I like the looks and body style it has. It''s fast, but not fast enough for me. I get alot of people turning their heads when I drive by. Gas milage is decent, I''m getting 26 miles to a gallon right now. The trunk is huge, can fit a nice system in it, systems sound good in them.

The trunk pop didn''t work when I bought it. They company is very slow on there service. I have had to call a number of times to try to make appointments. Have to wait a while to get small things worked on. The back seat is very small. The change holder doesn''t hold enough change. Takes a special oil thats more expensive than other oils.

I have had my cougar now for about 3 months and have found very few weaknesses. It is fast, looks really sharp, and I don''t see to many people with one.

Similar Products Used:

None

Speed, Comfort (up front) Look

I noticed my paint is starting to chip, a lot of repairs for a fairly new vehicle.

I really love the look of this car, although am experiencing same problems as everyone else. (Trunk latch, brakes, tires going bald VERY quickly ect.) As we speak my car is in for replacement Stuts,and wheel barrings. I''ve also had the bushing and rear sway bar replaced. Other then that, I love the look of it, its fast enough for me, and I love the looks I get. Wish the dealerships offered better service. (took me 3 months to get an appointment for the struts)

Similar Products Used:

None

Performance: consistant 14.90 1/4 mile ETs, never made me worry on an interstate on-ramp. Fuel Milage: 26 MPG highway, 16 MPG city. Durability and Dependability: only replaced 3 sets of tires, one set of brakes, three bulbs, and periodic oil (engine, tranny and diff), filter, belt and coolant maintenance in 120,000 miles. Fit and finish: Very plush, looked like the day I bought it when I traded it in. Ride: it insulated the worst roads from the passenger compartment. Handling: like it was ON RAILS, nothing less. Value: I got over half of my purchase price on trade-in for the '97 Explorer I purchased, despite the 24,000 miles-per-year I'd racked-up in the 5-year-old Cougar.

-- The body is not quite as aerodynamic as the same model year Thunderbird, which has the exact same running gear. The color, equipment and cleanliness of the Cougar made it win out over a somewhat similar Thunderbird on the lot where I bought it. Had the Thunderbird been equiped the same, been better cared for, and been painted a better color, I'd have opted for the Thunderbird instead.

-- An annoying problem with very high engine oil pressure since purchased, causing two failed (burst), and numerous swelled, oil filters, and the accompanying complete emptying of the oil pan with the filter failures. Despite that, it seldom required any oil addition between changes, and if so, was less than half a quart. The two oil-run-dry incidents didn't seem to adversely affect the engine at all. Not an ad for ProLong, but I did run ProLong in the engine, perhaps saving it from damage.

-- Annoying electronic speed limiter set at 104MPH built into the electronic ignition computer. This thing would kick in just as I would reach the traps at the drag strip. The way this car charged toward the speed limiter, I believe this it would have topped out near 140MPH unencumbered. Adding a HyperTech module would have probably eliminated this annoyance, and tweaked a few more horsepower out of the engine as well.

-- Driver's door lower hinge pin wore out prematurely, but was immediately replaced under warrantee by the dealer, no hassle at all.

-- I traded the darned thing in, though I really like the '97 Explorer I got in trade!

I thrashed this car to within an inch of its life from the moment I bought it, and it kept coming back for more, and kept smelling like a rose. I could push this car out to the far corners of its performance envelope, and sometimes slightly beyond, and it never skipped a beat or let me down. Performance was equal to contemporary stock 302 & 4.6L Mustang GT and 305 V8 Camero-Firebird models, and some stock vintage muscle cars; it never embarrassd me on either a road course or at the "Christmas Tree". It handled like it was welded to the road. Tough as a rock, yet as comfortable as an easy-chair, this car treated me like a baby. The Cougar would turn heads with its contratictory haute attitude and styling, yet rabid performance. This car did not come equiped with traffic-cop attractant installed, a definite plus. Quite a lion in sheep's clothing, to mix a metaphor.

This is the perfect car for members of the "dignified set" who want a really well performing car, without having to go into hock for a BMW. I'd expect its close kin, the Thunderbird, to be very similar, if you prefer a swoopier body line. The 1997 model year was the last of the true Cougars, and was essentially unchanged from the 1995.

My feeling is that the 1995 model year Cougar XR7 must have been a test-bed for the first-time fielding of the 4.6L DOHC V8 in the Mustang in 1996, perhaps explaining why this car performed like it did.

