1988 Mercury Cougar LS 5.0 EFI V8 from North America

Summary:

Best older car I have ever owned

Faults:

One of the few things that has gone wrong with this car was the muffler, but that was my own fault; besides that, this car is indestructible.

Also, unfortunately around 160000, one of my vacuum pumps has sprung a leak.

General Comments:

This car has pretty good handling and performance, especially seeing as it's as old as it is.

The cabin materials and upholstery could have been a little more higher quality, but for this year and brand of car, it has exceeded my standards.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2010

1988 Mercury Cougar LS 3.8L V6 from North America

Summary:

If it's taken care of, it is a dream to drive

Faults:

Windows have stopped working.

Seats are badly worn.

Driver power seat has stopped moving forward and back.

Dash lights - not all work.

Heating/Cooling system - A/C not working, fan works on High only.

Gear indicator does not work.

Back seat belts do not work.

Leaks in the tranny, oil pan, and motor.

Smokes a lot.

Cigarette lighter doesn't work.

Inside lights are not working (have changed the bulbs twice).

Center console lid broke off.

General Comments:

The car had one previous owner, and they did not take care of the car at all. So far nothing new has gone wrong with the car since I bought.

The car looks like a tornado went through it, but it is a good car to get me from point A to point B.

Even though the car has a lot wrong with it, it still has the power that a Cougar should have.

I love this car. The Cougar is a real classic to me, and I would recommend it to everyone looking for a sleek sexy car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2008

1988 Mercury Cougar LS 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

I love it and I wouldn't get rid of it, just change it a little

Faults:

At 110,000 miles the tires got changed.

At 115,000 miles the tires got changed again.

At 120,000 miles the fuel pump went out.

At 145,000 miles the head gasket blew.

General Comments:

This car is very fast for a V6, but its time on the quarter mile could be better.

Although the car looks nice and is very comfortable, that could be a little different too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th April, 2003

1988 Mercury Cougar XR7 5.0 SEFI from North America

Summary:

A dependable car with traditional American muscle

Faults:

I bought the car at 120,000 miles. The first thing to go wrong was the fuel pump failed. I took it (towed) to a shop and the tank was so rusty that it had to be replaced as well. No big deal, however, poor design led to rust.

Aside from that, the engine and transmission have been almost bulletproof save for the small mechanical things failing, i.e: Air pump, alternator, water pump, starter, wiper motor.

General Comments:

Due to the XR7 suspension package, the car handles better than some front-drive imports. I'm very satisfied with the ride and after owning a 1986 Cougar GS, there is a world of difference between the two; as far as suspension/drivetrain is concerned.

Mine wasn't optioned with the power moonroof, so I had a pop-up sunroof installed which made the interior a LOT better to be in.

The sport buckets are great for long road trips and the fingertip speed control is more than adequate.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2002

13th May 2007, 23:28

I agree, the 1988 mercury cougar xr7 is one of the best cars I've owned. The engine in mine hit about 180k before basic maintenance was needed. e.g. alternator and starter.

1988 Mercury Cougar LS 3.6L V6 from North America

Summary:

A piece of junk

Faults:

The following items have been replaced: brakes at 70,000 miles, alternator 66,000 miles, battery at 65,000 miles, harmonic balancer at 83,000 miles, exhaust pipe at 73,000 miles, tires at 65,000 miles, timing chain at 80,000 miles, serpentine belt at 80,000 miles and rear back light at 68,000 miles.

The engine completely died at 83,000 miles and replacing the harmonic balancer did not fix it.

General Comments:

The interior and exterior of this car is wonderful. I loved the digital speedometer. However, everything else failed me.

Every time I turned around, something had to be fixed. Now, the engine completely died. The mechanic has yet to fix the problem which may be the oil pump or the camshaft bearings.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th January, 2002