1999-2002 Mercury Cougar: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Exterior finish
- Ride (base suspension)
Cons
- Rear visibility
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Far different from the Thunderbird-related Cougars of the past, the revived Cougar for 1999 was a compact, front-drive sports hatchback coupe with seating for four. Its goal: to enliven Mercury's image. Despite its sharp-edged styling, the 1999 Cougar was based on the Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique sedans. Overall, the Cougar measured just an inch longer. Engines were the same as those used on Contour/Mystique, but Cougars got a firmer suspension and tighter steering. The base 4-cylinder teamed only with manual shift, while a 4-speed automatic was available with the 2.5-liter V6. Options included front side-impact airbags, antilock braking, and traction control (with V6 only). A V6 Sport Group included rear disc brakes (rather than drums) and 16-inch wheels instead of the usual 15-inchers. A split folding rear seatback was standard in the sporty four-passenger interior.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Mercury Cougar w/automatic V6 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
With their "new-edge" look, Cougars earn points for style and originality in the trendy sports-coupe segment, but score weaker in practical virtues and driving satisfaction. Most competitive threat is the Mitsubishi Eclipse, which was much improved for 2000 and handles better. A Dodge Avenger/Stratus coupe is roomier, and an Acura CL or Honda Prelude costs considerably more.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Mercury Cougar w/automatic V6 Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 2 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $395 |
| Alternator | $535 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $790 |
| Brakes | $455 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $390 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $850 |
| Exhaust System | $650 |
| Radiator | $405 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,300 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $560 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2002 | |||
| Cougar | $4,100-5,300 | $3,400-4,300 | $1,400-1,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| Cougar | $3,600-4,500 | $2,900-3,600 | $1,000-1,300 |
| 2000 | |||
| Cougar | $3,200-4,000 | $2,500-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| 1999 | |||
| Cougar | $2,900-3,700 | $2,200-2,800 | $700-900 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 185.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.6 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.2 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2892 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.6 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.2 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 125 | 130 | 5-speed manual: 24/34 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| dohc V6 | 2.5 / 155 | 170 | 165 | 5-speed manual: 19/28 4-speed automatic: 20/29 |
5-speed manual: 19.9 4-speed automatic: 20.7 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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%.








