Faults:

Let me make a list of some of the problems with this car:

*Alternator problems at 25,000 miles, ended up in the shop for a week.

*EGR (?) Valve went bad at around 30,000 miles, needed replaced.

*Check engine and Check Transaxle lights began flashing at 45,000 miles; turns out ENTIRE TRANSMISSION needed to be replaced, ended up in the shop for OVER A WEEK.

*Gas meter is WAY OFF... the whole thing is digital and it has no clue how much gas there is. It'll tell you 250 miles when it's really 35.

*Speaking of gas: Horrible fuel economy. You'll need a second job.

*Don't put any CDs in the CD changer if you ever want them back again. It freezes up/gets stuck. Could take days to finally pop the thing out. I found using a credit card and wiggling the CD in the changer helps it to spit it out better.

***Ford is so lucky this thing was under an extended warranty. (Which I paid over $1500 for by the way.) ***

General Comments:

On a better note, yes the car is very good-looking. Unfortunately, though, looks don't do you much good when the thing is broken down every other week.

Faults:

Purchased at 40,000.

At 42,000 replaced spark plugs, coils, wires.

Front hood hatch at 45,000

Transmission replaced at 52000 - On this car the transmission fluid must be replaced every 20,000 miles as I learned

Alternator replaced at 68,000

Replaced a bunch of small sensors and such

Engine light on for gas cap for the last 30,000 miles.

General Comments:

Do not buy an american car. Ford makes Mercurys.

Faults:

A sensor went out at 30,000 miles therefore it wouldn't start one day.

General Comments:

I have loved my car since the day I got it. The sporty body style, the power of the engine, the reliability... just everything has been wonderful.

The Cougar is made for 2 passengers really. The back seat is not very comfortable for other passengers. Now that I have a child, I am looking at getting a different car since it is too difficult to get a car seat in and out of the back.

I have enjoyed my Cougar very much, but as my lifestyle has changed, now I must change my car as well.

Faults:

In and out of service shop for trivial and silly things.

Recall after recall where do I start?

I do not believe that the gauges (digital read out) are accurate.

Car makes a clicking noise when the brakes are on.

Idle jumps atround with A/C on.

Fuel system replaced 35900 (just under warranty)

Tires and brakes replaced by previous owner and myself.

Check Engine light came on at 36400 miles for no apparent reason (or so dealer said)

A/C needed a new charge twice in the span of 2 months!!!

General Comments:

I went through an awful bankruptcy experience with my father who's name my previous car was in, and we lost a Toyota Solora (I will post a review on that piece..) I was devastaed to say the least, and my grandmother bought me my second cougar. I got rid of my 1999 due to defects that first year cars tend to have and I've spent the last 2 years trying to get another one.

The car is beautiful and sweet. Most people think I'm nuts for loving my car the way I do, 2 weeks after buying it, It spent a good 3 weeks in and out of different Lincoln Mercury dealerships no fault of to the car just the dealer.

I found out that the car had recalls coming out my ears and took it in and the dealer told me it didn't effect my Vin number he lied, which I believe made my problem worse, after all is said and done, I'm out of warranty and praying that things don't go to much more terribly wrong.

The car has a beautiful body style, even an officer giving me a ticket complimented me on the body on my car. It handles like a dream. I recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a wonderful sports car with a lot of bang for a little buck.

I must say the gas mileage sucks, I tend to beg my boyfriend to drive me long distances in his truck because gas is cheaper for it, sad I know.

I have had 2 cougars now, and I have had run of the mill headaches with both, with all my cars for that matter, find me a car with no problems though. I do believe that the car is only as good as you take care of it. I advise everyone to treat these cars as if they are your baby, they tend to respond to being treated well.

Overall the car is one of the best sports cars on the market. It would make a great first car for anyone just starting out, or someone older who wants to have some fun behind the wheel. A cougar is a great investment and it's worth the money.