The only problems I've had with my Cougar were the serpentine belt tensioner, serpentine belt, and power steering pump hose.
I hope that I don't have any of the problems that everyone else is talking about!!
Geez, there are a lot of problems that I see here.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 22nd July, 2007
Got Lemon?
Two $600 alternators; Four $150 fuel pumps; Five sets of $500 tires; and the usual jerking and sputtering when accelerating.
Ford Mercury discontinued this latest version of the Cougar: thank god. I am sorry to read that others have had problems upon problems with their cougars. I myself have had a few, and very happy to have made it to 135,000 miles without significant problems. Today, the car jerks, sputters, and pukes when I step on the gas pedal. I suspect the usual: fuel filters, injectors, and the fuel pump. Other suspects include the O2 sensors, vacuum leaks...
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 4th June, 2007
It's a cheaper version of a Vette and better then driving a little Focus
Blew a rod through the engine at about 27000 miles, but since my fiancee was driving it and can't swear she was in 5th at 70mph, she was probably the cause. Replaced engine under warranty.
One O2 sensor replaced first year.
Clutch sensor replaced first year (which was a pain cause it won't start without it)
Other than that until recently I have had few problems. Hatch has its days where I think its broke then starts working again. One fog light is out and likely shorted. Both sides of the front end are cracked at the bend with one being stress from a loose screw and the other my own stupidity while turning it in my oversized garage.
Recently had the fuel pump replaced and had to cope with my interior smelling like gas for a month.
The check engine light is on constantly with no explanation the common answer. The seats are covered now to protect the leather and as someone on here said, it collects dust everywhere. I have the same dimming problem, but its 6 years old and doesn't relate to the performance at all.
Sun roof still works, but I don't use it nearly as much as I used to so probably a wear problem for most people. Only get sun half the time here;)
Other than emissions now, no other problems to report.
Loved the car since day one. The looks and feel. Age is never nice to anything, but it has been a reliable car for 5 years now. I will probably be getting a second car in the future and be able to lesson the wear'n'tear.
Speed and power are great. Had it over 120mph in the first month, but highway speeds are not as friendly now. THat is more problematic with tire pressure and wear then JUST engine performance. Cars only need to go the speed limit so can live with that.
My paint is starting to look old and has lots of chips. I new paint job would be a huge lift for an already great car.
Great gas mileage!!!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th November, 2006
It would take me all day to write my opinion
Let's see.
The transmission went 2 months after I bought it.
Motor mounts are shot.
Trunk and hood release don't work properly.
Two fuel pumps.
Tie rods 3 times.
Power window tracks broke; only riveted on.
What else? Oh yeah, LOL, the best for last. Not only 1 or 2 or 3, but I'm on my 14th alternator. Starting to be a pro at changing them. The first time, it took me all day. Get them done in about an hour. As I write this message, my car sits in my driveway waiting for me to put on its 15th alternator, so anyone wanna buy a good reliable car, gimme a call, I'll give ya a good deal LOL.
Well good luck to ya's.
If you have any of these problems, get rid of it now; they don't go away.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 25th November, 2006
I agree. As we speak my 99 Cougar is in the dealership having its hood release fixed. First they charged $40 for the diagnostic fee even though I told them the hood release was snapped. Then somehow I am paying $245 for the cable and the piece of plastic that make up the hood release. I am about to pick up my car since they lost the part in transit somewhere.
I feel your pain. I just put in my tenth alternator. Nobody can tell me the cause. The dealership put in the first eight. I called Mercury and and ask about a recall dealing with the alternators, and they said they have not hear on any problems. Everybody I know that owns a Cougar has already replaced one alternator.
A popular and highly plausible theory on the persistent alternator problems revolves around the fact that the alternator is mounted really low on the engine, exposing it to lots of road dust and water splashing up from the tires. I traded in my 4 cylinder 2.0 Cougar at 168,000 miles and never had to replace the alternator. On that engine, the alternator is positioned much higher.
30th Nov 2006, 15:53
This car may be better driving than a Focus, but comparing it to a Vette is a bit of a stretch...