Used 1997 Mercury Cougar Consumer Reviews
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1997 XR-7 Sport Model
Big Ern, 06/11/2002
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bought new--Every time we think about trading it in, we remember all the good stuff--the superb handling, the terrific styling--still looks great!!-- comfort on long rides--etc., etc.!! Can't say enough about it!! It's the sports model, and in all these years, I've seen only two others--it's a rare car!! Maybe that's what I like best. Just got new tires--only because the others were 5 and a half years old!
Sorry they're gone
lolakitty, 07/28/2010
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I love my cougar and if they had one today just like it - I would buy it on the spot. Never had a problem until recently with emission. That is almost 13 years trouble-free. 1997 was last of the big cats and now mercs will be gone all together. There is no match for a cougar lover! I loved owning this car and the interior - for the money - all leather and so comfortable. Love the feel of a heavy car, the way it cruises along. Good bye sweet kitty.
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See all 0 listingsI love my cougar!!!
vim, 05/03/2005
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I love this car! Bought in '00 off of a lease.Never had one problem (beside manifold blowing up on christmas eve!- Recall i didn't know about!) Otherwise a beautiful car with great handling, acceleration and comfortability. I baby this car and can get a new car-but why? Eats a lot of gas but what can you ask of a v8. I wish they still made this model. I lucked out on this 30th anniversary edition it even came with tint! I do go through a lot of brakes...
97 Cougar
jcp, 08/10/2002
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have had no problems with the car. The V8 accelerates well and smoothes out on the highway. The car has a stiffer sport suspension option that handles nice. Leather is a good fit for the interior. The exterior is a plus with the pearl paint finish.
1997 Mercury Cougar RX7,
J Black, 03/30/2002
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Beautiful Styling, best looking of all 1983-1997 Cougars & T-Birds .... Design, comfort, and handling all good to very good, with very nice & reasonably quiet ride ... Car runs very well after 111k miles ... 6 cyl eng is woefully underpowered but reliable ... Brakes have been the biggest problem from day one ... Fuel economy is average, 19-23 mpg ...
Quality Not Job One
Mike Harris, 01/03/2003
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Be aware of Ford's 3.8L engines. They are widely known to have defective head gaskets. Recallled for 92, 94 & 95 but not 97. This includes Mustang, Thunderbird, Taurus, and Cougar. Premature failure, usually just after experation of Factory 3yr./36000mile warranty.
Still running strong after all these years!
Daren, 08/24/2016
updated 09/04/2019
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is without a doubt the best and most reliable car I have ever owned. I bought it brand new back in 1996 and it has been running strong ever since. I'm at 426k miles with no end in sight. The 4.6L V8 engine has never had any major repairs and the transmission was only rebuilt once at about 300k miles. The main computer had to be replaced about 7 years ago and when the new one was installed the only program it would take was one for a Mustang since they share the same engine. Definitely a wolf in sheep's clothing. :) I'm trying to drive it until the wheels fall off, but they just won't. Of course, I have kept up with all recommended maintenance since it was new and am reaping the benefits. If only every car ran this well!!!
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Cool Cat
El Draco, 12/19/2003
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
When I get my cat people always comment on how nice it looks and how its a shame they don't make them anymore. Not only that the car has been a lot of fun to drive and very reliable mechanically.
one of the last TRUE COUGAR XR7'S V8's Automatic
kirkpatrick baker, 10/11/2016
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this is a great ride will travel anywhere you wanted to go new headlights due to fogging of the lens new headlinner will pass inspection this month no problems at all. a little age as will happen but will start evey time new battery 3 months ago it is a second auto in the family will go all the time.new air k&n filter and does not use any oil , changed every 5000 miles with filter also and lubed all points where needed has had synithic oil in engine,transmission,rearend.flushed brake system and power steering also. new tires.milage is 41000 miles orginal
Nearly Classic
Matthew Rearick, 12/08/2018
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Handling feels great, strong V8 option, and good 4 wheel disc brakes. Very comfortable interior. This car is 22 years old now, 3 years from being a classic, so of course some things will go wrong. Luckily this is an engine is inexpensive to have work done on. There are a couple of minor issues like the bottom of the doors seem to rust first, rear visibility isn't perfect, and traction is a little loose in bad weather.
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Cougar XR7
joe heineken, 06/15/2008
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I've owned out of four new cars. Nice looking, big, powerful, dependable. Great gas mileage on highway, on way to Ohio, only filled up once in Indianapolis. Not good on gas in town however. Had a few trim problems that were fixed by dealer. Now need work after 127,000 mi, but still runs great.
