Mercury Cougar

runtie · June 1999

Picked-up my cat Friday in the rain :~(
But, we had a wonderful weekend driving around.

What's the Eliminator? I'm not familiar with that.

Runtie

malibu · June 1999

The eliminator and the Cougar "S" are both currently concept cars..I have called all over to dealers asking about production, but they aren't sure. The Eliminator has a few more flares, a little more horsepower and the interior has a couple modifications. The "S" is pretty wild, it has alot of flares, a much bigger engine and more of a racing suspension and quite a few modifications on the interior.

I just don't want to buy one and have the eliminator come out 2-6 months later. I did that with my 4-runner, bought a 2 door and 6 months later they came out with a 4 door. The dealers don't always tell you these things so they can get the sale now.

I'll just keep checking, maybe some news will surface in the next few months.

Thanks.

sweetnsassy · June 1999

I am looking at the v6, fully loaded. Just found out, never had a new new car, that you have to pay extra for automatic. How is the shifting in the stick and any problems yet? I made a mistake of buying a tiburon fx....bad bad mistake.

Also, this may be a nosy question but how much are all of you paying for this car. The guy last night quoted me 18,500. I know about the discounts and extra profit and I am not willing to give them this.

I hate buying a new car and hopefully I will be making a good decision when I buy this one.

gustafsc · June 1999

Hmmm. Thought this conference was frozen.

Go over to the sports/convertables etc.. and find the Cougar Support Group (CSG).

Also, see the New Edge Cougar Owner's webpage at newcougar.org. Lots of good pix, info, and FAQ.

Cougar vs. Eclipse: Cougar is bigger w/more room. Handling and performance either comparable or advantage Cougar (except for the blown Eclipse, and then you're talking lots of bucks difference), and the Cat just looks better (IMHO).

Lots of other's opinions in the CSG conference archives.

Skip G.

mzn · June 1999

No, not frozen. :-) All hatchbacks are welcome here.

carlady/host

fredly · June 1999

I purchased my vehicle for 400 under invoice, dont believe edmunds when they say, "not likely to find a dealer willing to sell you one for $500 over cost. " I got 400 off for recent graduation of college. Just shop around.

Fully loaded V6 minus leather/roof/spoiler.

bnormann · June 1999

That's the problem with a review that's written when the car is brand new...by now, the pipeline is full and they just want to sell one as bas as the next car. Result: pricing pressure.

Bruce.

alasser · June 1999

Since I have retired and no longer need my Continental, am interested in the '99 Cougar. I am 6'3" tall and wonder how I'm to fit in the bucket seats. I really want a "flashy" sporty car that may me feel a lot younger. Does anyone have any comments?

ral2167 · June 1999

i wonder if they did a survery as to how many men own cougars and how many women... from what i see i think it's at least 7 woman out of 10-- not being critical-- is this about right from what others see?

malibu · June 1999

It's funny you should ask that, just this morning I was commenting to a co-worker that every cougar I see has a woman in the driver seat. He said it definately looked like a chick car.

fredly · July 1999

My Roommate is 6'1" and he had plenty of head room, and there is definitely plenty of leg room for ya.

I think that I read somewhere that women consist of about 54% of drivers. Of course if you want to talk gendered vehicles, for those that think that suburbans and other large sport utes are driven primarily by men are wrong, the numbers are amazing, women out-number men when driving those boats. If i can find the figures I'll update.
F-

gustafsc · July 1999

I've seen about 50/50 here in Chicagoland but that's only a few observations. However, the ladies seem to be leaning to the ATX w/o the Sport Pack, while the guys go the other way.

The registration on the NECO (newcougar.org) site seems to be predominantly male.

The CSG over in the sports car area also seems to be mostly male, but the girls are quite enthusiastic about their cars. (Right, Lakesong?)

