Overview & Reviews

New styling and powertrain improvements highlight the 1996 Cougar. Some formerly standard equipment is now optional. New options include a revamped cruise control system and a Total Anti-Theft System. Four new colors debut.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 24.00

• 

  Great Car and Fun to drive - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By Cougarnut03 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the v6 model with 83,743 miles on it and used it all summer throught rush hour traffic all day. The car has never stalled and has always promptly started up. My car doesnt have the traction control option so i just put two 50lb sandbags in the trunk and it helps alot in the winter. The seats are very comfortable and there is plenty of legroom for someone who is 62. As for speed, the v6 is plenty as long as you are not trying to race a mustang. The v8 would be great im sure but if you dont want to shell out the extra cash, the v6 is not slow at all.

• 

  I cant complain - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By dmastri682 - February 18 - 2:36 pm

  I bought my cougar a year and a half ago for $4,500. Honestly, I dont think I could have gotten a better car. It had about 80,000 miles on it when I bought it. Ive put about 35,000 miles on this car in less than 2 years and ive only had to get new tires, brakes, and a major tune up. It drives great, and I am so grateful for its reliability and integrity. Recently, I considered purchasing a newer "flashy" car. I ultimately decided against it because getting rid of the cougar would just be plain dumb. If I sold it, I dont think I could live with myself for getting rid of such a great car simply because Im an impulse buyer. I would recommend this car to absolutely anyone.

• 

  96 XR7 is the Best car I ever owned - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By mike - October 28 - 5:23 am

  I bought my 1996 XR7 4.6V8 in Oct. 95 and it has 224,000 miles on the original engine and still runs like new. I average 19 mpg in town and 23.5 on the freeway. The only real problem I have had is the Air-con gave out at 200,000 miles and it will cost too much to replace ($900).

• 

  bad ass! - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By fordpwnage - June 27 - 10:00 am

  man, i love this car! its so fast (4.6L) and people just dont see this car coming. its awsome when you tell people, i have a cougar and they think to the new ones. ;). this car makes the best sleeper. i had trouble getting into rear seats of other 2 door cars, but not this one! the quiet idle doesnt give away the v8, when i gun it, its to late for them. the only thing i hate is it needs more power. Im gonna fix that soon though... it would be bad ass if it could hang with z28s, or its brother, the mark VIII.

• 

  Comfortable cruiser - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By Zillafire7 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  The cougar has a very powerful engine, that after 8 years is still able to lit up the michelins. The interior, while basic, is comfortable for 4 adults, provided the two in the back are shorter than 6ft. In the wet, RWD combined with 280lbs/ft of tourque conspire against agressive throttle imputs, but in the dry, can make the car feel like a sports car. Brakes are a little weak compared to new cars, but decent.

• 

  96 Mercury Cougar - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By 96greencougar - June 6 - 10:00 am

  i have owned mine for two years, the V6 is to small of an engine for this car so if you have the chance buy the V8. remeber that even though the V6 is a 3.8 this is a big car so the more power the better. Just like any sports car lack of fuel economy is part of the deal. For a coupe this car has alot of room in the backseat. Over all i am very happy with my cougar

• 

  Couger 96 - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By LER - May 20 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars I have owned. V-8 is a wonderful, maintenance free engine. Comfortable with fairly good gas mileage (23). Only complaint is from my wife who does not like 2-door cars with big doors. Interior has stayed pristine. I never did find the rear wheel drive to be a problem, but I did use snow tires in the winter.

• 

  Outstanding Car! - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By alex - November 3 - 11:43 pm

  I bought this car from an owner and its been nothing but awesome! Will out perform all except a Cobra Mustang. I love the looks of this car and aparently so do others as they keep staring and pointing as I go by. The all leather interior is excellent & well maintained. If I can find another one I would buy it in a flash!

• 

  bermuda - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By bermuda - October 3 - 8:40 pm

  bought this car brand new and loved it for all ten years that i owned it. just traded it on as close of a vehicle on the market since they dont make the cougar any longer. purchased a 2006 monte carlo. hope it is as trouble free and as great a car as the couger. it really was trouble free ownership and was driven cross country many times. it had 152,000 miles and looked showroom new.

• 

  Love my Cougar - 1996 Mercury Cougar
  By BacardiRobb - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Coming from the snow belt I too wish that my cougar came with the traction control, however 100 pounds of sand and studded snow tires I can go anywhere. Since I bought the cougar used in 2000 with 30,000 miles, not too many folks want rear wheel drive in NW PA, so it was a dirt cheap purchase. The only expense I have had to date are plugs, breaks and tires. Awesome car.