Used 1999 Mercury Cougar Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Great car for the price!
I bought this car for $400 not-running. It had the common fuel-pump failure. Cost me $200 for a new one with labor. The mechanic then told me the engine had been over-heated which I suspected. Luckily Ford cross-platforms many of their vechicles so another engine was cheap ($350). Swapped engines and ever since its been running like new :) Interior quality is high quality and the suspension is rides smooth. Will be keeping this car till it stops running :)
Why did they stop making the Cougar?
In 2002 I bought a used 1999 Cougar, this proved to be one of my best decisions! I have put thousands of miles on this car. I have popped down the back seats and hauled more than in those toys trucks that are so popular. I have dressed up and taken my girlfriends out on the town in this sporty little car. I have saved so much on my gas bills, with my mileage ranging from 29 to 31 mpg. So I ask why did they stop making this car?
- V6 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $7,800386 mi away
- I4 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $2,9502,010 mi away
Hate to love it
I got my 1999 Mercury Cougar about a year ago. I really just got it because of the gas milage. I have had only normal wear and tear out of it. Tires, battery ect...when I got it it had 115k and a year later it sits at 140k......I have no major complains its fast and really sporty looking. It makes a good car for men for women......would make a great first car
going strong
a've had my cougar 'georgette' for 5 years now, just turned over 200,000 miles, all original parts. very good running, reliable, just now starting to think about replacing the important parts. i LOVE my car and it has served me well. i don't see how anyone could not be satisfied with one. they must drive worse than me. i've taken my car cross-country several times, raced it, taken it camping. for a small car, it can hold and handle whatever i've dished out. thank-you cougar makers! i am one very satisfied customer!
Love my 99 Cougar "big red"
I got my 1999 Mercury Cougar 2 and 1/2 months ago for $500; was my half brother's before but wasn't well taken care of. Had to make numerous repairs to get it running and did some body work on top of that. Now, with almost 94000 miles (had 92k when I got it) runs like new. Would def. recommend to someone who wants a sportier feel
52,000 miles and still strong
cup holder sucks, but they fixed that. otherwise no mechanical problems. runs great, ~30 mpg with a light touch, put ZR tires and it sticks like glue, cargo for my skis, surfboard and a ton of junk when i moved.
Mercury Cougars Water Leaks
Mercury Cougar allows water to leak into areas that should be kept dry: driver's seat, passenger's seat, & especially hatch area. 'Had to throw out multiple carpets and deal with stench of mildew. 'Able to see where water enters into hatch (through a spot welded seem near tail-lights) but solid sheet metal is above this area; multiple dealerships have been unable to diagnose how it gets in. Source is definitely not the rubber seals around the tail-light or hatch; these are tight. Only other source might be rubber gutter seals above windows, but there is no way to know unless they are removed. Problem is they can't be replaced. New ones must be purchased, custom painted, & installed.
99 Cougar
It handles ever so sweet. You are craddled in the seat. The only thing I would change on the vehicle is the rear view mirror. It obstructs your view when coming down or going up a ramp and you are looking ahead. I don't know how they could do it differently - maybe if it was off center and more towards the passenger side? But it is still a sweet ride.
Miss it a lot
I wish I still had this car! It was fun to drive, handled well and had a sleek sporty look and it got really good gas mileage. If I ever find another one just like it I would buy it again.
great car, reiable and fun to drive
I have had this car for 7 yrs now it has 185000 miles and is still running strong.. I have not done any major repairs to this car and would recommend it to anyone..
new school's "old school"
I'm writing this review for a friend who recently got a V6 Cougar with 215K miles on it. I'm writing the review since i'm the reason he owns it. I got this as my 1st car. We bought it off a sweet old couple who had it since new, and it was never driven hard. I owned it for a whole 2 weeks, before my friend bought it from me for exactly what i paid for it originally. it looks more expensive than it is outside, but the basic cloth interior is not too comfy or good looking. The engine, though is amazing! shame i had the auto, since i know that a manual would be much more fun. Great 1st car, and great sport coupe on a budget, since it is 14 years old now.
Great Reliable Car!
I have a 99 Mercury Cougar V6 Automatic. My parents bought it for me back in '03 with about 32k miles on it. 10 years later, with 155k miles and it is still a great car. All cars break, that is inevitable, but it never left me stranded and always got me home or to the mechanic. Very reliable, sturdy and well built. My interior still looks close to new. Regular oil changes, tires, and brakes. All the norm. This is the perfect first car for a new driver. People are always surprised when I tell them how old my car is. They can't believe it. I'm sad to be trading it in for something newer in the next month.
