Faults:

Dash Light went out, passenger window switch down doesn't work.

General Comments:

My cougar has a fair amount of acceleration from it's 197 HP Duratec. A top speed of 120, paired with a 0-60 of around 7 seconds, make it a sport-ish drive. It's super rigid suspension makes the smallest bump seem tragic, while at the same time making small landings feel like a bump should. On stock rubber it handles extremely well on dry pavement, but the first sign of moisture on the track and traction reliability is lost. Although I like the vehicle, especially for it's appearance, after a slew of 80's model vehicle, I can take note of the cheap plastic style of construction which makes this car endurable. It's sleek and sexy appearance do well to make up for it's short-comings, but I say, in a world of cheap, disposable plastic cars, it's one of the decent ones. The Automatic transmission is obedient, all bit is slow and problematic. Inconsistencies in shift patters are evident daily. But it obeys the commands of the shift lever better than I had expected. Care is required, as the car WILL use whatever gear you select, regardless of speed.

Faults:

First thing that went was the radio. It would not stay on. It kept going off and on. The dealer replaced it and the replacement did the exact, same thing! So, after three radios, I can finally stop driving in silence, but when the outside temp gets really hot, something doesn't make connection and I have to hold it in until it cools down.

Replaced alternator at 50,000 miles.

Sunroof tract wore out after very little use. Did not replace due to cost.

Airbag light came on soon after purchasing the car. Took it to dealer and they repaired at no charge.

Doors would automatically lock when you got out and shut the door. Very inconvenient when washing the car and your keys, purse and cell phone are sitting on the front seat!

Cruise control quit working at 70,000 miles. It was also not used very often.

The final straw just happened after turning over 77,000 miles. One of the two straps holding the gas tank rusted through and dropped. Took it to the dealer and they said the other one was also ready to go. They highly advised I didn't drive the car due to the fact if the other one goes, the tank would drop, causing a spark and possibly causing an explosion under my car! So they've had it for two days while waiting for the parts to arrive. Dealer didn't bother to offer a loaner. If the straps are that important, wouldn't you think they'd have them in stock??

Entirely too many things have gone wrong for the age of the car.

General Comments:

Even with all the problems I've had, it was love at first sight for my red cougar!

This is the first American made car I've purchased and it's made me slightly re-think my decision.

I don't have to worry about purchasing another one since they've stopped making them!

In my Cougar's behalf... it handles wonderfully, I love driving a standard, it has plenty of pick-up to get me where I'm going.

I love the interior, very comfortable seats and easy to read dash.

It's a crowd pleaser with both young and old!!

Faults:

Alternator is going out

Loss of power at high RPM's (only once in a while)

Trunk button broken.

General Comments:

Excellent car. It looks fast and on a good day it is. The suspension is tight and takes corners like it is riding on rails. The interior is sporty and extremely comfortable although the back seats are less than desirable.

Faults:

Alternator blew at 67500 since there is a loose wire that runs from the battery to the alternator. This is recall work for the Cougar, but the problem resurfaced after the original recall work's guarantee expired.

General Comments:

This car has a lot of potential performance wise.

I am able to bring my model right up to 7000 RPM no problem.