Mercury sells half as many Cougars as Ford does the mechanically identical Thunderbird. Not bad, considering Mercury's more limited dealer network and the Cougar's more conservative styling. In concept, the Cougar is a traditional luxo-coupe boulevardier, but when infused with Ford's potent modular 4.6-liter V8, the Cougar's purr becomes a snarl.

Amazingly, the hefty Cougar V8 turns in some pretty impressive performance figures. It feels much quicker and lighter than it actually is. The exterior features traditional cues such as a chrome grille and formal roofline. Unfortunately, these looks make the Cougar a prime candidate for aftermarket or dealer-installed luxury packages' that include such gimcrackery as tacky opera lamps, fake convertible roof applications, and yucky gold trim add-ons. Not even the factory can resist cluttering Cougar's lines; a non-functional luggage rack is available on the options list. Inside, the Cougar offers first-class accommodations for five, with a sweeping dashboard that provides a cocooned cockpit feel to front passengers.

Revised front and rear styling debuts on Cougar for 1996. A chrome insert appears in the bodyside cladding. Both V6 and V8 engines get improvements, including 100,000-mile tune-up intervals. Also new is a Total Anti-theft System option, a cruise control system that increases or decreases speed one mph per tap of the controls, and chrome alloy wheels. Power lumbar support is gone from the Cougar this year, and three formerly standard conveniences (illuminated entry, power driver's seat and leather-wrapped steering) go to the options list. Watch for a special midyear feature car with special interior and exterior fittings.

This iteration of the Cougar has been on the market since 1989, albeit with dramatic improvements over the years. If a healthy dose of luxury and traditional styling is your cup of tea, the Cougar is likely one car you'll want to consider.

1996 Highlights

New styling and powertrain improvements highlight the 1996 Cougar. Some formerly standard equipment is now optional. New options include a revamped cruise control system and a Total Anti-Theft System. Four new colors debut.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1996 Mercury Cougar.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.425 reviews

Write a review See all 25 reviews

5(52%)

4(40%)

3(8%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Sleeper hit!

silveeto,07/12/2014

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.

Buying a used 96'w 3.8ltr

Tim S....Pennsylvania,11/29/2015

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

Outstanding Car!

alex,09/14/2007

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!

Seasoned Cat

car lover,06/22/2008

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

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Features & Specs

MPG

17 city / 24 hwy

Seats 0

4-speed automatic

Gas

145 hp @ 4000 rpm

See all Used 1996 Mercury Cougar Coupe features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
0

More about the 1996 Mercury Cougar

Used 1996 Mercury Cougar Coupe Overview

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Should I lease or buy a 1996 Mercury Cougar?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Used 1996 Mercury Cougar Coupe

Used