Faults:

My alternator went out 50,000 miles. I was stranded on a busy intersection when it went out. Luckily my friend and I had just left the gym and he came back and helped me push it out of the way.

My fuel pump went out 65,000 miles. First, we replaced the fuse and it work for a day or two when the whole pump decided to quit for good. This was probably my fault because I liked to run this close to empty a lot. If you have this car, please keep the tank at half a tank or higher.

There is a loud noise coming from the rear axle area when I am driving. Some have suggested that I have my rear bearings replaced. By reading other comments I think I will do it anyway.

The trunk release latch on the inside of the car works about 45% of the time. I don't even use it anymore. The key works fine.

Just as everyone else says, the engine light came on at 30,000 miles and never went off. I had a Mercury technician hook-up the computer to my car to find out what was wrong and he said that there wrong with the engine. I later had my cousin do the same and he said it was a O2 sensor that is doing it. Going by what I have read here, I just might replaced it anyway. Go figure.

This car eats tires the same way police officers eat donuts. I tried to buy the tires that were on the car when I got it, they are discontinued.

That cup holder is a joke. When you pull it up and put a drink in it, it slides back down and your drink is on the floor.

The shifter knob came off a a while ago and now I drive with nub until I get another one. If I dont sell the car first.

I am from Illinois and when it is cold outside (which is 8 months out of the year) the engine hums excessively. Nobody knows why?

General Comments:

This car is for the upper-middle class people of the U.S. because you need to have a lot of money to keep this thing running. I bought this car brand new in 1999 (the first year it came out) and it was the best looking car for the price. This car handles great and very rarely do I get passed on the highway. I would tell anybody looking to buy one to be sure that the fuel pump, alternator, and tires have been replaced recently. Thank God that I didn't get the sun roof.

Faults:

I bought my Cougar at the beginning of the year, and I absolutely love it. Most cars have their faults.

Every time I hit a bump, the cd player skips.

Many people are uncomfortable in the back seat, for lack of room.

It squeaks horribly when the road is uneven.

When I hit 3000-4000 Rpm, there is a horrible tapping sound coming from the engine. Two different dealers have attempted to fix it, but both have failed.

I have a lot of trouble opening the trunk.

The cup holder does not do what it is supposed to. It tips over whenever I turn.

The air conditioning only works on 4. Which is horrible. It is either too hot or too cold in the car. Never "perfect."

The brake light, check engine light, and check engine lights are always on. I've had them checked, but the dealer claims there is nothing wrong.

My headlights are horrible and I can barely see on the road.

The tires wear easily.

General Comments:

I absolutely love my car though. Despite the faults, it is good for me.

Having the v6, really gets out of the way when you need to.

The Body style is amazing and all of my friends are jealous.

Having a manual really helps on gas mileage. I highly recommend it. But if possible, I would get a newer cougar. The 99 models do have too many defaults within them. Getting a 2000 would be much better.