2002 Mercury Cougar: Road Test
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2002 Mercury Cougar ▼
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- MSRP: $16,520 -$19,920
- Invoice: $15,213 -$18,273
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Our road test for the 2002 Mercury Cougar includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Mercury Cougar from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Mercury Cougar, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Mercury Cougar help you decide if a 2002 Mercury Cougar is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base | V6, auto. | Sport Ultimate, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
The 4 cyl is reasonably peppy. V6 adds low-end muscle, but has unimpressive passing power and 0-60-mph acceleration (9.9 sec for automatic-transmission test car). Cougar's automatic is acceptably smooth, but hunts annoyingly between gears in hilly terrain. Manual shift action is notchy.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | V6, auto. | Sport Ultimate, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Test V6 averaged 19.9 mpg with manual transmission, 20.7 with automatic. Mercury recommends premium gas for the V6.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | V6, auto. | Sport Ultimate, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Sport models are thumpy, nervous, and harsh except on smooth surfaces. The base suspension is more comfortable, but doesn't absorb bumps well, either.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | V6, auto. | Sport Ultimate, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 7.4 |
Agile on tight, twisty roads, but less fun than most import-brand rivals. Steering feels artificially heavy and nonlinear. Brake-pedal action inconsistent--mushy on one test car, touchy on another--though stopping power is adequate.
QUIETNESS
| Base | V6, auto. | Sport Ultimate, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.2 |
Marked road rumble and exhaust noise bespeak sportiness to some, but are just unpleasant to us.
CONTROLS
| Base | V6, auto. | Sport Ultimate, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.5 |
Overstyled dashboard takes time to sort out. Audio controls are too low, and tachometer isn't redlined, a drawback with manual shift. Dashboard vents deliver weak airflow. Interior let down by too much hard, cheap-looking plastic.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | V6, auto. | Sport Ultimate, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
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, auto. | Sport Ultimate, man. | 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, auto. | Sport Ultimate, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 2.9 |
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, auto. | Sport Ultimate, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 5.2 |
Cramped, hard-riding, noisy, and not particularly quick even in V6 form, Cougar feels dated and deserves retirement. Don't buy one without a sizable discount. Better yet, consider Acura's RSX or the unique Volkswagen New Beetle, which can cost more but are superior products.
Total Score
| Base | V6, auto. | Sport Ultimate, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 40 | 41 | 45.5 |
Total Score: 40
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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