Used 1996 Mercury Cougar Consumer Reviews
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Sleeper hit!
silveeto, 07/12/2014
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I fell into owning this car accidentally. My aunt was moving and had no room for it anymore, so I traded her a set of couches and a couple hundred bucks for it. I figured I'd just flip it and make a few extra bucks. NOPE. What I thought was an old man's car actually turned out to be a fun sporty powerhouse of a car that I just can't part with now.
I Love the Cougar Xr7
Jesse, 04/30/2010
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My dad handed down this car to me. I always loved how it looked. When i actually got around to driving it, i was blown away. I love the V8, its great for just having fun. I also love the ride itself. It's surprisingly quiet for having a V8, and it has lots of leg room. I hope i can keep this car forever
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See all 0 listingsWhy Chose the X-R7
daskew, 08/17/2002
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought our XR-7 V6 model as a used vehicle. It is my experience that the for a V6 it is kinda suggish when taking off. I think that the XR-7 has a very comfortable ride, expecially on long trips. I feel that the fuel economy is very poor for this particular model. Get yourself in the frame of mind that this is not a sport coupe. Like most American made cars it feels like it was made on an assembly line. The air vents are placed in such a manner that the rear passengers have a good wait to cool off. The tires should have come in a low profile. The car is made up of a lot of parts, that over time begin to loosen.
The Life of a COUGAR
Cougar Life, 03/21/2010
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car was the second Cougar I have bought in 3 months as a cheap replacement car I was hoping to own for more than a year. I had a 94 Coug which decided to one day have major engine problems with no warning.It had 120K miles on it. So I bought the 96 with 87k on it which seemed like a great buy for my price range.Within a week of owning I had to replace a couple of things which I think was due to not being well kept by the owners before me. After that, I noticed a major difference in how the car drove.It can really get moving with its powerful V8. I drove the car from Wisconsin down to Florida with no issues.As long as you get one that is well taken care of you shouldn't have any problem.
Nice Ride for an older vehicle
Reverend, 02/22/2009
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I got the vehicle in 2005 with approximately 18,000 miles on the odometer. It belonged to an elderly lady who was in a nursing home and she had it garaged for almost 4 years (the inspection sticker was going on 5 years old). It needed a battery and the tires replaced, which I did immediately. Living in New England I only use the car during inclement weather conditions and during the winter with snow tires it gets me everywhere. As a third vehicle, it seldom gets usage, but I do ensure it is used at least 50 miles weekly. It drives like a tank, but due to its age (1996 )most vehicles that size were tanks. It has been very dependable and has not required any work. It isn't fuel efficient.
96 XR7 is the Best car I ever owned
mike, 07/22/2010
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 XR7 4.6V8 in Oct. 95 and it has 224,000 miles on the original engine and still runs like new. I average 19 mpg in town and 23.5 on the freeway. The only real problem I have had is the Air-con gave out at 200,000 miles and it will cost too much to replace ($900).
Buying a used 96'w 3.8ltr
Tim S....Pennsylvania, 11/29/2015
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Pick a one under 100k....i traveled 220miles to pick up my used cougar in sept... i looked, called at at least 30....setlled on the 3.8ltr in Conn... no issues...drives and runs great....rear bushing will nesd done, past that.. love my second cougar..... may get one w 50k miles next.... shop around dont by a beat one and it will be worth your time and effort.. i f you love the bodystyle of the 95-97'..... oh yeah cup holders suck....
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Seasoned Cat
car lover, 06/22/2008
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought a 96 V8 XR7 in sept. of '03 with 94652 miles on it. It is now June of '08 and it has 209231 miles on it with the original engine and no rebuilds! It always starts like a champ and still has the abilty to go buck! The transmission however is the only true drawback with it's sluggishness to respond. There is a temporary lag when kicking down to passing gear and an uncharacteristicly poor throttle response. Once you learn to work around those details or modify to change them, the car is a ball to drive. Previous owner modified the PCM to generate more ponies but the change was made by the dealership and not by some shade tree mechanic!