1999 V6 Cougar
When I first received the car, it felt nimble and quick, with time the car has settled in and doesn't feel as nimble; after 8 years, I've decided to begin making it a more sporty car again by replacing the suspension with a european BAT suspension kit, put 18" wheels, and a new 20 mm rear sway bar, which after 8 years, all were pretty- much at the end of their service-lives, the nimbleness has definitely come back. The transmission comment made on your follow-up test posted 01-01-1999 hit it on the head about the car missing a low speed powerband and I would add a high-speed powerband when in fifth-gear for passing. Overall I'm happy with my vehicle and look forward to continued fun with it.
Great First Car
I just turned 16 and i wanted to buy a car that i would love but a car that wouldn't completely drain my savings. The 99 cougar was perfect. It rides nice for a small car, it is fast and it gives you a feeling of security when your in it. All of the controls are easy to access while driving, and the heating and air conditioning work in seconds. If your looking for a car that makes peoples heads turn, you need this car. The great thing about it is you can't tell its 11 years old.
Excellent Car!
I purchased this vehicle used in Nov. 2000. The vehicle only had 8,500 miles on it when purchased. It now has 122,000 miles and is still going strong. I have not had any problems! I no plans for replacing it.
Best Cougar Ever
I had bought 2 Cougars before this one. Some like my 1970 XR-7 with the 4V 335hp V8 had great power but none as nimble as my 1999. I ordered it with the sports package and had some problems getting it to my location in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico since Mercury Hq was not allowing the vehicle to be exported. So my Cougar became the first new edge one to arrive in San Juan. Good Things: Performance when you turn AC off, handling in curvy mountain or country roads, looks from observers and engine sound with free flow mufflers. Many people ask you about it so patience with people who want to buy your car. Bad things: Original tires (which where great) have gone out of production.
A good bang for the buck!!!
Like the famous song, "I'm gonna buy me a Mercury and cruise it up and down the road...", thats exactly what I did.I bought this car used in June of 2002. It has been a great car, and I have experienced none of the problems other reviewers have. I will consent however, if Ford would have put a little more effort/quality into their design, it would no doubt be a more popular seller. I drive my car pretty hard (as most 18 year olds do), and for the price I would say it has ample power. This is a way better car than the Neon I had before it. Note: To anyone looking to buy a Cougar, go with the V6 Automatic, from what I hear they have the least problems.
Cougar
Runs great when not needing repairs. Like the others, engine light never turns off. Fuel pump replaced, hoses replaced, but beware the biggest problem is the engine is on top. The labor costs are double due to this fact and since they no longer make this type, the parts are hard to find and costly. Good freeway car but the maintenence was costly due to parts and labor costs. All mechanics hated working on this car and I paid for it. They commented never to buy a Cougar again....not a mechanics favorite and you will feel it in your pocket.
Great
Great Car. To the person who bought their Cougar with 100K miles and ripped it for "poor quality". Anyone who buys a car like a Cougar with 100K miles and expects it to be "ok" needs to research more. And to think Ford should repay the customer who bought a used car with 100K is just down right funny. By the way, my cougar didn't start having troubles till 120K miles. Got rid of it in 2008 cause the tranny went out. I loved that car, no problems till 2008. If you keep up the maintenance on any car, it will last.
Love It
I just bought a used Cougar. The service engine light was on when I got it and after just a few hundred miles it the light started blinking and the car started acting like it was going to fall apart. Once the light stopped blinking, the car started driving right. I am going to get the car checked soon, but overall I love the car and it stills looks brand new and like some of the others say it gets looks and that is what I like. I have a Firebird and Xterra, but would rather drive the Cougar now.
My Cougar
I love my little cougar, it gets me where i need to go with no problems
A fun but sometimes scary year!
The sporty V6 is fun to drive on highways and interstates but is not the best around town. I bought this car used last year and I loved it then, but after a while of driving in different situations I realized that it just was not for me. I am a short female and if I adjust the seat so I am comfortably ready to drive I end up about an inch from the visor! Also for me there is a huge blind spot behind the rear seats, which are so uncomfortable only my dogs ride back there, at first that was fine but now I need to carry people back there and they are too tall. When the car starts up in the morning and I back out of the driveway the car hums and the brakes squeaks, our service peep say it doesnt
The Best Car ive driven in 17 years.
I absolutely love this car. ive had it since january 2004 and it has absolutely nothing wrong with it. It drives great and is a fun car to drive. Great car for beginner drivers (as it was mine) and every age after that. A+++
Not So Great, But Not Terrible
I have had my Cougar for two years now. I am very ready to sell it. The transmission is slipping, the struts are going bad, the passenger window is breaking, it's rusting, and the radio is poor. I have had to do quite a few repairs on this car. I have had to get new tires, whole new braking system, new shocks, like a few different, expensive things done to the motor. My service receipt pile is quite large. My car is currently in the shop for a blockage that isn't allowing coolant to get through so it's over heating. I have heard worse stories however. I guess maybe mine is just getting old. It's a '99 with 122,222 miles on it and it had been wrecked previously.
I love the Cougar!!!!
I absolutely love this car! It's everything I ever wanted and it's affordable!
I love my cougar
i bought this car used and still it drives perfectly new! I love it!
Cougar
I have had numerous problems with this car. The fuel pump has gone out three times and the starter has also been replaced. It seems to be sluggish on take-off and dosen't perform like a sports car like I expected. I am very disappointed in this car.
Sounds like a cougar
This car is the best. Icould easly take on an Eclipse, Celica, Jetta. it also has extremely good handling and supurb control. Sounds sweet, kind of resembles a cougar's growl. I love my Cougar! The trunk has enough room for a full sized bike.
Love this car
I bought this car as my second vehicle when i was 17. I have now had it for over a year and i love the car. it has more power than i expected from a small car. it gets me where i want to go without any problems. Since i got the car i have only had to make some minor repairs. New tires, and i had to replace the rear bearings on the driver side. good sound system. lots of comfort in the front. the back is slightly crammed but the bucket seats are fun to sit in. overall i would recommend this car.
The worst car I ever owned!!!
What a relief!!!.... I just got rid of my Cougar. That was the worst car I ever owned. The radio replaced three times (and still doesn't work); windows leak; windshield replaced; dashboard sqeaks; alternater replaced; in addition to the numerous factory recalls. In one year alone I had to bring this car back to the dealer 13 times.
Awesome Car
I bought this car used with 108,000 miles on it...my '99 Sable had just crapped out with 220,000 on it so i figured another Mercury would do me good for getting back and forth to college. I now have 139,000 on it and have never had a problem. It has plenty of power except for a dull spot from 3-4000 rpms, then at 4000 she gets up and goes...its the 4 speed auto and it will do 115 in third gear at 6000 rpms...which from a 175 horse v6, is pretty impressive. Another thing is the gas mileage. I get 33mpg on a trip if I drive reasonably. Put your foot in the gas and it drops to about 24.
great
Nice car - a little small for anyone over 6 foot tall.
Cougar get an A+
I have had my cougar for around a month now, and it is great. It is a very fun car to drive (it's a v6 5speed). Its definately got nut when you want it to. The back deats are real comfortable, big trunk. If the backseats are folded, it's bigger than my bed. The only thing I do not like about the car is the center console, it's kind of a pain. Other than that, it's all good.
Sold it, want it back!
I bought this car early on in the production run, so I will admit, it had its problems. Starter, trunk release, and defective tires were my biggest complaints - however the performance of the car made up for any problems. With some small modifications, it had just as much power as the new model, and could outrun most other cars on the highway.
Great car!
I got this car as a first time car, no major issues. Fixed neutral safety switch ($100), getting new motor mounts ($450) New cold air intake, getting cat back exhaust, new tires, car runs great, tight steering, great grip. I have 167,000 miles on it. Runs great still!
Reliable
The 4 cyl. is very reliable. But the same engine is reliable in its other platforms as well. I've beaten the heck out of this car and it is still ticking away. Could use a tune up at this point in its life, but I've had it since mile 4 and it's been a great car.
Nice ride
Fun car. I'm 16 and I love this car. It handles like a race car around tight corners, and excellerates smoothly. The ride is rough but thats what you get with a sports car. Fuel eco. isn't too great in the summer because of use of the A/C. Overall its a great car!!
Fun to Drive
I've had my Cougar for 3 years now and I have had only one problem. In its 3rd year, the cables on the sunroof snapped during normal operation. The dealer says "We have to replace the whole sunroof so it'll cost ya $$$." A private mechanic says "I'll get some new cables and we'll have it repaired for about $$." Maybe I have more of a gripe with Ford? Other than the sunroof, I have not had one single second worth of problem out of the car. It drives great, it's as comfortable as a sports coupe gets, and it's a fun car. My only other gripe is that since it looks fast, all kinds of other cars want to race it... maybe their jealous of it's tight appearance?
What a lemon
Bought this car my freshman year of college after my brother totaled my beloved 1991 Lexus ES250. Needed a car to go to and from work and make the 400 mile trek home once a month. This car has great looks, and a banging stereo. The problem is, I have put almost the $6500 I paid for it in repairs to this car. Beware the sunroof, parts alone to fix are $1600 :-0 Also performance wise, there seems to be a gap in the middle gears, it's great off the line but struggles to get up to freeway speeds on an onramp. The A/C unit doesn't cool very well, and seriously hampers the engines power at freeway speeds. Beware repair costs for this unreliable vehicle.
This car is awsome
I have had this car for about 6 months now and it just keeps on getting better and better. I love this car. Its fast, turns on a dime, brakes on it are great. This car is just awsome. I cant get enough of this car. Ive already put a new esgost, cold air intake, racing chip, and anything else you can think of and now im putting Z28 camaros in my dust. If you want to have a really good car and have lots of fun you have to get this car
Wonderful Car!!!
I bought this car two years ago and I couldn't be happier. It has been regularly maintained, had some minor service and hasn't ever let me down. The power is great. The sound system is great. Traction is wonderful. Low body roll. Very responsive ride. It has 67000 miles on it so far and has been an all around great car!
My 2nd Baby
I just got the car and so far have only two complaints about it. 1... The sagging doors. Pins cannot be replaced I have to actually buy complete hinges for it. 2... The sun/moonroof clips broke and it's impossible to find parts for this car. My Cougar currently has 200,650 miles on it with a five-speed V6 and runs strong. The computer claims 27.3mpg so I'm going to actually perform my own calculations to see if its correct or not. Car is a good car and I intend on putting many many more miles on it. Maybe I'll make 300k who knows!!
What a disappointment
I have had to had to put so much money into this car and it only has 45k miles on it. At 40k my transmission had to get replaced. at 43k I needed a new alternator. And now at 45k the brakes will hopefully be the last repair I put to this money pit. I am on edmunds to read up on reviews and see if it is possible to trade the kitty in. I've had it.
too much
This is a great car but too much money. i saw a car the same car model and year for 6,995. If you ask me you need to lower the price.
Best car I've ever owned
I've never needed any service but annual oil changes. Runs great, looks great and I'm very happy with it.
fun car
great car.. a lot of fun.. ive had absolutely 0 problems
Black Cat
The cougar is a nice looking car. It handles and rides well, but is underpowered, and overmatched by little japanese 4-cylinders. Of all Sport coupes, this is probably the nicest and more of a nice sporty car to cruise in.
Pleasure to Own
Roxy as I like to call her, was mine preowned at 22,000 miles in 2002, now with 67000, there is no end in sight. No you will be winning any drag races with the Cougar, but it can throw you can in your seat when in the mid RPM-band. Plenty of leg from for driver, I am 6-2 and I could not drive if seat was all the way back. Backseats are buckets, neat to sit in, hard to get out of, and hatchback provide low headroom, I still love them. Have gotten over 35 MPG on the highway. Not taxing around city either, probably 27 or 28 with built in MPG calc. Have replaced fuel pump, a few fuses, trunk actuators. Great sound, no blown speakers. No broken head or tail lights after 67000.
Beware of this LEMON!!!
I've had my Cougar for 3 years and have spent close to $5000 in repairs (numerous calls to Ford customer service for financial assistance were completely blown off). My radio has gone out three times and the last time burnt through the left channel destroying the entire system. I couldn't stomach the $600 to replace it so I go without. I have had so many problems with this vehicle I can't list them all. Both power window regulators, alternator, catalytic converter, wheel bearings, starter, power hatch release, radio, sensors, etc. I've never been more dissatisfied with a car. Save yourself! Don't buy this car!
Hot Car-Couple BIG problems
I've had my 99 V6 just under 4 years with few problems. But a couple repairs would have been costly had I not purchased the extended warranty. I LOVE the look, the drive is Great! It corners tight. It is the best car I have EVER driven on ice and even snow. The biggest problem is the seats. All of the seats are tremendously uncomfortable and you could not take this car on a long trip. Because of the low-slung design, the blind corner in the rear side is larger than other sport cars. The remote trunk hatch did not work for 3 years - was replaced many times. My headlights did leak water and had to be replaced.