Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options

Mercury Cougar

1…457910…14

Comments

  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    Cheryl, sorry to read of your problems. They are not common with 1999-2000 New Edge Cougars. Take a look at Topics 3 through 6 at the following Edmunds Owner's Club Conference location:

    http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/engaged/edmund.cgi?&f=d&c=Clubs
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    Did somebody get scribbled?
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    I scribbled my last post.
  • cwaligoracwaligora Member Posts: 16
    I read in the April 10 "Automotive News" that Jim Rogers the general marketing manager at Lincoln Mercury monitors this site. I have a question for him. The initial announcement for the upcoming Cougar S stated that it would have heated seats. My girlfriend places this feature high on her priority list for her reasons to purchase this vehicle. All the news since November lists all the same features as the original announcement except the heated seats. Have they already been decontented?
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    There is a L/M Brand manager that monitors Edmunds. I don't think he looks in this particuliar thread though. You need to go to the Owners Club section and post your question there. MWS0520(thats his user ID) has been very helpful to all of us new Cougar owners. I am sure he will answer your question if he is able.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    cwaligora:
    You can check out the Cougar Support Group (CSG) main topic here:
    Cougar Support Group

    And be sure to check out our new home page:
    CSG Home Page

    -Rob
    AKA "Badulah"
    CSG
  • jrp6977jrp6977 Member Posts: 87
    I understand there will be some changes to the Cougar for 2001. Anyone know specifics? I fell in love with the car, until I opened the door and checked out the interior. The overuse of black trim makes the tan or grey leather seats look mismatched.The seats themselves are not that comfortable and the cloth used is more like something found in a pickup, with "industrial" qualities. The cup holder, glove box door, and some other interior trim is very cheap(the console flexes!!).And the tilt wheel simply doesn't adjust enough. I've even heard salesmen complain about it! I'm afraid that Ford will change the wrong things, and not change what needs changing. I'm also afraid they will de-content the car, and get rid of the excellent trip computer.If the interior was better I would be driving a Cougar now. Hopefully, they will change the interior where it needs changing, particularly the tilt wheel. Otherwise, I'll have to go elsewhere. I hope I don't have to.
  • neonreaperneonreaper Member Posts: 9
    First I'd like to say I really like the Cougar. I've test driven it twice now, once mostly itnerstate and the other over some AWESOME hilly, curvy roads. The way it drives is something I enjoy. It doesn't seem to have a lot of power off the line, but on state routes it can definately pass other cars just fine!

    I did notice some troubles with the interior though. The main problem - the CUP HOLDER OF DOOM! I was in the driver seat from the get-go both test drives, though I did get to see the good trunk space. What do other Cougar fans think of the interior? After a few months or a year, has the interior been a problem? That cup holder just screams "I can't wait to break!", anyone had that problem? Is anyone's cupholder really loose and virtually useless yet? Or is it holding up just fine!

    I am hoping to own one in a month or so and would like any reviews of the car by some of you who've owned it for a few months. Did it handle well this past winter? How fast did the car warm up? Still fun to drive after this long? The interior - how has it held up? Any other comments on this car? I personally love it and love test driving it!

    Thanks!
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    neonreaper:
    I have had my '99 Cougar V6 MTX for well over 18 months and I LOVE IT! The manual trans really adds to the sportyness of the car, and is mush quicker than the ATX.

    For a TON of Cougar information, check out the Cougar Support Group (CSG) located in the Owners Clubs conference. The CSG has been around for several years and I think you will find our conference area very useful. Also, be sure to check out our home page at:
    http://home.att.net/~cougarsupportgroup

    One last thing, the cup holder in the Cougar was a complete afterthought by American designers. It is completely worthless and should be removed from the car. European models do not even come with it. If your looking for a GREAT cup holder, you will have to look for a different car.
  • ambercadabraambercadabra Member Posts: 56
    Just my $0.02 -

    I didn't buy the car for the cupholder. :o) I mean really, who has time to drink when you drive a Cat??
  • fredlyfredly Member Posts: 201
    The cougar, from its European History
    is a Drivers car. Comfort Comes first!
    thats why the Radio is below the Climate Control :) Also thats why the Cup Holder
    is not as important. I think more American
    Manufacturers should follow this tactic
    so drivers can concentrate on the road more than
    there SuperSized Coke and Fry's
    my $0.04
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Yeah, and stay off the damn cell phone.

