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2002 Mercury Cougar Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2002 Mercury Cougar Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2002 Mercury Cougar Review
Mercury cages the Cougar after the 2002 model year, when it will discontinue this slow-selling sporty coupe. For its final season, Cougar comes in price-leader 4-cyl form and in base-trim V6 and V6 Sport, Sport Premium, and Sport Ultimate models. Added midyear was a V6 35th Anniversary Edition package. Automatic transmission is optional for V6s only. Cruise control, remote keyless entry, and rear wiper/washer are standard on all Cougars. Sports come with rear disc brakes (vs. drums) and 16-inch wheels (vs. 15s). Front side airbags are standard for Sport Ultimate, unavailable on other models. Sport Ultimate also includes ABS and traction control, which are available for other V6 Cougars. Sports offer an XR package with 17-inch wheels, hood scoop, spoilers, and special interior appointments. The Anniversary Edition builds on the XR package with unique emblems and hood scoop, chromed 17-inch wheels, and an in-dash CD changer.
Competition
Our only Best Buy in this class, the Volkswagen New Beetle, offers interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy. The New Beetle is the most practical and affordable in this class.
If raw performance is what you are after, we Recommend the fun-to-drive Acura RSX and Toyota Celica. These cars offer a lot of bang for your buck.
If raw performance is what you are after, we Recommend the fun-to-drive Acura RSX and Toyota Celica. These cars offer a lot of bang for your buck.
News
A persistent sales disappointment since its 1999 reincarnation, Cougar dies after the 2002 model year as Ford Motor Company struggles to get back in the black by cutting losers, among other methods. Cougar might have been killed even if Ford weren't in dire financial straits now, as the model's year-to-year sales plunged 29 percent in calendar 2000 and another 27 percent in '01.
No direct replacement is planned, but Detroit gossips say Mercury may get a version of Ford's latest European Mondeo sedan as an exclusive offering to help pep up the tired Mercury brand. The first-generation Mondeo was the basis for the U.S.-built Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique compact sedans of 1995-2000, from which the soon-to-be-extinct Cougar was derived. Ford hasn't yet made a final decision on the "Mercury Mondeo", but says modifying the car for U.S. safety and emissions standards would take at least a year. That suggests a debut no sooner than model-year 2004.
No direct replacement is planned, but Detroit gossips say Mercury may get a version of Ford's latest European Mondeo sedan as an exclusive offering to help pep up the tired Mercury brand. The first-generation Mondeo was the basis for the U.S.-built Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique compact sedans of 1995-2000, from which the soon-to-be-extinct Cougar was derived. Ford hasn't yet made a final decision on the "Mercury Mondeo", but says modifying the car for U.S. safety and emissions standards would take at least a year. That suggests a debut no sooner than model-year 2004.
2002 Mercury Cougar Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy (4 cyl) | Rear visibility |
| Rear-seat room | |
| Rear-seat entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
Test V6 averaged 19.9 mpg with manual transmission, 20.7 with automatic. Mercury recommends premium gas for the V6.
| 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
Sport models are thumpy, nervous, and harsh except on smooth surfaces. The base suspension is more comfortable, but doesn't absorb bumps well, either.
| 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
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.
| 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
Marked road rumble and exhaust noise bespeak sportiness to some, but are just unpleasant to us.
| 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
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.
| 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)
Adequate head and leg room. Heavily contoured bucket seats provide good lateral support, but none of our drivers give them high marks for comfort.
| 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)
Strictly a preteen environment; poorly shaped cushion makes it quite inhospitable. Tip-slide front seats assist entry/exit, but gymnastics are still required.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 34 | |
| Average Score | 45 | |
| High Score | 59 |
2002 Mercury Cougar Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/26/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| 4 cylinder 2-door hatchback | $16,520 | $15,213 | $475 |
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| V6 2-door hatchback | $17,020 | $15,663 | $475 |
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| Sport 2-door hatchback | $17,520 | $16,113 | $475 |
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| Sport Premium 2-door hatchback | $18,520 | $17,013 | $475 |
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| Sport Ultimate 2-door hatchback | $19,920 | $18,273 | $475 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
4 cylinder
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, power height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, driver-side visor mirror, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, power decklid release, front floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 205/60R15 tires, alloy wheels.
V6 adds to 4-cylinder:
Powertrain
2.5-liter dohc V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
Sport adds to V6:
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear spoiler, upgraded suspension, 215/50R16 tires.
Sport Premium adds to Sport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof.
Sport Ultimate adds to Sport Premium:
Powertrain
Traction control.
Safety
Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 6-way power driver seat w/power lumbar adjustment.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Machined alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
35th Anniversary Pkg.
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||
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Sport, Sport Premium/Ultimate
|
$1,195
|
$1,064
|
|
Unique hood scoop and rear spoiler, badging, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, sport suspension, 215/50ZR17 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
|
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XR Feature Car
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Sport, Sport Premium/Ultimate
|
$950
|
$846
|
|
Hood scoop, unique front and rear spoilers, special interior trim, 215/50ZR17 tires.
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|
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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V6, Sport, Sport Premium/Ultimate
|
$995
|
$886
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Traction control
|
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Sport Premium
|
$235
|
$209
|
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Requires antilock brakes.
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||
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Safety |
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Antilock brakes
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V6, Sport, Sport Premium
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$500
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$445
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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4-cylinder, V6, Sport
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$615
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$547
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Leather upholstery
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Sport Premium
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$895
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$797
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
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4-cylinder
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$80
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$71
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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Sport, Sport Premium, Sport Ultimate, V6
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$130
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$116
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NA 4-cylinder.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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4-cylinder, V6
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$235
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$209
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Machined alloy wheels
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Sport Premium
|
$250
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$223
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2002 Mercury Cougar Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercury Cougar 2-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 185.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3013 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 24.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 2.5 /155 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 125 @ 5500 | 170 @ 6250 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 130 @ 4000 | 165 @ 4250 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 23/34 | 21/30 |
| 4-speed automatic | --/-- | 20/29 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercury Cougar 2-door hatchback |
| Side Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 3 |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Mercury Cougar Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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