Skip G.

kingtutt · July 1999

I just test drove a V6 Cougar with a 5-speed. I'm only 5" 11", but my head bumped the ceiling of the cat without the sunroof. Anybody else have this problem? Any suggestions?

fredly · July 1999

Seat either has power up and down, and power 6 way in some. I am 5'10.5" and I have lots of head room even with the seat all the way up. Of course height is relative its your upper torso which you should measure to be sure, but you should have plenty of room.

juanb · July 1999

I also test drove the cougar (thoroughly) both models the I4 and the V6.. I am 6'1" and I didn't have any problem with that.
Maybe you were test driving the V6 with 6way sport seat, and the height of the seat had been modified (I understand that can be done)

rbangle · July 1999

I have a new V-6 and love the car.. I'm 6'2" and have no problem with the 6 way power seat, but I wouldn't dare try the back seat.. what is it doing there anyway??? If you don't have a person in the family who can't shift gears... get the stick.. Anyway you get it should be a blast..It goes well parked with the German Iron.

fredly · July 1999

And remember the MTX is a german tranny

charen · July 1999

Bought my new one about 2 1/2 weeks ago - was back in the shop within 20 hours - high speed vibration that would not allow me to hold the wheel. Dealership balanced the tires and sent it home. I took it back again and this time they changed the tires and wheels. I still have a vibration in it, albeit not nearly as bad. It is going back to have the drive line balanced or whatever it takes.

To be fair, I drove another one off the lot as a comparison - could not hold the steering wheel on that one either - outrageous vibration between 65 - 75.

Has anyone else had this experience? If so, has it been solved and how? The brain surgeons working on mine at the dealership have so far managed to dent the hood (first trip), disconnect the hood release and chip the windshield.

I really want to like this car. It's a hoot to drive...If the seat vibration is intrinsic with them I would like to know about it and then decide if I can live with it or do I have one that is just not right?

gustafsc · July 1999

Having followed Edmunds and Onelist chat rooms for nearly a year and having my cat since Dec., this is the first time I've heard of this problem.

Mine (once I properly adjusted the tire pressures) has been as smooth as a sport coupe is supposed to be over any road surface (suspension is stiffer for handling compared to normal sedans).

That there were two cars at the same dealer with the problem as you describe it sounds really against the odds.

When it's solved, let us know.

Skip G.

barundy · July 1999

Hey, I was just wondering... does anyone know the crash test statistics on the Cougar yet? (Hate to be the one to spoil the party, but I have to ask!)
The Institute of Highway Safety hasn't released anything yet that I've seen - but it concerns me that the Mystique came out with a rating of 'poor' in the offset collision test. Let's hope that since they went to the trouble of installing side airbags, that they did a decent cage structure too...

fredly · July 1999

I think it has 5 stars for front. 4 for driver, 3 for passenger for side crash. but not sure how tests were conducted with or without side bags.

fredly · July 1999

OH yeah I think i read it on Intellichoice

markusalan · July 1999

i bought my dark tourmaline green v6 cougar about a month and a half ago and had problems with the after-market sunroof... the company installed it and cracked my fuse box.... after numerous time it going in to the dealership, they finally figured out my problem..... i almost called it quits and called my car a lemon..... other than that i love this car.... it drives incredible, plenty of room, and looks killer!
and to answer other ?'s.
i paid about $17,900 but that was after a $400 rebate from ford for graduating. no steering wheel problems, got my cougar to do 120m/p..... no problem!( i don't suggest going that fast though)
plenty of headroom for my 6 ft frame, and mostly grls here in connectcut driving them..... and thats all! everyone stay off the sidewalks when u come to Ct. md

jsills · July 1999

I was wondering if anyone had run into reliability issues with the Cougar. Having read Edmunds review (i.e., their comment about Flat Rock MI plant not screwing together the tightest cars in the world), I am a bit leery. But I want one of these puppies so bad I am drooling! But I must remain practical... I do lots of country-road-out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere driving in Michigan, and perish the thought of getting stuck on a wintry nite. Perhaps the Cougar is still too new to tell, but would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

ral2167 · July 1999

i assume your budget is in mid to high teens-- if you're worried about flat rock assembly, consider a Honda Civic...that is, if you mean what you say when it comes to being practical.

niemste1 · July 1999

I bought my Cougar in August '98 and have had it in the shop 4 times (total of 21 days) for various problems (such as brakes, electrical, and even the sun visor falling out of the ceiling while driving). My advice to you is to buy something else (like a Honda, as a previous poster suggested) and save yourself the headaches I've had.

fish8 · July 1999

In Aug of '98 the model was newer, maybe some of the early bugs have been worked out????!!!!!!

I hope!!!!