It has been very sad to see Mercury reducing the 1999+ model year Cougars to wimpering, front-wheel-drive, low performing, poor quality econo-boxes, IMHO. The Noble Cat's heritage is lost in its current model year namesake, essentially just a rebadged, cosmetically altered Ford Contour, placing it firmly with the ilk of 1999+ Neons, Grand-Ams and Malibus. Yuck.

Similar Products Used:

1972 Mercury Montego 351W V8 - with about 2/3 the engine displacement, and none of the hi-perf parts, the Cougar performed surprisingly comparatively (Montego 14.20 1/4 mile ETs). Much better handling and ride. Much better fuel economy. I was constantly under the hood of the Montego tweaking, unecessary with the Cougar.
1992 Mustang GT - The Cougar had similar performance, better handling and ride, fewer problems, more room, and was less of a cop attractant.

-The best ABS brakes in coupe class!!! (better than Honda, Toyota...)
-Great suspension and handling!
-Spirited powertrain
-Best looks in coupe class!!! (interior and ext.)
-Good pricing at year end (patience pays-off)(cheaper than Imports)
-Great trunk room
-Good package of options
-Fun to drive

-V6 power is adequate but not exceptionnal (come on Ford!!!)
-Cheap plastics and paints used
-trunk latch sucks
-window supports had to be lubbed to eliminate window squeeking
-torque steer
-rear-seating sucks (but also for Prelude and worse Celica...)
-cupholders suck, radio cntrls are too small, cabin light too small, no redline marker,

-For the price I'm paying overall it's good. 8 on 10.
-Yes quality is not as good as the imports but look at the price of an import sports coupe. This however does not excuse Ford for its stupidity.

I've had a couple of little problems:
-Brake pads wear out quickly (but they work amazingly!).
-Squeaky windows (but were lubed free of chrg).
-Pinging noise when engine is pushed hard (has been minimized by reprogramming the engine at the dealership, but still a little noticable)
-Sticky trunk latch.

I guess this is what we have to live with to save a little in payments. It's still a pretty good car, just make sure you get a good $deal$.
Avoid the 4cyl and the automatic tranny. V6 manual is the way to go!

Similar Products Used:

Description of competition:
Integra GSR - Similar performance, more $$$$, not as nice looking
Civic Si 160hp - Quicker, similar handling, boring looks
Prelude - Very $$$$, Quicker, better performance, best in coupe class
Celica GTS - Very $$$$, Quicker, better performance, way too small!
Impreza 2.5RS - Slower, not as performant, nice AWD, UGLY!
Also, Cougar beats MustngV6,SunfrGT,Z24,Focus,Protge,Sentra,Accord...

Looks!!! & handling thats about it!!

I think I said it all above...

Geeeeeeee....as most have said, where do I begin....I bought my sporty little black cat last May 2000 and ever since that illustrious day that I was so proud of, now totally disgusted with, not only has my car been recalled for a battery cable and pressure reducing valves but I had to have my transmission replaced!!! It still isn't the same, it still is Hard as heck to shift into second and third even fifth sometimes!! Ohhhh but you'll need to take a technician for a ride with you as well so they can see the problem. Hmmmm isn't that what a rode test is for after you have it in for service and inspection or any other problems we might have. Along with the tranny not being smooth at all, let's talk about how it mysteriously accelerates up to 3000-3500 RPM's when you push in the clutch even at a stop light or stop sign!!! Oh but Mr. Boyer, it's supposed to do that so the transmission doesn't slam forward...huh? Do they get these guys from a cracker jack box or what?!! And that's not to mention that I had that fixed once already and they told me I wasn't imagining it that they had to replace an acceleration module. Ummm geee when I told you guys that the first time that it only seem to do it after the use of my cruise control and after the second time as well don't ya think that maybe that might have something to do with it??? Sheesh. My blower motor to my heater went out as well, oh and I just discovered a part missing from the last time I had it in the dealers. CAN WE ALL SMELL LEMONS HERE OR WHAT???? I just know that my next visit here shortly for service is going to be an interesting one when I take all of these complaints in as well as a letter to FORD and the local District Manager and ask politely at first to Let's fix this problem now or talk to my Attorney!!!! Hello out there, ya think they would just recall all these models and hep the consumer out for God's sake. Gee I almost forgot how my lights keep dimming in and out too oh and I actually had my trunk latch fixed too. Well enough rambling...they will get enough of that when I make my visit asap!