Last of the Big Cats
Hershell Smalls, 05/31/2002
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle with 28000 miles on it. I now have 90000 miles on it and the only problem I have had with it is with a radiator leak. This was after the warranty expired but the Mercury dealer still repaired it for free. Ride and handling is still a pleasure. Although the car is on the heavy side, the V-8 has a nice kick.
quality is possible
falco, 09/17/2009
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car only problem was intake manifold recall average mpg highway is 35 burns no oil have 17500 miles still going strong. have not even changed a bulb wow! secret use mystery oil!
very good car
pls317, 09/27/2002
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the cougar and the t-bird from 1991 to 1997 are the best cars made in that time frame
I'm A Believer
good2bqueen, 09/28/2002
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First off I want it known that I was a die-hard GM person. For 25 years I was strictly GM. I had always liked the look of the Cougars and decided that one day I wanted to drive one and see if I liked it. I fell in love with the way the car handled and rode not to mention that classy yet sporty look. It has been the best car I ever owned. I have not had one single bit of mechanical problems and even at 5 years old it looks as good as any of the new vehicles on the road and runs as well also. I know I will be looking for another Mercury or Lincoln product for my next car which may not be any time soon because I don't want to get rid of this one.
'97 Mercury Cougar XR7
C. Radaker, 07/18/2003
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Vehicle has been relatively trouble free. Now has 95,000+ miles. One of the best cars I've owned.
The Kitty Cat From Hell!!!
Justin, 12/09/2004
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This rare 30th Anniversary Mercury Cougar is a lot of car for the money. This car came loaded with leather, power seats, one-touch sunroof, climate control, autoheadlamps and many other options. However, it has had its fair share of problems. It was trouble free up until 60,000 miles when the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced, causing the service engine light to come on. At 63,000 the ABS module went, which was very expensive to repair. At 65,000 miles the service engine light came on again and this time it was the ignition coils. At 68,000, the intake manifold gasket cracked which caused coolant to leak all over once pressure was built up in the lines. What is next to go?
Great Cougar
Rayro, 09/27/2005
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have owned this car for 6 years. Most maintenance has been done at home. Intake manifold problem at 50K miles-dealer replacement. Computer replacement at 66K miles by the dealer- my expense. Service was great. Its a great, reliable car based on a proven chassis. I would like to see Mercury use it as a base for a new rear wheel drive model to compete with the Charger/Chrysler 300C. Let's get with it !
Cougar
woody1957, 03/08/2003
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best Car every owned. Excellent fuel economy for a V-8. 19-21 mpg around town, 25 mpg highway. No mechanical problems, execpt the intake manifold recall.
The little things
jimmyh911, 07/11/2004
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car ran beautifully up until its warranty was up. First to go was the radiator than a freeze plug. The crack manifold almost totalled the engine. (we recieved the recall too late.)The front end has had $3500 in repairs in the last 2 years. The doors sagged off the hinges ($450 repair) Through all of that, it rides beautifully, never breaks down, handles well, has a beautiful cockpit and speeds like bat out of he11. The cougar cleans up beautifully but still leaves others in its dust.
This Cat is Puuurrfect!!!
Physicusman, 07/30/2004
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just recently purchased this 30th Anniversary Cougar in July of this year. It's been great! The V8 is smooth and reliable. I already have an 1988 Cougar LS 5.0, so I LOVE these cars. One of the best ones they've put out. The independent rear suspension just coasts over the bumps and the automatic tranny is responsive. The paint is beautiful as well. It has some Flowmaster mufflers, so she sounds (and performs) just as good as a Mustang! Tinted windows and all came with the car already! I am very happy with this purchase and hope to get many good years with it.
love my wheels
bigdog99, 11/12/2004
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car, fairly fast even with the v-6 handles great no problems. I'm a big guy and the car seats me very comfortably
Not bad for the last of its kind.
Rayro, 09/11/2007
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a cruiser. I love to take it on vacation or any time that I get on an interstate. Too bad it took Detroit until 2005 to start building solid RWD cars again, but we a glad that we had this Cougar to weather the void.
my cougar
thelunchking, 05/31/2003
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
super car x-ride roomy = comforatable to drive
Built on Friday the 13th!!!
Coogrr, 07/05/2003
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th Coogrr, and it must have been built on a Friday. We have had it in for many repairs, from dash light showing through on windshield at night (Ford Guys thought duct tape was a good fix, wrong!) Sunroof deflector broke early on, A/C problems resulted in car interior being ripped apart at 22K miles, and A/C still not right at 65K. New tranny at 64K, and this car is babied. Fun to drive, all these repairs are a headache. Ford service has been so bad, we will never buy another Ford again. 'Nuff said. Too bad~~I loved these cars, this one has been a handful.
Love My Cougar
Shawn, 12/10/2015
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 97 Cougar used. The body is totally straight and other than some holes in the driver's seat. The interior is in amazing shape. No holes or tears in passenger seat or on back seats. The dash doesn't have a crack at all, still looks brand new. However, the interior roof and sunvisors being velour SUCK! I don't care for the tachometer (I don't know why automatics need one) I'd rather have the oil pressure gauge and battery gauge. I hate the dummy lights. My girl has 221,702 miles and shows no signs of giving up. I'm a very PROUD Mercury Cougar owner.
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Cougar XR7
slowhandlarry, 07/27/2023
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
awesome ride. She is a survivor!
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