1990-1997 Mercury Cougar: Road Test

The V6 provides adequate acceleration, but we really do prefer the optional V8. If possible, find a 1994 model with the new 4.6-liter unit. While it doesn't get appreciably better gas mileage, it's smoother, quieter, and feels more potent than the old 5.0-liter. Expect 0-60 times of about 8.8 seconds, which is almost two seconds faster than with the V6. The automatic seems sluggish and reluctant when asked to downshift and pass. While we endorse the optional antilock brakes, the traction control we tried did not perform well. Handling is old-school Detroit at best: plenty of body lean and not very appealing. Even the XR7 model prefers to be driven in a straight line over challenging curves. Ride can best be described as plush, even floaty on the base model. Interior room is good for four adults, but rear-seat leg room is not as good as the car's size would suggest. Controls are for the most part good, but the optional electronic gauge cluster is hard to read in daylight and prone to early failure.

Value for the Money
All-in-all, Cougar is a solid choice in the coupe market, but its rear-wheel drive and gas-guzzling engines are too big a disadvantage in this hotly contested market segment.