Similar Products Used:

None

V6 3.8L Engine, smokes most cars on just factory parts, power everything, handels perfectly, sharp looks inside and out, great acoustics :)

tedancy to blow head gaskets with high acceleration (don't redline!),
hard to find aftermarket parts (for my year any way), can eat tires if your not careful and the rear wheel drive doesn't help that matter, I burn out alot and I don't mean to because of the hills I live around

I love my car. I've had some trouble with my engine but hey I was 16 and showing off a car with 100k miles on it. I actually had to replace the engine in it because of that. That taught a valuable lesson to me, there is a red line there for a reason. That has really been the only mechanical problem i've had and that was something that could have been avoided easily. It handles very well, I scare friends sometimes taking curves like a 90 degree angle at 50mph. It really has ruined me from buying another car that is unequall in any way. I just wish I could take the automatic transmission out and replace it with a manual. Anyone who wants to have a car they can play with should get a cougar. Stay away from 90' red LS's though. I'm very pleased being the only person I've seen with one!

Similar Products Used:

I've driven a Civic, Neon, Le Baron, Mustang, and a TA. I wouldn't give up my car for any except a WORKING TA with a 350+ engine w/ a racing cam (my cousins car but it isn't as reliable and is in the shop all the time)

powerful v6 engine for the money, car has great torque,exspeacilay to spank all those imports running around out ther ehonda etc nice interior, car has excellent curves u can tell a cougar apart from the rest of the group parked in a mall its the only only one that dosent look the same as the rest

back seat could be more head room for ya but i considerit a two seater ne way

well my personal cougar has modifactions done to it so mine a lil bit on the quicker side i got a intake short throw shifter all that good stuff i love the car i havent had ne problems with it yet except for the brake recalll but its all good no car that comes out dosent have at least one or two recalls overall my experiece with my kitty has been one for the record books ( and all u owners spank those imports when u cacth them at a light do it for america peace

Similar Products Used:

compared to the 3.8 mustang i think its much better, chevy ford honda bmw ,vw al the rest of them the cougar is in its own class a real american car

I love the body design. The interior wraps around you. Manual Tranny!!
In 2001 there will be an S-model +30hp (200hp)

Automatic Tranny and the back seat is small. TOP SPEED IS 123Mph !!!! (not 135mph) It's limited!

If you are looking for power don't buy the automatic (9.8sec 0-60Mph), I made that mistake the first time. Buy Manual (7.7sec 0-60Mph). I owned a red 1999 automatic, now I am the proud owner of a 2000 Special Edition Zinc Yellow w/ Manual Tranny, appearance package (Hood Scoop, Ground Effects and an upgraded spoiler) It is the sweetest looking car. Spent a pretty Penny of $24,000 w/ all options and add ons.

Want Power: V6, Manual Tranny or 2001 S-Model
Want to lay back and drive: I4 - V6 Automatic

Similar Products Used:

1999 Cougar Automatic

I enjoy the way it handles at high speeds. I've gotten my cougar up to 135mph and it handled as if I was at 80mph. The new styling was a plus along with the stereo up grades.

I desire more power.The 2.5 V6 is nice but 170hp is just not enough.I would love to see the Cougar with a big V8. So it can keep up with the Mustang GT's and Camero Z28.

I paid $19,500 last year. I got Pwr windows/locks, Pwr sliding moon roof, In dash CD player,cruise control, and many other options. I recommend Cougar for those who love cars.

Similar Products Used:

I ran my car against a Mustang '97 of course it took me off the line by a hair but when we hit 100mph I started to walk away from it.The Cougar has to be the best in it's class.

Girls
car shows
power
sound
trunk space

No a/c in my car

I paid 8,000 for the car in 1997 not bad for a 30 year old car with 160,000 miles on it. This is a small car with a 295 bhp. 289 cubic inch V8 engine. I did not do to well on gas mileage. but what did you expect. I but a new 4 barrel carborator on it and alumin intake, headers and a high duration cam in it. A c-6 transmission and a 9 inch rearend. I would put it up aginst a new mustang anyday. It has hide away headlights and a sequensil turn signal system. remote driverside mirror, lights in the door panel and vacum powered steering wheel calum relocation system for easy entry and exit. the 67-68 cougar was the luxary model of the mustang of that eara. it had all the same parts exept the body panels and a smoother suspension system I recommend buying one If you can find one. Good Luck

Similar Products Used:

1964 Impala 283, 1965 Impala 350, 1986 cutless 305, 1993 Jeep Wrangler.