2000 Mercury Cougar: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This compact 4-seat hatchback based on the Ford Contour sedan debuted for '99 and is due to gain a high-performance model in the 2001 model year. The base 125-horsepower 4-cylinder Cougar comes only with manual transmission, the plusher 170-hp V6 version gets manual or automatic. Due for '01, the 200-hp V6 Cougar S comes only with manual, and adds a sport suspension and special trim. Options include front side airbags and antilock brakes. A Sport Group for the 170-hp V6 model includes rear disc brakes (versus drums) and 16-inch wheels in place of 15s. The driver's door map pocket is deleted for 2000, the ashtray and cigarette lighter become optional, and, as on other 2000 Ford Motor Company cars, an emergency escape release with glow-in-the-dark handle is added to the cargo area.

COMPETITION

The performance leader in this group is also our Best Buy. The Honda Prelude will hustle two large adults and their luggage in comfort and luxury to a weekend getaway. Prelude has plenty of power, excellent road manners, and gets reasonable fuel economy.
We also recommend you take a look at the Chrysler Sebring (which will be redesigned for 2001 in coupe, convertible, and sedan form) and the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Sebring offers the most room in this class, while the New Beetle has interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.