TLC and my cougar went a long way
Brittaney8807, 01/11/2010
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my car my senior year of high school because I needed a car that I could drive and I could fit in, and it was the only one on the lot in my price range (two grand). I brought it home, and never had any problems with it until it hit the 170000 mile mark, than it completely fell apart on me, so I had the engine rebuilt because I loved the car, its durable, and not overbearingly powerful, and a nice car to take to college with. Since than I have never had a problem with it, just keeping up maintenance and driving on.
Comfort & Reliability at a Cheap Price
rrd, 10/31/2002
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 96 Cougar last June. The 1996 Cougar is very civilized. Power from the 4.6 L is excellent and smooth. I did buy a new 94 T-Bird in 1994 which I managed to total with only 500 miles. (I thank God Ford put in airbags starting in 1994, or I may not be writing this now!) I know these cars are safe first hand. It was in the winter and I was surprised how little traction these cars have in the snow and ice. I have a 4X4 for winter now, (but I am curious if this 96 Cougar can handle the snow and ice under very controlled conditions). If not, in the garage it goes until spring!
1996 Mecury Cougar
96cougar, 02/18/2003
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We've had our cougar coming up on 7 years now, and it's been a great vehicle. 108,000 miles and still runs and drives like the day we bought it. The V8 has great power with out screaming muscle car. Handles well, rides nice and is wonderful for long trips. With the traction control and snow tires, we drive it year round in New England.
Comfortable cruiser
Zillafire7, 05/02/2004
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The cougar has a very powerful engine, that after 8 years is still able to lit up the michelins. The interior, while basic, is comfortable for 4 adults, provided the two in the back are shorter than 6ft. In the wet, RWD combined with 280lbs/ft of tourque conspire against agressive throttle imputs, but in the dry, can make the car feel like a sports car. Brakes are a little weak compared to new cars, but decent.
Love my Cougar
BacardiRobb, 05/16/2004
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Coming from the snow belt I too wish that my cougar came with the traction control, however 100 pounds of sand and studded snow tires I can go anywhere. Since I bought the cougar used in 2000 with 30,000 miles, not too many folks want rear wheel drive in NW PA, so it was a dirt cheap purchase. The only expense I have had to date are plugs, breaks and tires. Awesome car.
She's a keeper!!
Kimberly , 01/19/2022
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because it was the best one I could find in my price range at the moment. I didn't plan on how much I'd end up loving the car. I have the xr-7 v8 model and it has plenty of power and never fails to start on the first try even in the coldest of Temps. I've had the car about a year and other than routine maintenance, I've had to do no other work to the vehicle. The hoses need to be replaced due to normal wear and some are dry rotted but have posed no problem yet. The ride is smooth and comfortable. The inside isn't the roomiest especially in the backseat but it is designed to carry a total of five passengers. Some of the interior design is not the most well thought-out , more specifically the location of the cup holders and ashtray. Overall I love my cougar and it has earned its place as a keeper. I now have a second car and only drive the cougar occasionally as I plan to keep her a long time.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Outstanding Car!
alex, 09/14/2007
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from an owner and its been nothing but awesome! Will out perform all except a Cobra Mustang. I love the looks of this car and aparently so do others as they keep staring and pointing as I go by. The all leather interior is excellent & well maintained. If I can find another one I would buy it in a flash!