    Shut up and drive!
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    8-)
  • neonreaperneonreaper Member Posts: 9
    I used the cup holder as an example. Maybe other features are as cheap. Maybe they aren't - that's why I am asking people who've driven the Cougar for a bit if everything holds up. I would like to see some reviews of the car overall, if it's good in the winter, how it drives, where it's weaknesses are, how the interior holds up, how comfy the seats are, etc. I can only get so much reading web pages and test driving, I am just requesting a few reviews from normal people, not reviews on the cup holder!!! Thanks for anyone who wants to give a review!
  • neonreaperneonreaper Member Posts: 9
    Sorry if my last post sounded a little angry or so. I just want to hear some reviews of the whole car, I think I am sold on it but I don't want to get in it and a year later something stupid is happening. Sorry if I sound like a jerk =)
  • fredlyfredly Member Posts: 201
    Neonreaper,
    No problem I've had my car for just over a year now(well its just over a year old anyway)

    Winter Driving: I have Traction Control and ABS, I did fine this winter handled fine on the stock BFG's I would highly recommend a good set of snow tires and their will be no problem.
    It warms up in about 15 minutes on really cold days.

    How it Drives: I love how it drives, it is decieving though, you can easily be going 90 and not know it, without looking. Its a Smooth Highway driver, as well it handles great in the twisties. I have Autocrossed my Cat a couple times, and was very pleased both with how I drove and how the car responded.(even on the stock tires)

    Weakness, stock tires for me, and my dealership. Other than that I am very very happy with the car, I take care of it, and it takes care of me. 22000miles in one year.

    Interior: I loved the interior from the very first time I sat in a cougar. everything is right in reach and seems like its all in the right place, to counter my other post, I do use my cup holder, but its definitely something that seems to have slip into the car.

    The Interior is holding up great, the areas that you would expect wear, armrests and door arm rest, look like they did when new, the rest of the car looks good too, except for a few little marks that I put on it.

    Seats: I have the sport package with the Cloth Sport Seats, I've driving 1100 miles straight through(with gas and potty stops) and I have no complaints. It seems to be a hit or miss issue, it depends on body type apparently, I tried leather seats but to me they seemed too stiff, and the standard seats, well I sat in one and didn't like it.

    I think the most common problem with the cougar other than dealerships(this comes with most cars I think) Is the Hatch, some people have trouble getting it to open on the first try. I had problems for a while but it went away...

    All in All, if I were to do it again, I would purchase a cougar, actually I wish I was in the market, cause I'd be first in line for the new Cougar S.. Oh well, maybe someday if I win the lottery.

    Well thats a review from me. I think I covered everything
    Oh yeah,, Mine is a V6 MTX
    F-
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Follow this link to my personal review of my Cougar:

    http://home.att.net/~cougarsupportgroup/reviewlahs/oneweek.htm

    I realize this review was written some time ago, but my feelings have not changed at all. The more time that goes by, the more I love this car!
  • sadcatsadcat Member Posts: 2
    I am so glad you haven't had the problems I have had with my V-6 5sp. 1999 Cougar. I bought the car with 1300 miles on in and have had problems since just about day one. All brakes and rotors had to be replaced at 3,000 miles, Also replaced and fixed: headliner, console lights faded in and out, new muffler shield, heat case, window air and water leaks, and numerous small items. Been in the shop 5 times in 14 months. Am I stupid for buying a 2000 Cougar?
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    No, I don't think you would be stupid for buying a 2000 Cougar. Most first year cars have their teething problems. I have a '99 Cougar and have had few problems(AC). I believe the '00 models have had most of the problems worked out. EVERY new model has their share of problems.

    Are you going through the lemon process? or are you thinking of trading it in for a 2000 model. You need to go to the Owners section of this board and see all the HAPPY owners and see how they fair with their Cats.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    As Fish8 stated, the 2000 model has worked out most of the bugs. My friend has a brand new Y2K ATX and she has had no problems what so ever.
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    I bought the 99 when it first hit the dealerships in my area and have had zero mechanical trouble. I've never had anything leaking or rattling or electrical problems whatsoever. So it seems there were a few that rolled off the assembly line with problems. As fish8 mentioned, check out the Clubs conference, Cougar Support Group (CSG).

    Also in the CSG, you'll find many posts from Daexpert. He had similar Cougar troubles and worked with his dealership to get at 2000 Cougar and (without putting words into his mouth) happy with his decision to go with the new one.