DanCougar · July 1999

I got my Cougar in Nov '98 and I've put 23,000 miles on it (lots of road trips) and I've had zero problems. I get about 25mpg. Before this car I had an Escort that went 180,000 before someone ran into it and totalled it. All I replaced on that car was the alternator and water pump, both of which went out at around 120,000.

thebandleader · July 1999

I love the Cougar, and currently have a Mystique with the V6 & 5sp. I would like to get one, but it bugs me that you can't get a CD and a cassette in the dash (I am not a fan of changers in the trunk.). I wish Ford would once and for all realize that some buyers like that combination. I would think the head unit used in the Expidition and Explorer would fit, but my salesman said it wouldn't; I am not so sure he actually knew though. Anyone know for sure? I wish they had a high level sound system as well, with extra oomph (not for the "boom boom", but for full rich sound). The Ford "premium" sound option is pretty inadequate by today's standards.

fredly · July 1999

Edmunds review is over a year old. and Comments regarding the flat rock plant were when they where making Mazda 626's. Find some more current reviews.
I doubt you'll get stuck in the winter. remember the cougar is built on the Mondeo, Contour Platform which has many real world hours. My cougar has been very reliable. I suppose you could be like everyone else and get a civic. yeah do that cause the less cougars out ther the more attention I get

just kidding. get a kitty
F-

jsills · July 1999

Thanks to all for your comments about reliability. Others have recommended the Civic, and I might go with that if reliability were my ONLY issue. But I think this time, style just might have to win out! I was also wondering if any of you Cougar V6 owners opted for the 4 speed automatic. I've had others recommend that I go with the 5sp stick for better get-up-and-go. I have driven manuals for years, and although I mentioned that I do a lot of backroad driving in an earlier post, most of my daily driving (to work, etc) is in plenty o' traffic. An automatic would be nice for this, but will I sacrifice performance? Any comments appreciated.

badulah · July 1999

TheBandLeader:

The maximum depth stereo head unit that can fit in the Cougar is 7 3/4" (depth), 3 3/4" (Height), and 7 1/4" (width). The head unit in the Cougar is not quite double din size, it's din and a half. Any din size after-market stereo will fit, and I know Jensen makes a din and a half after-market unit(CD615X), with a CD & Tape deck all in one unit. I'm not a Jensen fan, but it will serve its purpose if you looking for decent sound. It shouldn't cost any more than $210.00

badulah · July 1999

Jsills:
I test drove both the ATX & the MTX. Both are great cars, but the MTX out performs the ATX. It responds much quicker and it makes the car really feel like a true sports coupe. If your looking to have some serious fun, go with the MTX. I do a lot of driving in traffic and I wouldn't trade my MTX for anything.

fish8 · July 1999

jsills

I have a V6 Couger ATX. Eventhough the MTX will be quicker, the Auto is fast enough for me. I guess it may depend on what the car you are driving now is. I had a '97 Jeep Wrangler.......SLOW. I love the ATX. I might of gotten the Manual but my wife refuses to learn how to drive a 5 speed. So.......

badulah · July 1999

I got V6 MTX for that price, loaded except leather.

fish8 · July 1999

Mine was a ATX, V6 w/ conv group. I paid 17,500, it listed for 18,885. Minus spoiler...

rgold · July 1999

i'm looking to buy either the cougar or the mustang v6. this is probably not the right place to ask, because most of you are probably biased towards the cougar, but--- has anyone driven both, and what did you think of each. I'm going to test drive the cougar this week, but there is a mustang shortage around my area at the moment, so i cant try them out yet. I'm a little worried about the cougars reliability, since i'm trading my mazda 626, which was built in the same factory, and i'm not all that thrilled with the build quality. its a decent solid car, but there are things like uneven suspension height, loose trim. etc. any guidance and experiences would be appreciated.
P.S. i'm not ruling out the mustang gt if i can afford it, and the insurance wont kill me. How is the cougars insurance costs???

fish8 · July 1999

I do have a Couger V6, but to be honest I have never driven the new Mustang V6. I believe the Mustang has more horsepower, but the handling for the Couger is better. I think. I love my car, but again have never driven a Mustang. The styling for the Couger is really what enthralled me. In regards to reliability, I don't see how the Mustang is better than the current Couger. I don't believe the track record for the Stang in that remarkable.

