2001 Mercury Cougar: Road Test
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2001 Mercury Cougar ▼
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- MSRP: $16,700 -$17,200
- Invoice: $15,505 -$15,955
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Our road test for the 2001 Mercury Cougar includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Mercury Cougar from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Mercury Cougar, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Mercury Cougar help you decide if a 2001 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 |
The 4 cyl is reasonably peppy. V6 adds low-end muscle, but its passing power is unimpressive, as is its 0-60-mph acceleration (9.9 sec for our automatic test car). Cougar's automatic transmission is acceptably smooth but hunts annoyingly between gears in hilly terrain. Manual shift action is notchy.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
We averaged 19.9 mpg with a 5-speed V6, 20.7 with an automatic version. Mercury recommends premium gas for the V6.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Thumpy, nervous, harsh, and irritating with the V6 Sport Group option except on smooth surfaces. Softer base suspension is more comfortable but doesn't absorb bumps well, either.
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 V6 Sport Group's wider tires. Still not as agile as most import brands. Steering feels artificially heavy and nonlinear. Brake-pedal feel is inconsistent--mushy on one test car, touchy on another--though stopping power is adequate.
QUIETNESS
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
High levels of road rumble and exhaust noise bespeak sportiness to some, but just sound unpleasant to us.
CONTROLS
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.6 |
Overstyled dash takes time to sort out. Audio controls set too low, and absence of tachometer redline is an odd omission with manual shift. Circular vents deliver weak airflow. Cabin is further flawed by lots of hard, cheap looking plastic.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Adequate head and leg room. Heavily contoured bucket seats provide good lateral support, but none of our drivers give them high marks for comfort.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 |
Strictly a preteen environment; 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 | 3 |
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 | 4.6 |
Edgy attitude, but only average in most ways. Dodge Stratus coupe is more conservative, but roomier, though clearly more desirable are the pricier but better-in-every-way Honda Prelude and Volkswagen New Beetle.
Total Score
| Base | V6, man. w/Sport Grp. | V6, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 41 | 40 | 44.3 |
Total Score: 40
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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