    Good luck.
  • sadcatsadcat Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the input. Yes, I have been working with the dealership on the 2000. They have been pretty good, along with Ford. They are kicking in $2,500 towards a new 2000 and with the $1,000 rebate that helps even more. Here in the midwest with 12,000 miles it is only worth $13,500. That is what hurts. They ordered my new car on Friday and waiting 6 - 8 weeks for the new one, I am afraid of what is going to happen next. I hope I have better luck with the next one. Thanks for the support.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Good Luck Sadcat!!!
  • catfanciercatfancier Member Posts: 2
    I am starting to look at cars, but will not be purchasing until next March (ok, 2001, my wife's new VW Beetle is coming first). We both like the look of the Cougar, in fact she suggested it to me. Areas of concern:
    Independent reviewers rating this car stated that the 170hp V6 did not provide enough power for the perceived size of the engine. Does it feel powerful enough?
    Secondly, postings by individuals like sadcat make us wary of purchasing another domestically made vehicle. We have been Nissan owners for 6 years now, no complaints other than the lack of an asthetically pleasing car. Everyone happy with their service record (or the lack of need for service?). This car just leaps out at you. I would hate to find out it is a lemon in-waiting.

    Much obliged in advance.
  • fredlyfredly Member Posts: 201
    catfancier,
    Lemons are few and far between, as with any current car company.

    I find the power of the 2.5l V6 Duratec more than satisfying.
    I've done a couple mods too, but before the
    mods I was satisfied also.
    I got my car relatively early in the run, and my service
    record mainly looks at minor warranty items, some rattles
    thats all. Nothing mechanical to speak of.

    Visit the Owners Forum, there are lots of Happy Cat owners
    and prospective owners that would be more than willing to share.
  • catfanciercatfancier Member Posts: 2
    fredly,
    Thanks. I have and am finding it to be a valuable resource. I am still a year away, but wanted to start looking now. If I put a few more pennies away, maybe I can afford an "S" (maybe not, but the standard Duratec V6 should be fine).

    Thanks again.
  • neonreaperneonreaper Member Posts: 9
    Catfancier - I've test driven a Cougar twice now. They have decent power. If you drive it aggressively, it will support you. You're not going to win any races with it though. The punk in the Eclipse in the tollbooth next to you will smoke you. But the feel of the Cougar is awesome - it handles and breaks like magic. If you're looking to have a fun car to look at that is fun to drive and at the same time want to avoid speeding tickets and high insurance, the Cougar is a good choice, from what my limited experience has been.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    At a top speed of 140mph, I would hardly call the Cougar a slow car.

    Be sure to get the 5-speed with the sports package.

    I recently raced a new Eclipse GT. We were on the highway and it was very close, it really was about who could drive better. He was young and inexperienced and he couldn't get in front of me.

    The Cougar has a lot to offer, including performance.
  • rgenerationxrgenerationx Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know what the big wigs from Mercury are saying about fuel type? Is there any significant difference between 87 and 92 octane? I am just curious what is recommended and what is allowed.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    The manual says the car can be run on 87 octane. I have heard of a few incidents of minor engine pinging when this grade of fuel is used, but I never had any problems when I used regular.

    I currently have to run 93 because of the superchip I installed.
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    When I first bought mine, the dealer insisted (I mean really insisted) that I use the highest grade available, which in my area is 93 octane. I read his dealership book on the car, and the owners manual and they both said 87 octane was fine. I split the difference after talking to my service technician and fill up with 89 octane and haven't had any trouble with the car after nearly two years now. He said the 87 didn't burn off right for some reason in some engines and could produce a ping, so I decided to save a little cash and some headache and go with 89 octane.
  • neonreaperneonreaper Member Posts: 9
    Not to be argumentative, but a superchip Cougar is going to be faster than a stock Cougar, and the person driving the Eclipse must not have been too great at all. Don't get me wrong! I love the Cougar!!!! The manual Cougar can really go but an unmodified Cat won't hold its own against an Eclipse. It hurts for me to say this, because I hate Eclipses (probably because of the young punks who always seem to be driving them?) Sorry if I sound like a jerk or make anyone angry about this. Someone with moderate skill in an Eclipse should have his/her way with someone in a Cougar.

    I think I am going to have to skip out of buying a Cougar though and settle for a Tiburon because of $$ reasons. I like the Cat better, but I could use the extra 50-100 bucks per month to pay off some loans. But in five years when I pay off the Tibby I will be looking for the convertible Cougar S that I've heard to be due out in a few years!!
  • neonreaperneonreaper Member Posts: 9
    Bad - sorry I think I misread your post. I was trying to state earlier that an Eclipse will smoke the Cougar off the line. But after the Cat is moving, look out!

