Iraq...and I wanted something sporty- Which I got, but not much else. Major issue is the engine build. Your engine light goes on for unknown reasons and after fixed comes right back on. Ive replaces the alternator once and now have had trouble with the starter and the fly-wheel. So my engine sometimes doesnt start. Labor on these cars is outragious due to the unaccessability to fix what should be simple things. No other major problems accept the trunk wont unlatch with just pushing the button in your car - you have to use the keyless entry and be sure you double click that button withing 6 inches.

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  Beauty is only skin deep - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By Shawn M - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This car looks great and handles great. It lacks power and acceleration especially with the auto trans. The gas mileage is horrible at about 14.2mpg in the city. Ive had various mechanical problems including fuel pump, brake pads wearing out every 12k miles, faulty tires and more. The service is terrible and takes FOREVER. I would not recommend the 2000 Cougar to anyone unless all you want is to look good.

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  Why Chose the X-R7 - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By daskew - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought our XR-7 V6 model as a used vehicle. It is my experience that the for a V6 it is kinda suggish when taking off. I think that the XR-7 has a very comfortable ride, expecially on long trips. I feel that the fuel economy is very poor for this particular model. Get yourself in the frame of mind that this is not a sport coupe. Like most American made cars it feels like it was made on an assembly line. The air vents are placed in such a manner that the rear passengers have a good wait to cool off. The tires should have come in a low profile. The car is made up of a lot of parts, that over time begin to loosen.

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  GREAT BODY BUT.... - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By YOSHE - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW W/ 7 MILES ON IT. IMMEDIATELY I RAN INTO BRAKE PROBLEMS CONSTANT GRINDING. BRAKE DISC WERE SHAVED DOWN THEN COMPLETELY REPLACED. NEXT PROBLEM ELECTRICAL. CAR ELECTRICAL SYETM THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT COMPLETELY. TWICE ON THE HIGHWAY!! ON-GOING BATTLES BETWEEN DEALERSHIP NOT WANTING TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE B/C THEY DIDNT DO THE INITIAL REPAIR WORK. LOVE THE BODY LOVE DRIVING CURVES AND WINDY ROADS. AS A YOUNG PERSON BUYING THIS VEHICLE STYLE OVER RIDES OTHER OPTIONS. IM NOT COMPLETELY UPSET OVER PURCHASE, BUT NEVER AGAIN BY A 1ST YEAR VEHICLE. LET THEM WORK OUT THE KINKS FIRST AND THEN BUY ONE....

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  Dont even think about it! - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Give Up! - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Headache is the first word that comes to mind. I have the car in the shop at least every third month. You always think that this is the last time but... wrong again. Catalytic convertor replaced at 25000, ignition replaced, fuel guage/pump replaced, tyerod bolt snapped off, security system locked up twice and of course wiring is not covered under the Extra Care warranty that I bought to cut expenses. To top it off, the resale value is pathetic!!!

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  Mercury Cougars Water Leaks - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Ron LeHotsky - April 1 - 9:40 pm

  Mercury Cougar allows water to leak into areas that should be kept dry: drivers seat, passengers seat, & especially hatch area. Had to throw out multiple carpets and deal with stench of mildew. Able to see where water enters into hatch (through a spot welded seem near tail-lights) but solid sheet metal is above this area; multiple dealerships have been unable to diagnose how it gets in. Source is definitely not the rubber seals around the tail-light or hatch; these are tight. Only other source might be rubber gutter seals above windows, but there is no way to know unless they are removed. Problem is they cant be replaced. New ones must be purchased, custom painted, & installed.

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  Not very pleased - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By hitmore35 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Cougar for 2 years, and its been in the shop for MAJOR issues about 10 times. 3 times for the fuel pump (twice replaced), 2 recalls, Transmission slips, brakes, leaks of all sorts, electrical failures, and the list goes on... Its a shame because the car itself it very nice looking, but its TOTALLY not worth the trouble. Im looking forward to moving on to a different car soon.

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  Glad I didnt pay to get this car! - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By Art Jackson - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I got it because my father couldnt drive anymore. Styling nice, but has ergonomic issues. Center console hits my leg in an uncomfortable way. Door wont stay open easily. Cup holder is PATHETIC! Radio has VERY weak reception! At about 57000 miles the maintenance headaches started: oil pan gasket leak, catalytic converter replaced, A/C leaked refrigerant, oxygen sensor failed. Oh yeah, at 36500 miles (just barely out of warranty) the C/V joint broke leaving me stranded on a freeway onramp.

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  ok....... - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By ok.... - July 29 - 12:56 am

  i really liked this car when i saw it on the lot, but now i hate it. Its got a lot of problems and i would not recommend it to anyone else. It shakes in between 60-70 mph The check engine light turns on and off. Its horrible on gas i get maybe 18 mpg The windshield wipers are horrible I hate this car Im gonna buy a jetta!