1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 4.6L from North America
Summary:
V8 says
Faults:
Plastic intake blew at 75,000 miles, it cost me $500 to fix it.
Exhaust converters went bad at 80,000 miles.
General Comments:
The 4.6L was very fast when it was stock. I have added MSD Coil-packs, and wires, K&N cone filter, Tornado, cat-less performance exhaust and had a 15 horsepower chip added. This car hauls major tail, I have no problem blowing the little rice burners out of the water.
The transmission is great except in second gear when over-drive is engaged, I recommend to turn the overdrive off when wanting to accelerate hard. I also placed a trans cooler on the car which helped in performance greatly by keeping the trans much cooler.
The car rides excellent since I replaced the original struts and shocks with monroe sensa-tracs, wonderful improvement, takes the corners better then most mustangs I have driven.
I have no complaints about this car, it has the total package, comfortable interior, smooth ride and is very fast.
It is also a great buy for a younger person like myself (20 years old) that wants a car that can be beefed up on a budget.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th November, 2004
5th Feb 2005, 20:41
I am 19 and I am looking to buy a 95 or a 96 mercury cougar with the V8. I have heard about the 1996 4.6L intakes breaking. The 95 had a different one which I haven't heard of any problems. Does anyone know which year is the best one to buy or any other problems.Thanks.