Faults:

Nothing. Since I have had the car (16 months), I have had no problems at all. I find this generally indicative of Fords and due to this they are the only manufacturer I have ever bought from.

My one slight gripe is that there is occasionally a slight squeak from the rear on bumpy roads. However whilst this appears to be a bearing noise coming from the rear wheels, it is actually the parcel shelf retainer. Any person who experiences the same, remove the shelf and listen again - like magic it has gone.

General Comments:

I have just driven around Devon and Cornwall for seven days and covered over 1200 miles in my black stallion and it was a dream. There is plenty of power when required and the sound of the beautiful V6 engine is a pleasure to behold.

The modern looks ensure that you never get bored of looking at her or being seen in her.

With respect to the interior I have just two dislikes. The leather seats are very nice looking and being heated and electric is great, however they do not support you enough and allow you to shift slightly when carriyng out tight cornering. I believe this was amended on the later models and the ST24 seats were put in. Also, and a very minor moan, I think the steering wheel is slightly too big. Again I believe this was amended on later models.

Faults:

Battery failed - £65 to replace.

General Comments:

Looks good inside and out, but seats (cloth) could have been more comfortable. Puma and Mondeo Si have better.

Engine sounds fantastic and pulls well at low revs, but the car remains more of a motorway cruiser as it is heavy off the mark and doesn't cope well with sharp corners.

Very heavy front tyre wear, I found that everything except Michelin tyres burned out within 5000 miles, and at over £125 each it is not cheap and they are a special size so hard to get hold of.

Good fuel consumption for an engine of its size. Round town you can expect about 20-22 mpg, but on the motorway 30+ mpg can be achieved.

Faults:

Gear changes were dubious, but fault was traced to a worn gear knuckle below the gear stick. Passenger seat release to allow easy access had a broken cable.

General Comments:

Oh wow, the silver rocket is now mine. When I first saw the Ford Cougar it looked very sleek an styled beyond, what I then thought, Ford could ever manage. Once I saw that it was a Ford I was gob smacked. Its sleek lines and yes, cat like posture, ooze prowess and cool. It states a "I mean business" attitude. It turns heads where ever my family and I take it (Yes I take the kids out in in too!)

I bought the V6 version because I wanted a big engine for a change. I test drove Audi A4 2.6 Quattro's, Alfa Romeo 156 and BMW 325 but none gave me that appeal or desire. I also wanted a coupe. My two children now 4 and 6 years old, can now sit themselves in and out of the car and do the old seat belt thing so the Coupe would work for us.

Although the other manufactures cars drove very well and were comfortable they were, in my opinion, expensive motors for basically a name or a badge. The Ford Cougar was priced sensibly and offered excellent leather interior with a few gadgets to keep most blokes occupied and the missus perplexed!

The performance was so sweet. As with most V6 engines they purr along until you drop down a gear and hit the pedal to the floor. Then all rockets ignite. Now, for the record, I have taken out a Honda Accord Type-R for a long test drive, that is a loony-performing machine with lighting acceleration. The Cougar V6, on the other hand, is a much more refined motor that gives you phenomenal V6 torque and acceleration and aggressive handling that is a joy to ride. It is a car that is obedient and will get you there in comfort, but will remind you of your youthful desire for fun when you let it.

If you get a chance to take a manual V6 Cougar out, take up the offer. You will not be disappointed.