Faults:

Idle air control valve, left rear strut, oil pan gasket leak, rear hatch struts, sunroof doesn't go back all the way.

General Comments:

So the 99 Cougar is my girlfriend's car, we bought it last summer for very cheap.

The car has a leaky oil pan gasket, but not enough to warrant replacement.

The left rear strut started to "bobble" and had to be replaced.

The sunroof will work, but doesn't go back all the way. I don't really care, nor does she, so I don't bother fixing it.

The rear hatch struts are worn out, and only hold the hatch up in warm weather.

Aside from these small things, the car runs great, handles decently, rides like a sports car, brakes well, etc.

As far as the winter driving deal. I think maybe if you're putting your car in the ditch, you should either slow down or take some driving lessons. I put Firestone Winterforce tires all 4 studded on the Cougar, and it does incredibly well actually.

One thing though about this car that does irritate me is that now the right rear strut is starting to "bobble" also. I am a technician and do all my own work obviously, and this car is very easy to work on anything, except in the engine compartment.

For everyone that complains about the problems. Take better care of your cars, do some maintenance, take your car to a competent tech if the one you go to is in fact incompetent, or you can't figure it out. All cars have issues. The more things you let add up, the more frustrating it will become.

All in all, this car has been great.

Oh yeah, gas mileage is around 23-24 in the city, and around 29-32 highway, that's actually dividing the gallons and miles.

Faults:

I have had the tranny rebuilt, driver side CV boot replaced, 3 motor mounts, fly wheel, 2 alternators, and to top it off, my motor slung a bearing at 180,000 miles.

I like the car and have had a new motor put in with under 50,000 miles.

General Comments:

I like the car and plan on keeping it.

Faults:

Makes a howling noise when the car is cold, <6 degrees C.

Does not get warm enough in the cab during winter.

General Comments:

I would have to say I'm one of the lucky ones.

My Cougar left me stranded only once and it was in my driveway. Alternator went.

Although the car is expensive to maintain, I have stayed on top of a very regimental service schedule.

Being mechanically inclined is a huge asset to enjoying this vehicle, and I'm sorry she's getting old.

To this day she handles great with the help of new tires, summer and winter. The summer tires are rain tires that cut through water with great traction.

With the snows through winter, the car handles as good as a Jeep. Never ever got stuck or slid out of control.

I would rate myself as a somewhat aggressive behind the wheel, especially when the roads are fun (empty). This is one of those cars that need to be driven.

Faults:

I've replaced the alternator 4 times at 250 bucks a time.

The vehicle speed sensor went out (Central Iowa Dealer tried to tell me the transmission needed replaced).

The headlights and dashboard lights are flickering (getting fixed in a couple days - possible regulator problem).

The driver window quit working. Replaced the window motor. Still wouldn't work. Took it out, lowered window, put motor back in and it works.

The trunk doesn't fully release. Put some rubber pads under the spring and it fixed that!

Have had no problems with the tires, rotors or brakes. They're all wear items, and I've maintained them so they've lasted.

The check engine light has been on since 75,000 (told it was the EGR valve) - Car still runs OK, not concerned about it!

Other than those minor things and the alternators it's been a good car! There is a small company, south of Des Moines, that has replaced the alternator for half of what the places in Des Moines charge!

General Comments:

The car does kinda cut out when taking corners.

It handles like no other. Makes it through snow like a tank.