2000 Mercury Cougar: Road Test
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2000 Mercury Cougar ▼
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- MSRP: $16,540 -$17,040
- Invoice: $15,105 -$15,550
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Our road test for the 2000 Mercury Cougar includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Mercury Cougar from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Mercury Cougar, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Mercury Cougar help you decide if a 2000 Mercury Cougar is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
We haven't tested an S model. The 4-cylinder is reasonably peppy. The V6 adds some low-end muscle, but its passing power is unimpressive, as is its 0-60-mph acceleration (9.9 seconds for our automatic test car).
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
We averaged 19.9 mpg with a 5-speed V6, 20.7 with an automatic version. Both figures disappoint for a compact.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
Thumpy, nervous, harsh, and irritating with the V6 Sport Group option except on glassy surfaces. The softer base suspension is more comfortable but still somewhat thumpy.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5 | 6.8 |
Grips well in fast turns, especially with the V6 Sport Group option's wider tires, but not as agile as most imports. Some on our staff judge the steering artificially heavy and non-linear.
QUIETNESS
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
Only average noise levels in gentle cruising. The V6 isn't loud at high revs, but tire rumble is excessive over coarse pavement and lane-divider dots. Body feels solid over railroad tracks.
CONTROLS
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.4 |
Overstyled dash takes time to sort out. Climate controls are above the stereo, which sits too low. Circular vents deliver weak airflow even with fan boost.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Adequate head and leg room. Heavily contoured bucket seats provide good lateral support, but none of our drivers gives them high marks for comfort.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.3 |
Strictly a pre-teen environment; a poorly shaped cushion makes it quite inhospitable. Tip-slide front seats assist entry/exit, but gymnastics are still required.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 2.8 |
Hatchback design and split-fold rear seats provide generous cargo space for a compact coupe, but the high liftover is a real back-strainer. Mediocre small-items stowage inside.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.2 |
It has an edgy attitude, but this Mercury is a fairly dull drive and only average in most other ways.
Total Score
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 41 | 40 | 41.8 |
Total Score: 40
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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