As far as the GT goes, the GT will KILL the Couger hands down. But, look at the price difference between the GT and the Couger ($18,000 and $22,000). I personally like the styling of the GT. Not crazy about the V6 Mustang though.

My insurance for the Couger is $850 per year. I am 26 and married with 2 cars under the policy.

Hope this helps.....let me know you impressions on the Stang and Cat.....See Ya

anderska · July 1999

I just picked up my silver, '99 V6 Cougar 2 days ago, and I couldn't be happier!! I just wanted to thank you all for taking the time to post comments....it really helped me make a decision...I found a really good dealership and got an awesome deal on it...so if anyone is in the Houston area and is looking to buy, let me know!

rhythms · July 1999

I was wondering if anybody heard and/or knows where I can get info and pictures on the 2000 cougars? I wanted to buy a 99 but the dealerships in my area can't get exactly what I want. I am thinking that I will have to order a 2000, but I would like to know more before making my decesion.

badulah · July 1999

Rythms:
The 2000 Cougar is the same thing as the 1999 model. The only thing that has changed is the colors (added new ones and deleted a few old ones), the map pocket on the driver's side door has been deleted (I really like this pocket, it's very useful), the cup holder has been redesigned (thank God!), and I have heard that a smokers group package is now available. If you like the 1999 model, you'll like the 2000 model.

badulah · July 1999

ALL:
I have obtained drawings and written directions on how to replace the factory stereo and speakers in the Cat. I'm working on a page for NECO with this and other audio information, but it will be a few weeks before it is complete. If anyone would like a copy of these directions, please e-mail me. I do not have them scanned yet, but I could fax them to anyone who needs them.

malibu · July 1999

Regarding the 2000...I have been checking around for information about the 2000 myself, they tell me the special edition will be more readily available in 2000 and that they won't his the dealers until November. I live in a small coastal area of Calif. so they may be available sooner somewhere else. The Eliminator concept says it will see production in 2000, but the dealers aren't talking. I think they want to sell all the 99's before leaking any information.
I'm patient..Make mine a 2000 special edition!

badulah · July 1999

malibu:
who told you that FMC will be offering the Eliminator in 2000? All I have heard is rumors about the Eliminator, Cougar-S, and the SVT. As far as I know FMC has not released any official word on these cars.

malibu · July 1999

Badulah,
there is a website I stumbled across that says to look for the Eliminator starting in January 2000. I have spent an hour trying to find the website, but I can't locate it again. It had a picture of the eliminator on it and it did'nt say a word about the S or the SVT. It could be bad information, but when I call the dealers they say the special edition is the Eliminator. All I know is I'm waiting until Dec/Jan to buy and I want a cat that is a little different then everyone else's so I'm going for the Special Edition and a yr 2000 one. Let me know what you hear your sources are probably better than mine.

Thanks.

ciara · July 1999

Picked up my Cougar on 7-24, surprised to see there was no powerpoint or handy cell phone holder as advertised in the Cougar brochure. Asked the salesman about it and he said they have never had that option. Just wondered why they put it in the brochure. Otherwise, I love the car

daryth · July 1999

Anyone interested in reading a little about the 2000 Cougar S - still not decided if it will be in production - can go to: http://www.blueovalnews.com/CougarS.htm

Check it out

husker15 · July 1999

Ok, I test drove both AT and MT 99 Cougars today.
I like the MT much better. I went and drove the
99 Eclipse GS-T also, with 2.0 liter 4 cyl with
a turbo, it nearly gave me whiplash it was so
fast. it was also almost 5k more than the Cougar.
I am thinking maybe a turbo on the 6 cyl Cougar
would give it more *pop*? Can anyone tell me if
they have done this or if it is possible?

gustafsc · July 1999

Paxton has, or is in the process, developed a supercharger (not turbo, so the boost is constant with no lag). The projected price is about $2K (I think).

See the transcript of a chat between Paxton and the NECO group (newcougar.org).

They're claiming 300HP+. I'm visualizing bent rods and cracked cranks. But hey, whaddo I know?

Skip G.

comestoofast · August 1999

Is my information truly correct? An automatic transmission is not available for the 99 cougar?

Mercury Cougar

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