2000 Mercury Cougar 2.5 from North America

Summary:

It would take me all day to write my opinion

Faults:

Let's see.

The transmission went 2 months after I bought it.

Motor mounts are shot.

Trunk and hood release don't work properly.

Two fuel pumps.

Tie rods 3 times.

Power window tracks broke; only riveted on.

What else? Oh yeah, LOL, the best for last. Not only 1 or 2 or 3, but I'm on my 14th alternator. Starting to be a pro at changing them. The first time, it took me all day. Get them done in about an hour. As I write this message, my car sits in my driveway waiting for me to put on its 15th alternator, so anyone wanna buy a good reliable car, gimme a call, I'll give ya a good deal LOL.

Well good luck to ya's.

General Comments:

If you have any of these problems, get rid of it now; they don't go away.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th November, 2006

25th Jan 2007, 14:35

I agree. As we speak my 99 Cougar is in the dealership having its hood release fixed. First they charged $40 for the diagnostic fee even though I told them the hood release was snapped. Then somehow I am paying $245 for the cable and the piece of plastic that make up the hood release. I am about to pick up my car since they lost the part in transit somewhere.

13th May 2007, 03:07

I feel your pain. I just put in my tenth alternator. Nobody can tell me the cause. The dealership put in the first eight. I called Mercury and and ask about a recall dealing with the alternators, and they said they have not hear on any problems. Everybody I know that owns a Cougar has already replaced one alternator.

6th Apr 2014, 21:22

A popular and highly plausible theory on the persistent alternator problems revolves around the fact that the alternator is mounted really low on the engine, exposing it to lots of road dust and water splashing up from the tires. I traded in my 4 cylinder 2.0 Cougar at 168,000 miles and never had to replace the alternator. On that engine, the alternator is positioned much higher.

2000 Mercury Cougar V6 2.5 litre 24v DOHC from North America

Summary:

I love this car and wish that they would have kept making them!

Faults:

The only thing I have had go wrong with this car was the sensor for the coolant does not properly operate. It comes on all the time now, however, I have not fixed it because it is not a big deal to me. Everything else on the car has operated without defect.

General Comments:

I love this car and if they were still making it I would consider buying a new one.

It does lack in power, I would really like to have the V8 still available, however, the fuel economy is super, I regularly get 29 mpg highway and 24 city.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2006

2000 Mercury Cougar 2.5 Liter V6 from North America

Summary:

Just a little more power would have made this a true profit car for Mercury

Faults:

20,000 Miles- Trunk Chime would not shut off.

60,000 Miles- Alternator as well as Idle Air Control Valve.

68,000 Miles- Both Left and Right Front wheel bearings and hubs.

Everything else has been the usual wear and tear type items- brakes, tires, battery, spark plugs, wires, etc.

General Comments:

For the most part this has been a good, dependable car. I thought it rather odd that the wheel bearings went at 70,000 miles as the design for these cars is meant to last longer.

The car is great on gas on the highway. I've seen interstate stretches where I've achieved 34-35 MPG with the A/C running.

The drive-train needs more oomph, especially down low in the rev range. My other vehicles are both highly modified and produce well over 350 HP each so I may be a little biased in this aspect. The transmission also has a couple of dead spots. That is to say when traveling at certain speeds and a need for a lower gear is needed, dropping the gas pedal to the floor will only open up the throttle body and no down-shift will occur. Not a big deal with a large, torquey motor, but the 2.5 isn't a very large or torquey motor.

The stock stereo in the car is surprisingly clear and has lots of volume for when your in the mood for crankin' up the tunes.

I have yet to be in another car that is as sure-footed in the snow. I've never been stranded in the driveway and missed work because of an ice storm with this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th September, 2006