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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  Dont Buy It - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By JeffMiller - February 27 - 12:46 am

  Although this car looks great and can be fun to drive, it has many problems. It has had more than 10 recalls in under 3 years. The "premium" radio cant get a channel to stay. The engine, wipers, etc. interupt the reception. The headlights let water leak into them. Infact, the doors and trunk leak. The back seats are very uncomfortable. The doors lock by themselves, requiring one to always keep a spare on their person. Need I say more?

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  FELL APART AFTER WARRANTY FINISHED - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By Marc26tx - December 11 - 2:00 am

  While under warranty it went in for transmission issue and a/c motor. After 36k was over, DOWN hill from there. Mass air flow sensor, fuel gauge broke,windshield wiper motor failed. Changed 4 alternators in 1 week and 2 different dealers who couldnt fix the problem and told me the car was possessed and I should sell it immediately! So then I took it to Carmax to sell it to them and it BROKE DOWN on the test drive! Since then, I traded it for an 04 Hyundai with 100,000k mile warranty and I will NEVER buy an American car again! Somebody at Ford needs to marry someone from Japan so they produce a reliable product.

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  What a Lemon - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By What a Lemon - October 15 - 3:53 am

  I would not suggest anyone to buy this car. I fell in love with this car when I first seen it but in this case looks were not everything. I bought this car as a birthday present to myself and since driving it off the lot a year ago I have already spent $4000 in repairs. It is sitting at the garage right now waiting for another transmission. I have had it in the garage twice before with the same issues. Other than the trans my AC stopped working this past summer, the fan at the radiator stopped working, the headlights do this dimming thing that just drives me crazy, but hey, it has a great radio. Its seen the back of a tow truck more than the road itself.

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  what a junk - 1999 Mercury Cougar
  By melina - September 21 - 10:00 am

  ive had my cougar for a while now and till this day it gives me problems. the second day i bought i took it through a car wash and the side mirror broke. and ive had problems with the engine too. i dont think that car is worth $23,000 thats how much i paid for it cuz it was a special edition but man its not worth it at all that why my ex drives it now cuz just like the car hes not worth it.

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  So Sorry I Bought One - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By SoSorry - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car right off the showroom floor with 6 miles on it. I absolutely love this car but has been nothing but a nightmare since I got it. I have had the motor pulled twice because it keeps blowing the pan gasket seal and every time I pick it up from the dealer it goes out before I am out of town. The headlights dim, when you run the A/C and the headlights you might as well forget about power and being able to see. I also agree with the tire situation they are expensive costing on average $175 per tire. The cup holder is a joke also it may not be important to some but when you are waring your drink its funny!

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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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  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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  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!!!

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  jessii - 2000 Mercury Cougar
  By jessii0825 - January 26 - 5:23 am

  I bought this car from private seller after owning one before and loved it. Since I have this car I have put more money in than its worth. Had transmission replace, starter, gear cable and now something seriously wrong with engine (timing and wheel something) which will costs another 2300 to fix. I said forget it and Im selling for parts (of course I dont know who would want these crappy parts). I would never recommend buying this car. Its junk!