96 Mercury Cougar
96greencougar, 09/29/2002
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have owned mine for two years, the V6 is to small of an engine for this car so if you have the chance buy the V8. remeber that even though the V6 is a 3.8 this is a big car so the more power the better. Just like any sports car lack of fuel economy is part of the deal. For a coupe this car has alot of room in the backseat. Over all i am very happy with my cougar
96 XR-7 Cougar
Jason Barksdale, 02/25/2003
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our cougar when it was a year old it had 20000 miles on it and now it has 92000 miles ive never had any trouble out of it and I love the car in every way,it has the same 4.6 motor as in the GT Mustangs so that means any proformanes parts for a mustang 4.6 will work on it, i had a hard time trying to find somone that would put true duel exhuast on it but i got it done, its very hard to find 18x9 chrome cobra R wheels for it but i did, it rides better that any mustang ive ever rode in, over all i say A+
Great Car and Fun to drive
Cougarnut03, 12/12/2003
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the v6 model with 83,743 miles on it and used it all summer throught rush hour traffic all day. The car has never stalled and has always promptly started up. My car doesnt have the traction control option so i just put two 50lb sandbags in the trunk and it helps alot in the winter. The seats are very comfortable and there is plenty of legroom for someone who is 6'2. As for speed, the v6 is plenty as long as you are not trying to race a mustang. The v8 would be great i'm sure but if you dont want to shell out the extra cash, the v6 is not slow at all.
I can't complain
dmastri682, 12/29/2005
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my cougar a year and a half ago for $4,500. Honestly, I don't think I could have gotten a better car. It had about 80,000 miles on it when I bought it. I've put about 35,000 miles on this car in less than 2 years and i've only had to get new tires, brakes, and a major tune up. It drives great, and I am so grateful for it's reliability and integrity. Recently, I considered purchasing a newer "flashy" car. I ultimately decided against it because getting rid of the cougar would just be plain dumb. If I sold it, I dont think I could live with myself for getting rid of such a great car simply because I'm an impulse buyer. I would recommend this car to absolutely anyone.
bermuda
bermuda, 03/01/2006
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought this car brand new and loved it for all ten years that i owned it. just traded it on as close of a vehicle on the market since they dont make the cougar any longer. purchased a 2006 monte carlo. hope it is as trouble free and as great a car as the couger. it really was trouble free ownership and was driven cross country many times. it had 152,000 miles and looked showroom new.
bad ass!
fordpwnage, 08/27/2004
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
man, i love this car! its so fast (4.6L) and people just dont see this car coming. its awsome when you tell people, 'i have a cougar' and they think to the new ones. ;). this car makes the best sleeper. i had trouble getting into rear seats of other 2 door cars, but not this one! the quiet idle doesnt give away the v8, when i gun it, its to late for them. the only thing i hate is it needs more power. Im gonna fix that soon though... it would be bad ass if it could hang with z28's, or its brother, the mark VIII.
I wish I bought this car new
Vegasman, 10/30/2004
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this Cougar Last month. I thought that I would park it in my garage and use it as a back up when I did not want to drive my new Chevrolet SSR. TO my suprise this eight year old car with only 52000 miles deives better than some newer cars that I have had. It goes to work with me every day and everything still works. What a great buy for $4,500.00 dollars.the V6 has pleanty of power and will cruise along just fine. This is a fun car to drive and I do not feel that I am driving an old car. In Las Vegas it gets very hot in the summer and AC works great. It is a car that looks great and is fun to drive.
1996 xr7
lakeland fl, 12/16/2006
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd XR7 i had a 1979 and a 1986 and now i have a 1996 and love it .There great cars and for the money what more can you ask for . There nice driving cars and ride great and look great and there very very safe cars .The XR7 looks like it should cost you a lot of money to buy one thats how good they look on the road .My XR7 looks and drives better then my Town Car .The XR7 is a great car to own !!
an awsome car
Ford4v460, 03/29/2003
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have the 4.6L in w/sport suspension, great car, everything the mustang is and more..........
ONE BAD CAT
Lion Tamer, 05/11/2003
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awsome, awsome, awsome, awsome, awsome, i love this car, awsome, i wish they had never made that new Japanese looking peice of junk, i love my car.
Couger 96
LER, 06/08/2003
1996 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One of the best cars I have owned. V-8 is a wonderful, maintenance free engine. Comfortable with fairly good gas mileage (23). Only complaint is from my wife who does not like 2-door cars with big doors. Interior has stayed pristine. I never did find the rear wheel drive to be a problem, but I did use snow tires in the winter.