2000 Mercury Cougar V6 from North America

Summary:

Good car despite problems.

Faults:

On the first evening of having the car in my possession it began making a loud humming noise. We thought it was the air filter box vibrating, but it turns out that the car takes in too much air causing it to hum.

Then the car began shutting off when I would stop in traffic, but would immediately turn back on upon igniting.

Soon after that I was going 65pmh down the highway and my car just turned off and it wouldn't do anything. So I took it to the dealership where they said that a fuse had blown.

2 weeks later my car breaks down again and like before it doesn't do anything. I had it towed once again to the dealership and the same fuses had blown which had just been replaced. Why? Because of a wire in the trunk that was rubbed raw by my spare tire which also caused my computer to blow.

Months and tons of money later my car wouldn't idle. I could get the car started only if my foot remained on the gas pedal. It turns out the idle control valve had gone bad.

Just two days after the idle control valve failed so did my fuel pump.

General Comments:

My 2000 Cougar, despite all of its problems, is a good car. It gets me where I need to go & it gets me there fast.

I didn't post these problems to discourage anybody from buying a Cougar, but I would definitely have the car looked at by a professional before you purchase one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th November, 2004

2000 Mercury Cougar V6 from North America

Summary:

I love this car

Faults:

I tried to install neons on the interior of the car, and they burnt something out. Sometimes the alarm will go off when I get in the car and then close the door and don't lock it. I press a button on the key-less entry and it's fine. Other than that, no problems at all.

General Comments:

The V6 is very quick. The handling is great and it is such a smooth ride. I love that it tells you how many miles you have left on your gas tank until it is empty. Even the seats are power and the sound system is great! This is definitely an affordable luxury car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd November, 2004

2000 Mercury Cougar V6 2.5L DOHC from North America

Summary:

Great when new, but bad when used

Faults:

-The rod bearing spun out at 46,300 miles and 25 days of ownership, was fixed, and after 4 days and 1,200 dollars worth of repairs after being picked up, I now have the same problem.

-Trunk needs to be pulled on to open.

-The check engine light comes on when the fuel level gets to a fourth of a tank, due to the fuel pump problem.

General Comments:

-Amazing car when it works.

-Handles and accelerates awesomely.

-Watch this car with an eagles eye if buying it used.

-One itty bitty problem can turn into the biggest nightmare!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd September, 2004

16th Mar 2005, 15:35

The 'fuel pump problem' you describe may actually be a warped gas tank. I had this problem with my 2k Cougar and my 2k Contour (mechanical twins). Ford corporate claims they've never heard of it, and apparently few dealers know about it. The bottom of the tank distorts, and the engine gets low fuel pressure. This could trip the light you're seeing. My cars all acted up with between 1/4 and 1/2 a tank.

2000 Mercury Cougar SE V6 from North America

Summary:

Cougar - A great value

Faults:

The car would stutter, hesitate and die when the fuel gage was below 1/4 tank. The fuel pump was ultimately replaced after a recall, and after being accused of running out of gas by the service department.

The trunk release button failed to work and the "motor" or mechanism was replaced.

General Comments:

The fuel pump problem was very aggravating for quite some time. I was almost ready to sell the car when I received the notice of recall in the mail. I have not had any problems with the fuel pump since it was replaced.

I am very happy with the performance and look of the car. I will always buy a Ford product.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd July, 2004