1997 Mercury Cougar Review
Price Estimate: $579 - $904

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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- This boulevard cruiser can be turned into quite a sporty car with the addition of the 4.6-liter V-8 engine and anti-lock brakes.
Cons
- We're not to crazy about the styling and think that some of the option packages are a bit silly. For example, why does a luggage rack appear in the luxury appearance group? What in the heck is luxurious about luggage?
What’s new
Mercury gives you the chance to buy a special anniversary edition replete with plenty of badges, a special interior and a few luxury doo-dads.
For sale nearby
Vehicle overview
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.
Since this is the last year for the rear-wheel drive Cougar, Mercury has decided to make it a special model. An Anniversary package is offered for buyers who want to commemorate this car's passing. The package includes a sportier suspension, plenty of badges, a unique interior, Toreador red paint, special seat, cool wheels, and better tires. If we were buying one, however, we would probably stick with the Sport Appearance Package. We don't know what it is, but anniversary edition cars always look a bit silly after a few years.
This iteration of the Cougar has been on the market since 1989, and this is your last chance to get one. If you have been saving your pennies for this car, it's time to cash in.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$203/mo for Cougar XR7
Cougar XR7
vs
$200/mo
Avg. Large Car
Mercury Cougar Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
1997 XR-7 Sport Model
5 out of 5 starsBig Ern, 06/11/2002
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
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
4.5 out of 5 starslolakitty, 07/28/2010
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
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.
I love my cougar!!!
4.25 out of 5 starsvim, 05/03/2005
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
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
5 out of 5 starsjcp, 08/10/2002
1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 2dr Coupe
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 Cougar Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $203/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger1 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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