1990-1997 Mercury Cougar: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1997 Mercury Cougar and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V8)
Cons
- Acceleration (V6)
- Fuel economy
- Visibility
Vehicle Highlights
The Mercury Cougar got a clean-sheet redesign for 1989, and saw no major changes for 1990. As before, the new Cougars differed from the mechanically similar Ford Thunderbird primarily in their formal roofline and Mercury grille. A 140-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 and 4-speed overdrive automatic came standard in the base LS. For the premium XR7, Mercury added a supercharged and intercooled version of the overhead-valve V6, which delivers 210 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with either a 5-speed manual or optional automatic. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes came standard on the XR7, but were optional on the LS.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercury Cougar XR7 4.6-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1997 Mercury Cougar. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1997 Mercury Cougar.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Mercury Cougar:
The supercharged V6 engine and 5-speed transmission have both been dropped from the powertrain lineup for 1991 and replaced with Ford's 5.0-liter High Output V8, also used in the Mustang and Lincoln Mark VIII. The engine comes standard on the performance-oriented XR7 and optional on the Cougar LS. Exterior detail changes include a revised hood, grille, headlamps, and taillamps, plus new side molding.
1992 Mercury Cougar:
The 1992 XR7 hit the showrooms with new alloy wheels and a freshened interior that includes new seat and door trim. In addition, the parking brake is now activated by a floor-mounted pedal instead of a console-mounted lever. To mark the 25th anniversary of the Cougar a special LS model arrives midyear, equipped with a distinctive monochromatic color scheme, the H.O. 5.0-liter V8, BBS aluminum wheels, and special trim.
1993 Mercury Cougar:
For 1993, all Cougars are listed as XR7 models. However, Mercury has purposely de-emphasized Cougar's former performance image by dropping most of the XR7 model's sporty equipment. The surviving model is equipped much like last year's LS. Both the adjustable suspension and performance tires on last year's XR7 are gone, while the antilock brakes and limited-slip axle are now optional.
1994 Mercury Cougar:
Dual airbags join a new 4.6-liter V8 in the revamped 1994 Cougar. While a decontented XR7 with a 3.8-liter V6 remains the standard offering, the optional V8 is now Ford's new all-aluminum overhead-cam V8, providing 205 horsepower when applied to the 1994 Cougar. The 4-speed automatic remains the only transmission, but gains new electronic shift controls. Also added to improve handling is an optional traction control system. Mercury has made minor appearance changes to the car's grille, front and rear fascias, headlamps, and taillamps.
1995 Mercury Cougar:
Following four model years with nearly constant changes, the Cougar enters the 1995 model year with no significant changes.
1996 Mercury Cougar:
New front and rear fascias have been added, plus a new hood, necessitated by the addition of a smaller, more rounded grille and new headlamps equipped with complex reflectors. The headlamps now taper at the inside edges to blend better with the new grille. Under the hood, the Cougar's standard 3.8-liter V6 receives significant changes, resulting in a new output of 145 horsepower. The optional V8 has also been improved. While horsepower remains constant, torque is up 15 to 280 pound-feet at 3000 rpm.
1997 Mercury Cougar:
An all-new instrument panel has a new gauge cluster with graphics on a black background. In addition, a new dual cupholder, coin slots, and more storage were added to the revised center console. Finally, a new "one-touch open" switch comes with the optional moonroof. The rear-drive Cougar was discontinued this year. A new front-drive version appeared in 1999.
Our road test for the 1990-1997 Mercury Cougar includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1997 Mercury Cougar and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1997 Mercury Cougar is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercury Cougar XR7 4.6-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercury Cougar includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercury Cougar .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when the transmission shifts into fourth gear, which can often be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. (1994-95)
Automatic transmission:
Automatic transmissions are notorious for shuddering or vibrating under light acceleration or when shifting between third and fourth gear. It requires that the transmission fluid (including fluid in the torque converter) be changed and that only Mercon fluid be used. (1994)
Blower motor:
Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders. (1993-94)
Coolant leak:
The intake manifold on 4.6L V8 engines is prone to breakage resulting in coolant loss and possible overheating. The manufacturer is reimbursing owners who paid for fixes up to $735 and extending the warranty for others (1996-97)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1990-97)
Oil leak:
The oil filter balloons and leaks because the oil-pump relief valve sticks. Higher than recommended viscosity oils cause wear to the valve bore. (1992-94)
Vehicle noise:
A chattering noise coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok differential. (1990-96)
Water leak:
Water drips onto the floor when the air conditioner is operated and may be due to over a half-dozen potential leak sources including seals, bad seams in the evaporator case, the heater core cover seal, etc. (1990-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $375 |
| Alternator | $445 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $810 |
| Brakes | $275 |
| Exhaust System | $280 |
| Radiator | $405 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $430 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $340 |
| Universal Joints | $260 |
Our price chart for this generation Mercury Cougar details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| Cougar | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1996 | |||
| Cougar | $1,800-2,200 | $1,200-1,500 | $300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Cougar | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Cougar | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Cougar | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Cougar | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Cougar | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Cougar | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercury Cougar include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 200.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.5 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3575 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.1 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
The current-model Cougar started out with only V6 power, a normally aspirated model for base LS versions and a supercharged variant for the XR7. In 1991, both the supercharged V6 and the 5-speed are eliminated in favor of an H.O. 5.0-liter V8 and automatic transmission. In 1993, a stripped XR7 model is the only offering, with the 140-horsepower becoming the standard engine and the 5.0-liter V8 moving to the option list. Ford's new 4.6-liter V8 replaced that engine as the optional powerplant in 1994. For 1996, changes to the V6 result in five extra horsepower, while tweaks to the V8 add 15 more pound-feet of torque, for a total of 280 pound-feet at 3000 rpm.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.8 / 232 | 140-145 | 215 | 4-speed automatic: 19/27 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| Supercharged ohv V6 | 3.8 / 232 | 210 | 315 | 5-speed manual: 17/24 4-speed automatic: 17/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 302 | 200 | 275 | 4-speed automatic: 17/24 | 4-speed automatic: 15.5 |
| ohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 205 | 280 | 4-speed automatic: 17/25 | 4-speed automatic: 18.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercury Cougar include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Cougar |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1997 Mercury Cougar directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
Battery-to-starter cables on small number of cars with 3.8-liter engine are too long and could contact engine-damper pulley.
1990-91:
Nuts that hold windshield-wiper motor may loosen.
1990-93:
Ignition switch could suffer short circuit, which can cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in steering-column area.
1992-93 w/fog lights:
Headlights may go out for various intervals as a result of circuit-breaker opening.
1992-93:
Movement of fuel lines can result in leakage.
1996 w/semiautomatic temperature control:
Under certain conditions, blower does not operate as intended.
1996:
Driver's door, when closed only to secondary latched position, may not sustain the specified 1000-pound transverse load.
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