    Driving a few weeks ago I got to a point where a two lane interstate road was merging to one lane and I was racing a Maxima. The Maxima is faster than the Cougar by a little bit, but the Cougar's handling gave me the confidence to crank it past this guy and make the merge. It doesn't sound all that great but in execution it was a pretty sweet little set of manuevers you can't pull off in just any car.

    And it looks cooler than any Eclipse ever will.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    neonreaper:
    I never meant to imply that a Cat can take out an Eclipse GT from 0-60mph, or at a street light situation.

    My Cougar is modified (Superchip, KKM intake, and soon I will be adding a Borla Cat-Back exhaust), but I didn't do the mods because she NEEDS them, I did them because I want to take advantage of the Duratec engine and all of its potential.
  • cocheezcocheez Member Posts: 11
    I have a 1999 Eclipse GSX with JWT pop charger and CAI, JWT ecu, and greddy cat back exhaust. This car has been dynoed at 196 hp at the wheels!!! That's roughly 240 - 250 at the crank. I will smoke cougars all day long, whether it's on the highway, or at a stoplight. The stock GSX will also waste a Cougar, as will a stock 2000 Mitsu Eclipse GT. It's a much lighter car with more power. There's not much mystery here.
  • cherylwcherylw Member Posts: 1
    I had mentioned that I have one lemon of a cougar with:
    5 oil leaks
    2 new starters installed
    broken power steering pump
    broken coolant pump
    rubber molding on doors warping
    interior coming apart from glue

    I am looking for people who have dealt with Ford's Dispute settlement board. Or a zone rep with Ford motor company. I have gotten to the point of the manufacturer agreeing that my car is a lemon, now i am in negotiations. Any assistance would be great.
  • jrp6977jrp6977 Member Posts: 87
    Sorry for the pun. Check out the Cougar Support Group on this site. Officials from Mercury moniter the site, plus lots of owners frequent the site. Good luck. Nothing makes you hate a car more than lots of troubles and little help from the manufacturer.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    cocheez:
    Um maybe you should do a little reading and i'm sure you will realize I was referring to the new Eclipse and not the older GSX model.
    I'm well aware of the power out put of the older GSX.

    Have you ever test driven a Cougar? Have you ever test driven an new Eclipse? I never make statements about cars unless I test drive them first.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    I think cocheez just wanted to toot his own horn.

    COCHEEZ - Again, have you ever driven a Cougar?
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Do you think his horn is modified? I have heard that Weapon-R (Makers of fine decals and license plate brackets) makes some killer mods for the GSX horn.
  • cocheezcocheez Member Posts: 11
    Yes, I have driven a Cougar. My roommate has v6 with sports package and a manual. It's not a bad car, it handles nice, but it's sluggish especially off the line. I have also driven a 2000 Eclipse GT (test drove one at the local dealer). I was thinking of trading my GSX for a new one. The new Eclipse is a fast car but it's no GSX. I'm not saying a Cougar is a bad car, but where are they getting the 170hp rating from? It feels more like 140. Anyway, I would bet my GSX that the new Eclipse would take the Cougar at any speed assuming both drivers are of equal ability. That's based on seat of the pants driving impressions. To NEONREAPER, I am the punk in the Eclipse who will smoke you at the tolls :)
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Your profile says you own a Nissan. Is that true?
  • cocheezcocheez Member Posts: 11
    I also own 1992 Nissan Sentra Se-r.
  • cocheezcocheez Member Posts: 11
    The se-r has been stripped of cat converter and is now used solely for Auto-X.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    You have a modded GSX with 190 something horsepower at the wheels, and you auto-X with a Nissan Sentra?
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    ?
  • cocheezcocheez Member Posts: 11
    The eclipse is my daily driver. It has all season tires for New England winters. I don't want to destroy my tires Auto crossing every weekend in a car that I drive to work everyday. So, I use my sentra for autocross. BTW, I have run my eclipse through the cones on a few occasions.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    So why not purchase a set of racing tires and wheels for the GSX?
  • cocheezcocheez Member Posts: 11
    I don't want to beat up my GSX too badly, it only has 37,000 miles on it. I suppose I could go out and pick up a set of rims and throw some Hoosiers on them and race ths GSX, but I don't really want to. I would be a pain swapping the wheels all the time. Plus, the se-r is a great autocrosser. It's very light and has a limited slip differential so the unloaded inside wheel doesn't spin coming out of turns.
This discussion has been closed.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles