1999-2002 Mercury Cougar: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
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 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar.
Year to Year Changes
2000 Mercury Cougar:
Little change was evident on the 2000 Cougar. The driver's-door map pocket was deleted, and an ashtray/lighter now was optional. A new emergency release with a glow-in-the-dark handle went into the cargo area.
2001 Mercury Cougar:
Cougars earned appearance revisions inside and out for 2001, including a new front fascia, grille, and headlights. The V6 Sport Group option added aluminum pedals. Instrument faces were revised, and a new steering wheel was installed. A six-disc in-dash CD changer joined the options list. Mercury announced a high-performance Cougar S with a more potent engine, but it failed to materialize.
2002 Mercury Cougar:
Added midyear was a V6 35th Anniversary Edition package. Building on the XR package, it came with unique emblems and hood scoop, chromed 17-inch wheels, and an in-dash CD changer.
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
Reasonably peppy with the base engine, a Cougar gains some low-end muscle if equipped with the V6, but passing power is unimpressive. So is acceleration, with almost 10 seconds needed to reach 60 mph in an automatic-transmission Cougar. The automatic shifts fluidly, but hunts annoyingly between gears in hilly terrain and lacks a provision to lock out overdrive fourth gear. Neither engine matches Japanese-brand rivals for refinement or high-revving fun. As for economy, we averaged 19.9 mpg with a five-speed V6, and 20.7 with automatic. Cougars handle well, gripping nicely in sweeping turns, but lack the twisty-road agility and poise offered by most import brands. A long wheelbase (for a coupe) hampers nimbleness, but helps the base suspension yield a relatively comfortable ride. The V6 Sport Group improves roadability, but at the expense of a thumpy, nervous ride. Brake-pedal feel has been inconsistent, ranging from mushy to touchy on new test models, though stopping power is adequate. Road rumble and exhaust noise are intrusive. Front head and leg room are adequate in a rather claustrophobic interior. Bucket seats afford good lateral support, but aren't the most comfortable. The cramped rear seat is for preteens, with poorly shaped cushions. Split folding rear seatbacks provide generous cargo space, but liftover is high. Lack of a redline on the tachometer, and low radio controls, mar an otherwise appealing dashboard. In addition, the cabin abounds with hard, cheap-looking plastic.
Value for the Money
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.
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 |
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:
Automatic-transmission fluid may leak from the vent hose. A redesigned hose is available. (1999-2000)
Climate control:
The blower may not work if the blower resistor goes bad. It is being replaced under warranty up to 6 years or 72,000 miles. (1999-2000)
Dashboard lights:
A low-coolant warning light my be due to a faulty coolant level float or wiring problem. (1999-00)
Engine misfire:
The 2.5L and 3.0L engines were built with the timing marks for the camshafts in the wrong place and if replacement timing chains are installed using the marks, severe engine damage will result. (1999)
Hard starting:
The engine may not start if the windshield-wiper switch is in the low or intermittent position because the wiper wiring was installed too close to the antitheft control module. (1999-2000)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (2002)
Sunroof/moonroof:
If the sunroof rattles, there are revised guide shoes available. (1999)
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 | $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 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 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 |
|
|
|||
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. | 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 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Cougars came with two distinct engines: a 125-horsepower 4-cylinder (manual shift only), or a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter V6 that could be equipped either with a five-speed or with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.
| 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 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercury Cougar include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999:
An open circuit in the wiring harness could lead to electrical arcing that could melt the connector housing material, increasing the potential for a fire.
1999:
Brake-lamp-switch terminals could overheat, potentially causing either loss of brake-lamp function or continuously illuminated brake lamps.
1999:
In high humidity, door-latch pawl on certain cars may stick in open or unlatched position, and door will not latch when closed.
1999:
Rough surface of heater-blower resistor's stainless-steel blades can damage the copper surface of wiring-harness connector, eventually resulting in increased resistance and an open circuit, leading to electrical arcing.
1999-00 w/V6:
Battery cable may be misrouted and attachment to alternator cable under-torqued. If misrouted, cable could contact power-steering line and insulation could wear, resulting in electrical short.
1999-02:
Contamination of filter in fuel delivery module can eventually block fuel flow, which may cause engine hesitation, loss of power, surging, and similar symptoms, including stalling.
2000-01 w/adjustable pedals:
If grease from pedal assembly enters stoplamp switch, it can contaminate contacts leading to carbon buildup and, potentially, a short circuit.
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