2000 Mercury Cougar 2.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

It has bugs, but work them out and you will never regret the plus side of this car

Faults:

I had to replace my transmission at 175 000 km, but I work in the garage where it was serviced and it was said to be only wear and tear by the previous owner.

I also had to replace my full pump, but only because I got a recall paper, there was never a noticeable problem.

My center console is down to 1 screw holding it on so it has become a little bit loose.

I have put a new power door lock mechanism in the passenger door, mechanic said it froze and me using the key to open that door broke the frozen spring.

General Comments:

This car stands out no matter where I go, add a loud stereo and you can get everyone to look at you before you even show up.

The engine feels like it might be getting a little bit tired, but it still has enough get up and go power for me, I am currently looking for an engine out of a SVT Ford Contour, if I can't find one I'll tear mine down and make one better.

I own a hot-rod truck and a big block cadillac and my cougar is lacking only in the big muscle sound, which I substituted stock for a Cat-back 2 1/2 inch exhaust with one Flowmaster muffler where the resonator pipe should be, now I have a cougar that sounds like a 2005 Ford Mustang GT.

I am yet to race one to see if my exhaust gives me anything of a chance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 2005

2000 Mercury Cougar 2.5 V6 from North America

Summary:

Good, I love my Cougar, guys turn their heads ;)

Faults:

When I first purchased my Cougar, I had problems with my Catalytic Converter. Luckily, the dealer replaced it because my car had not yet reached 80,000.

I just recently noticed a loud hissing noise while I'm in idle. The dealer said that it wasn't a big deal so I never got it fixed.

I had problems with my transmission. It seems to shift hard, but I had it looked at and they said it was normal for a Cougar to do this. I also expierenced a grinding noise when it would shift from 2nd to 3rd. The dealer flushed out my car and put new fluids in it, and it no longer grinds.

I have also had problems with my brakes squeaking and squealing. The dealer worked on them and said they were brand new pads and rotors so he grinded on the pads so that they would fit better. The noise is now very faint, and doesn't bother me as much.

When I bought my car I had noticed that the passenger side door, towards the bottom, well the paint was chipping away. I'm not sure what the problem was, but I had it re-painted (Spruce Green Metallic) and it matched perfect.

We recently had an ice storm, and my car got completely covered in ice. Once I had drove my car and let the ice melt off of it, my headlights both cracked in the exact same spot. I don't know what caused this, maybe the ice, but the dealer said they have never heard of this happening. If this has happened to you, please let me know.

The last little thing that I noticed about my Cougar was that the driver's seat was somewhat starting to wear away. There isn't any holes in it, but the cloth was wearing. Also the vent for my defrost in the front windshield doesn't stay down, and continues to pop up. This isn't a big deal, but I just thought I would mention it.

General Comments:

Even though I've had these little problems, I love my cougar.

It's a cute, sporty, girly car. When I want a fast sporty car I just go for a ride with my boyfriend in his Trans Am.

These problems that I have expeirenced have been very annoying, but luckily the dealer I recieved my car from gives me a break and I have never had a big bill for my car.

I always receive good comments about my car. I have tinted windows and an expensive stereo system in it. I take very good care of my car. I recently got some of it re-painted and got a spoiler put on it. Slowly, I just keep putting more money into my car, but it always seems to be the "good money" not money spent to fix stuff, just to make it look good driving down the road. :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th February, 2005

25th Feb 2005, 21:47

I just bought a 2000 cougar and I also noticed that two of the headlights had cracks about the same size in around the same place.

26th Nov 2007, 15:22

Both of my headlights were cracked when I bought my 1999 cougar..

7th Jun 2008, 22:33

Yeah, I'm looking at buying a 99 Cougar for $5,500.00 silver 5-speed, and it's not slow at all. It has minor racing parts in engine, but is nice looking inside with a roof that pops open only about 3" and the back bucket seats are cool. The only thing I hate is the stupid lever to go in to reverse on the shifter; I'm not used to that.

30th Jul 2008, 15:54

I have a 1999 Mercury Cougar - SHE IS THE BEST VEHICLE! I have had similar issues with catalytic converters / alternator / headlights / taillights - however, I have 172,000 miles and she's still kicking. I will be trading her in for a mini-van, I'm almost in tears over the whole deal - but with a growing family this is not the right vehicle. She has been from coast to coast, loves to hug curves, sound system is no slouch, sun roof is a must, Very important to use platinum spark plugs and inflate tires to mfg specs - this will save you on gas. Also, turns out the code that pulls for catalytic converter can also be related to new plug wires - replaced all 3 cat converters, only to find out was spark plug wires.

Reliable till the end.

25th May 2010, 11:46

My headlights were cracked when I bought mine too, and my defrost in the windshield doesn't stay down either! I have the 2000 special edition (: