Used 2000 Mercury Cougar Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Sporty in looks, Tame under the hood
Looks great. Harsh handling in steering wheel. Excellent breaking power. Sluggish reaction to gas pedal. Needs more "getup and go", surprising for the horsepower of the V6. Almost think I'm driving a V-Tech with the poor performance in low RPMs. Rigid body-nice for the turns. Poor stock tires, hard rubber that wears normally. Road noise excessive for the poor performance. If it was a true sports car, noise would be consistent. Replacement tires difficult to find and expensive(avg of $120 installed). Fit and finish excellent. Had difficulties with the hatchback trunk cover breaking repeatedly.
Problems, problems
The car has been in the shop for numerous rattles, one air conditioner squeak. And, it has broken down three times for the brake safety sensor failure, thus leaving me stranded. The car will not go into gear when the sensor and brake lights fail. The service department doesn't know what is wrong. The car has been in the shop, maybe, 19 times for various repairs.
Worst car ever
Bought this car brand new and since that day, i'm spending most of my time at the dealer for all kinds of problems. I'm trying to get rid of it, but it lost so much value over the last 2 years that i'm losing to much money. I do not recommend to anyone!
Great Car
I bought my Cougar new in early 2000 and other than oil changes and very minor problems, it has performed flawlessly. It handles great (compare it to a Grand Am and you will see what I mean) and has adequate power. This was a vehicle that cost around 20K and it should not be compared to more expensive sports cars. I found that if I needed extra power, I could switch overdrive off and it made a huge difference. Just a fabulous blend of power and great gas mileage. It is highly refined and the V6 is silky smooth. Wonderful exterior lines and there aren't a lot of them on the road.
Problem Kitty
I bought this car new. Loaded, and with discounts and incentives it only cost $18,500, well below sticker. It has been a disappointment. 9 visits under warranty for a lot of little, nagging problems. Some I fixed myself after giving up on the dealer who was clueless. Now that the little stuff has been taken care of, it's not bad. Fairly comfortable on a trip, although the sport suspension (an option) is a little rough on bad roads. The 170HP rating is optimistic. Probably closer to 155 in reality.
Oh my Kitty
I purchased my Cougar in April 2000. Most problems related to service but I did take the car back about 4 times the first two weeks for radio problems. A few months afterward, I took it back because of bubbles that caused paint chips. The car has had several recalls that I knew nothing about until a year later. The most recent problem was the RPM revs in neutral. Passengers are not crazy about the back seat, so this car is for the selfish...few riders and no little kids! The car seat does not fit properly in the back. I like the looks, but I am not completely satisfied. I won't be buying another Cougar...neither will I buy another Mercury.
fun but some problems
Car is ok to drive but some minor problems have come up 1. Sun roof broke and some times leaks from rain 2. Driver side window doesn't always go up 3. Alternator die a year ago. 4. The counter for how many miles you have left is way off its died twice on me when it said it had 23 miles left its ok but I would Rather have a Ford mustang and I will be selling this car
Love love love this car!
I love this car. It's really fun to drive, has lots of pep. Love the looks of it too; very different from the looks of most cars in it's class...makes it stand out. Steering is a little heavy; I think that would be my only complaint, but it's honestly not THAT bad. I have had it for 2.5 years now and have never had to do anything but routine maintenance; have had no major problems at all.
Great smaller car
I have nothing but praise for the Cougar's responsiveness and reliability. It is a fun car to drive, having sleek, sporty lines and a unique taillight configuration. It is average in gas consumption: I get about 18 mpg in city driving, and 24 mpg highway. Nice features are the electronic gas consumption indicator, the MPG indicator and outdoor temperature reader. 60/40 fold down seats are a real plus. Biggest complaints are the somewhat cramped interior and the 2- door hatchback visibility. I also think the suspension can be improved.
This car was a LEMON!!!
I bought my 2000 Cougar V6 Sport brand new in January of 2001. After 6 months of driving, I had over 30 pages in work orders. Everything in this car was wrong. Ford spent more money fixing this lemon then I paid for it. To top thing off, Ford Customer Care would not help me. Avoid this lemon!!!
Piece of Junk
My wife purchased this car new for around 30,000 Canadian and it has been nothing but trouble, broken master cylinder causing brake failure while driving, intake manifold carboning up, broken brake calipers, premature brake wear (every 50,000 km), sun roof failure, fuel pump failure, poor suspension (shock failure 80,000 km), check engine light comes on constantly, maintenance light on since new and dealer cannot clear, the car is worth nothing now. Do not purchase this car!
Great Car
Perfect car... just watch out for the bucket seats in the back and the head room. Don't buy it if you are very tall.
I like it...
I purchased my cougar in November of 1999. I love it. I make sure it has it's scheduled maintenance, and in return, it purrs like a, well...cougar. After 3 years, I just replaced the tires and brakes. That's it. No other problems. There were a few minor recalls for items like a battery cable not connected correctly, but the service I receive from my dealer gets me in and out quickly. I have a 5 spd which performs well in merging situations and pulling out into traffic. The interior is really constructed for not more than 2 people, but the bucket seats make for a comfortable ride.
why even buy it.
The vehicle has problems with electrical system and fuel pumps. They need to improve on the quality of the vehicle overall. Such as more power and a lighter frame for the car. The vehicle handles and turns ruff and should not turn like a truck. The vehicle also fishtales in the rain or making a somewhat of a fast turn.
Worst Car I've Ever Ridden In my life.
This vehicle Is not reliable. I just recently wrecked my wougar going 45 and ran straight into a electrical pole. The airbags did not deploy and the seatbelt did not lock in place for the passengers in the backseat. The Cougar is not a good vehicle for a first time driver. Do not buy this car for your teenage daughter or son. It crushes like a can. I put a dent on my front right fender by just leaning on it. It broke down many times for multiple reasons.
It's a love hate relationship
I've had my car almost 2yrs. Had 38K miles on it and now has 68k. Had new tires when purchased,need to be replaced now.immediate problems were with the fuel gauge (not accurate...resulting in NO GAS) and the radio, which goes in and out. I have had minimal problems with it (with regular maintenance and new break pads) until about two months ago. Since then i have had to replace the alternator and the fuel pump and have had more frequent squeaking in the car & the trunk release is tricky sometimes. I have loved my car and hate that it isnt as reliable as i need, as i have found myself on the side of the road at least 3 or 4 times from all this.
Great little car
I've owned mine for 2 years now and still enjoy driving it. It handles like crazy, has a decent amount of power, and looks great. Everything has worked flawlessly - I've only performed routine maintenance. I replaced tires early due to finding the cars handling limits. It sticks like glue!!
So Sorry I Bought One
I bought my car right off the showroom floor with 6 miles on it. I absolutely love this car but has been nothing but a nightmare since I got it. I have had the motor pulled twice because it keeps blowing the pan gasket seal and every time I pick it up from the dealer it goes out before I am out of town. The headlights dim, when you run the A/C and the headlights you might as well forget about power and being able to see. I also agree with the tire situation they are expensive costing on average $175 per tire. The cup holder is a joke also it may not be important to some but when you are waring your drink it's funny!
I hate this car!
I truly hate this car! I am always having some type of problem with this car! Every year since I have had it there has been something that breaks down on it! Its truly ridiculous! I would not recommend this car to ANYONE!! Its the biggest waste of money thats ever been spent!
A fun car for the price
I have owned this car since I bought it new in Sept. 1999. I like the cars styling, handling, and acceleration is good with a V6 5 speed manual. The quality has been decent so far when I compare it to friends cars. I have 76,000 miles on it and have only had to replace the alternator, which cost $400 (not cheap). Although the fuel pump is starting to go now. These two problems seem to be typical for Cougars. I am thinking about getting a new car now that this one is older, but I don't see one that I would rather have in the same price range.
Garbage car!
I was reading the reviews, and I can't believe anybody had anything good to say about this car. My car is sitting in the shop right now, with the Ford techs trying to figure out why I'm on my 4th alternator, and why my car won't start 90% of the time. When I picked up my car in January of 2001, Reverse didn't work and it got a transmission overhaul at with 16 Km on the car. My rear bumper doesn't fit properly either.
Can't Drive Hard
I got the 2000 V6 Auto... And i am hoping it has alot to do with being an automatic but the trannie just cant shift fast enough when it's needed. and when it's at 4500 it likes to kick out.. Dont make it fun when you like to drive fast and hard..
jessii
I bought this car from private seller after owning one before and loved it. Since I have this car I have put more money in than its worth. Had transmission replace, starter, gear cable and now something seriously wrong with engine (timing and wheel something) which will costs another 2300 to fix. I said forget it and I'm selling for parts (of course I don't know who would want these crappy parts). I would never recommend buying this car. Its junk!
This is the best car!!!!
I purchased my car used and it is the best car ever. My last car was a Volkswagen Jetta and i hated it (needless to say i only kept it for about 5 months). The Cougar is a great car and i have had no problems with it and would recommend this car over a Volkswagen Jetta any day. It is a great car for anyone that is looking for a excellent car at a good price. I dont know how other people treat their cars but i dont have the same problems that everyone else seems to have.
Most fun to drive car ever
This Car is a must buy for anyone looking for a car. I bought mine new in Feb of 2000. Ive only had the issue with the fuel pump recall. The cougar only came out with this bodystyle for 4 yrs which makes it not your everyday driver. Its a quick little car with tons of potential for the motor.
Great Car
Since I bought this car about a month ago I rarely drive my 2002 honda civic LX Sport. This car turns heads everywhere I go, and the chicks love it. Lots of power in the V6. Just a great car overall. I've put 8000KM on it already and no problems yet. The car has 48000KM on it now.
Not for what you think your getting!!
I bought my car after my deployment to Iraq...and I wanted something sporty- Which I got, but not much else. Major issue is the engine build. Your engine light goes on for unknown reasons and after fixed comes right back on. I've replaces the alternator once and now have had trouble with the starter and the fly-wheel. So my engine sometimes doesn't start. Labor on these cars is outragious due to the unaccessability to fix what should be simple things. No other major problems accept the trunk won't unlatch with just pushing the button in your car - you have to use the keyless entry and be sure you double click that button withing 6 inches.
Looks Good but Buyer Beware!!
I have had my Cougar for going on 4 years now. It had 69k when I bought it & I just took it over the 87k mark last week. Let me start off by saying that I love the looks of this car, especially with all the bells & whistles (like leather seats, moonroof, and traction control) BUT the looks alone are not worth the hassle the Cougar brings. I have replaced the alternator ($700/ea) three times! IN LESS THAN 18,OOO MILES! Today, I noticed the same old flickering lights & I headed off to trade her in for a Rav4!
I love it!
I wanted something sporty and fun to drive at a reasonable price and reasonable insurance rates. I found exactly that with the Cougar.
Just a Lemon
I loved this car when I first got it. Now as I review it I actually ran out of space I can use. The list or things wrong: 6 alternators, air only works on high, sunroof will not go back only up, fuel system replaced, engine light stays on, lights inside and outside dim when you turn the radio on or air on, you can hear the motor of the air/heater when you first turn it on. I have taken good care of this car only those Ford parts have been used with them installing the parts. I was upside down in payments after the first 3 yrs so I couldn't trade it in. I would not sell this care to anyone-seriously. I looked it to the lemon law but the warranty had expired on the car.
What a Lemon
I would not suggest anyone to buy this car. I fell in love with this car when I first seen it but in this case looks were not everything. I bought this car as a birthday present to myself and since driving it off the lot a year ago I have already spent $4000 in repairs. It is sitting at the garage right now waiting for another transmission. I have had it in the garage twice before with the same issues. Other than the trans my AC stopped working this past summer, the fan at the radiator stopped working, the headlights do this dimming thing that just drives me crazy, but hey, it has a great radio. It's seen the back of a tow truck more than the road itself.
2000 Mercury Cougar V6
I got this car for my first car and so far i had to replace my battery...spend $300 cause my engine light was on but come to find out it was my O2 sensors...my door sensors are all broken and my sunroof is broke...SUCKS ON GAS !!! it also makes a really weird noise when i start it up and the RPMS go crazy
I hate this car
I've had this car almost 3 years and have just put in it's 5th alternator. I've also had two other separate electrical services. The radio has been replaced twice and the hatch release has been repaired twice and still doesn;t work. I am so sorry I bought this car. It looks pretty, but that's about it.
too many problems
the second day i braught it home, it has trouble starting, i got new battery, new starter, and it still wont start properly..its not reliable...i dont want to be stranded, a week after having it i had to get 2 new altenators put in...and it howls wich i dont like...i have had nothing but problems since the say i baught it which is too bad becuase i love everyhting else about it, i love the driving, the stereo, the appearance, and even the annoying cup holder...
Been good to me
I bought the car new, it was cute and got great gas mileage. I have the 5 speed transmission. Everything held up great. I took good care of my care and can recommend it as a used vehicle if you are looking for good gas mileage and nice sound system. I didn't have any of the negative experiences mentioned by other owners. The tires went to 78K original, the tire tools clunk around, but you can fix that. Great sound system. Not a speed demon, but got me to where I wanted to go and didn't cost me much after the purchase price.
I Love My Cougar!
I love this car! I was a little disappointed with the engine, I figured a car that sporty looking would have an equally sporty engine. I've heard that the Cougar has acceleration problems. I guarantee you that everyone who says that drives an automatic. I have the I4 engine and I have never had problem accelerating. Get the manual! But this car is unique, and you don't see too many of them out there, making me just that much prouder of my car!
Nice Kitty
For you Fast and Furious types, the 2000 Cougar is a much better car than most reviews lead one to think. Yeah, the steering feels a bit heavy, but it's a subjective observation. I don't find it objectionable. The power of the 2.5L V-6 is more than adequate, 145 mph top end, while the four wheel disc ABS brakes strong enough to stop you in a hurry. The interior is sleek, and all business. The New Edge look makes the Cougar a real chick magnet. Ford blew it when they discontinued the model line. The prices are a bargain compared to other similar vehicles.
I love it!
I wanted a cougar for years before I actually bought one. I'm not at all disappointed. She could handle a bit better in the snow, but overall, I love her!
ok.......
i really liked this car when i saw it on the lot, but now i hate it. Its got a lot of problems and i would not recommend it to anyone else. It shakes in between 60-70 mph The check engine light turns on and off. Its horrible on gas i get maybe 18 mpg The windshield wipers are horrible I hate this car I'm gonna buy a jetta!
costs too much
I will have to spend $600 every year after my warranty runs out to replace the feul pump. The mechanics that have already replaced two have told me no matter what I do it will still go out. My CD player already doesn't work and my car is almost 3 years old. I have bought 8 new tires and prices just went up in my area to $140 a tire. I would never buy a cougar again myself, and I would not reccomend buying one to anyone else.
Great ride, but falls apart too quick
Like many of the reviewers for this car, I started having troubles from day one, nothing too major front headlight was out and a recall for the steering, but still frustrating. My major problem with the car is the fuel system. Troubles started in 2003. I started running out of gas even though the gauge said there was gas in the tank. Now (2007) I can't let the car go below a 1/2 tank without worrying that I may run out of gas. I just replaced the alternator. The cupholder is dangerous. Sounds silly, but wait till you make a tight right turn in one of these babies and have a lap full of scalding coffee. Great handling, fun design. All trunk no backseat. Not good for people over 5'5".
wonderful car
It seems like the Cougar is really hit or miss in terms of quality, but I really adore my car. It has never given me any problems (the radio did have to be fixed within the first 6 months, but the radio panel was loose and now the problem's fixed.) I'm not sure how another user is driving his car, but mine gets 35-40 MPG. The trunk is huge, but you can't comfortably sit in the backseat. I am planning on trading mine in for a newer model I love mine so much. (3 years ownership, never a problem.)
Great all around
weelll i got the 2000 v6 mercury cougar, and i have to say. its very appeling to the eye, great handling and i love the exterior and interior. I've added a few things to my cougar to make it a bit to, well how can i say this, so it could look more like a true sports car. ITS look beutiful. I've added a kit, spoiler, rims, z3 fender, and a top of the line pantjob. with these improvement the mercury cougar beat the celica, eclipse,civc and probable any other mid-size sport car
Just bought it
I just got this vehicle yesterday. I bought a 1999 honda passport 2 months ago and hated it. So far I really like the cougar. The acceleration is great, better then my 2000 VW GLX with the VR6. The VW has a hesitation when you give it gas before the power kicks in. The cougar responds quicker. I was supprised to see all the poor reviews,as I really like this car, so far. The only problem I've noticed so far is when the ac is on the engine cuts out on power when driving at a constant speed. Like a power surge, but in reverse. This is a little annoying. I only wish it had a moon roof like the passport and jetta.
unreliable
Although this car looks good and has some of the best features for the price, it is unreliable. I've had the cougar for almost 2 years now, and I have put over a 1000 miles on it just from taking it to the shop to get repaired. It has had problems since day one. Ford customer service is a joke. They won't do anything to help me get out of this vehicle, they do fix the problems that occur, but when all you have is problems something else needs to be done. Sure the repairs are warranted, but, its not worth having a new vehicle if you can't count on it.
Heaven to Hell
I got this car as my first car. It was bought with busted valve gasket (easily fixed, cheap). Beautiful car! Drifter body kit, engine mods, custom exhaust and muffler. 4mo after getting car Timing Belt crystallized (expensive, had to get tensioner too). 1mo later replaced vacuum line. Engine light has always been on. NOW, master cylinder blew. I loved this car in the beginning. Super fun, with 5 speed transmission, super quick. BUT, it JUST SITS more than i drive it. Expenses to get it fixed are just ridiculous!!
My cougar has wiring problems
I have had my cougar for 6 months, It was a one owner lease return that had been cared for like no other... I have had nothing but trouble with it, It dies when i get on it, I just smoked my 3rd alternator, I have a had alot of wiring problems... My dash lights have gone out and wont come back on... I have taken very good care of my car and I dont trust it to get me around the block.... I paid 11,500 dollars 4 my car and in 6 months it has lost 2000 dollars of value... TO ANYONE OUT THERE THATS THINKING ABOUT GETTING ONE, DONT.... I HATE MY CAR... AND U WILL TOO IF U MAKE THE MISTAKE OF PURCHASING ONE....
Silver Bullet
I love the way the car looks and in the first couple of years it was trouble free except for the recalls.
awful car, AVOID AT ALL COSTS
From day 1, this car was plagued with problems. Defective radio, broken hood prop were the first things. Then alternators, AC Compressors, fuel pump, rotos, brake pads, alignment, tire re- balance, insulation hanging from the under body, fabric on the seats came apart, poor fit and finish and many more PROBLEMS. Avoid this car.
Love my Cougar
I wanted a Cougar for the longest time. I bought this car used two years ago. I love the way it looks, handles and drives. The backseat is not passenger friendly, but that is fine with me because I don't like driving everyone around anyways. I've had a few problems with the car, but nothing that wasn't covered on the warrenty. The one thing I do not like about this car is the tires are very expensive and I just replaced them and spent almost 1k.