Ford Cougar: Review and rate

The Cougar name has a long history within the Ford Motor Company. Originally used in 1967 by their Mercury Cars division, it was with us until 2002 when the legend finally died. So, what does this stalwart of American, and later European, motoring has to offer as a used car?

The early Mercury

The original, US built Mercury Ford Cougars appeared during the peak of the muscle car obsession. A svelt two door coupe, it had engines options up to seven litres, with the Mercury Cougar XR7 pushing out a Mustang with a bashing 390 bhp. This was unusual, as the car was based on Mustang underpinnings and some models even carried the same 289 cid engine. The seventies saw a change in direction, as the Cougar became more mainstream. Sedans were produced and even station wagons appeared, as Mercury tried to re-target its market. Engine choices were reduced, as were interiors, but the XR7 continued to sell well, setting an all-time record in 1978. A complete re-design was on the cards for the eighties with a return to the two door coupe body-styling, but with smaller engine options in keeping with the rest of the fuel conscious motor industry. The completely new 1999 and 2000 Mercury Cougars were released in Europe under the Ford name.

The European Cougar

In 1999, the all new Ford Cougar was offered for sale. This fresh looking car had coupe style and three door, hatchback practicality. Available with a choice of two power plants, the 2 litre Zetec was more economical, but the Ford Cougar V6 was to be the best seller. Both engines were incredibly reliable with the V6 using chain driven cams as opposed to the belt system on the Zetec. An automatic transmission was optional, but only on the V6 version, as it blunted the 2 litres performance.
With Mondeo underpinnings, the comfort levels were assured and interior space also benefited from this heritage. Electrics are typical Ford items. All seem to have good reliability, though, with no reports of serious failings as the cars get older. The trim levels available are limited, with the engine choice making the bulk of the decision for you. Top of the range, and well worth having if buying a used Ford Cougar, is the Ghia X. Only an option on the V6 model, this pack added luxuries, like leather trim and heated electric seats. The only things that you could order in addition to the X pack were an electric sunroof, heated windscreen and metallic paint. In all, the Cougar is a great used buy. Sensible fuel economy, practicality and reasonable Ford parts and servicing make this distinctive coupe a good choice.