Used 2000 Mercury Cougar Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Great, Reliable, Affordable
I drive my Cougar every day, 60 miles each way almost with no problems. Gets pretty good mpg. Sporty and safe, the Cougar is the best of both worlds. Not too roomy inside but that's expected.
Wonderful Car
I just bought my Cougar last January, and I love it. It drives and handles great. I also learned that on long trips the gas mileage isn't as bad as you would think. I have drove it from North Carolina to Nevada with no problems. Now I am about to drive it from Nevada to Washington and so far the car seems like it has no problems this time, even after not being drove for 7 months. I just wish that the cup holders in the front were better. Besides that its a great car.
LENGTHY BUT INFORMATIVE
I have had this car for 2 years as of now it has 102,911 miles on it when I first got the car it had about 60,000 miles on it. So I've driven the hell out of this car, 2 months after I got the car I had to change the alternator a couple times in a row no biggie my mechanic has a 1 year warranty, so I only had to pay for one. I've had the same alternator for 2 years no problems what usually happens is that the wiring or the regulator goes out. As for "unsporty" acceleration blame that on the stock air box/filter and the CD4E transmission (if you have auto the manual is way better if you know your optimal shift points.) I have put a K&N cold air intake performance spark plugs/wires and reflashed my PCM. And I'm still not done with her yet and she already pulls 10 times better than when she was stock (maybe a hyperbole ;) a little.) The body is still stock and I always get compliments people think it's a Jaguar sometimes. The car handles fantastic because of it's wide wheel base and touring multi link independent suspension agile like the cat it's named after. Interior looks a bit cheap but there are ways to fix that. Steering is a bit heavier than other cars but it's because of the Euro steering styling which I'd prefer over any other because I can "feel the road" so to speak, and since it is FWD you will feel torque steer (better around turns.) I've had a lot of close calls with accidents because of idiots on the road. It is definitely a car that you can drive and have fun as long as you take care of and it will take care of you!!
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Great car good on gas?
I would buy another one!"
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Great Car
I got this car in apr 03 from an auction for 3k. well it had 97k miles on it then and it has 143k now and i've never had anything replaced. i did notice the hatch on the back likes to stick and the cup holder doesn't fit larger cups.. doesn't seem like that is worth complaining about tho. i think it is the "sports package" edition since it has everything on it i.e. moonroof, leather, electric seats, spoiler etc. i have traveled from Richmond to Miami and last summer stayed in Syracuse NY and drove down to Richmond VA just about every weekend for 3 months (yes a 7 hour drive!) and the car has never broken down or any problem what so ever! maybe i just got really lucky..
Like other reviewers, loved this car...at first...
I bought my Coug in 2004 with 50,000 miles on it. I've had minimal mechanical "failures" but many mechanical problems. The headlights dim a lot and if I have the wipers, headlights and stereo on at the same time, it dies. Sunroof never worked. The car won't start for an hour after it's been running in more than 90 degree heat, but the thing ALWAYS starts in the winter, even if it's 70 below (bought in ND and never used a block heater). It now has 116,000 miles (I don't drive a lot) and it needs a new suspension, shocks, struts, etc. I recently replaced the front tie rod so I wouldn't die. Shaky after 65 mph. Not kid friendly. No hooks for child seat in the back, so trading.
I love this car!
I bought my Cougar new in 2000 and now am approaching 120,000 miles. It has been the most reliable car I've ever had. Only normal maintenance until last year when I had a repair bill for $700. However, one bill in 10 years I'll take any day. This car is fun to drive, sporty, fast, yet tons of cargo space if you need it (fold-down hatchback). I average 24 mpg city/30 highway, which is better than many new cars. I've been trying to convince myself to trade it for a new car, but I just can't find one that matches up (considering it'll mean a car payment again + having to cross my fingers I get another good car). I may give it to my nephew (and that tells you how much I trust this car)
A great car!
After reading some of the troubles other people had with their Cougar, I must have got all the good parts. My 2000 Cougar SE had only 25 miles on it and came with the five speed. For the next 6 years and 120,000 miles not a thing went wrong aside from the tires and brakes being replaced 3x. Then the alternator went and a few months later the original battery died. I consider that normal wear. For 2008 I've done a the front brakes and my 4th set of tires and have 145,000 miles on it. I give the car a good detailing every spring inside and out and she still looks new. I'll keep her as long as nothing major goes wrong with the engine or the tranmission. Good luck to the other owners.
Dont be fooled..
I bought this car used as my very first car. It had 55k miles on it and I loved it at first. It now has 153k miles and I dont even feel safe driving it. At about 70k miles I had already gone through 1 alternator and 2 batteries. The car started shaking really bad and I needed to replace entire transmission. All in all, I've had to replace, many tires (more than usual), 4 alternators, 2..yes 2 transmissions, transmission and engine mounts, many batteries, the trunk no longer stays open on its own, check engine light will not go off, even though dealers have checked numerous times, lights have a film over them, and power window motor twice. It looks nice, breaks great, but just not worth it.
Mercury Cougar
I currently have this car, and all the other complaints about this car above are absolutely true. It is a complete gas hog, it has ALOT of mechanical issues, my interior sucks, headlights are horrible. My car has 134k miles on and is expected for problems, but too much. My Engines motor mount is bad, which causes my car to buck leaving me wonder if it will start for me. Hot weather it is TERRIBLE in, after it gets to about 80+ degrees it wont start. I have never had a problem with the cold though it has been negatives many times. It's fuel injector is going out, transmission is bad, and the RPMs get ridiculous. It sputters whenever you hit the gas lightly. Over all it isn't a good first car.
2000 Mercury Cougar
I've had my Cougar for almost 2 years now and I LOVE it!! Never had a problem. The car is stylish (turns alot of heads) and very quick. My lease is over 9/03 and I will be sad to see it go, it's definitely been my favorite lease so far.
A money pit
I bought a 2000 cougar in 03 and had nothing but problems with it. I was naive to buy 3000.00 in extended warrenty; which i was never able to use. Electrical problems. Recall on fuel tank. I went through 3 to 4 alternators because of a defective wire coming from alternator that was overlooked . OR was it, really? Windows stopped working..headlights were complete crap to drive with . A very nice looking car; i loved it..but should have gotten rid of it right away. Despite replacing the fuel tank as a recall; it still was defective. Good god people..run the other way with this car.
my car
i love my cougar. it's never let me down. handles well in the snowy minnesota winters.
good looks, good drive
I got my Cougar a little over a year ago, and have had 0 problems to date. Its by far the most fun car I have ever driven, with a gutsy enough little 4 cylinder and the easiest shifting manual transmission that I have ever seen. The car handles like a dream around corners. The 1999 Cougar had problems, with few to none of them transferring over to the 2000 model year. If you would like a car that runs good and looks great, grab one of these.
So-so car
This was a very nice car. The first day we bought it off the lot we got ours brand new and haven't had too many problems with it. Only a few things here and there. Car has a sleek design and it is fun to show off and just go for a cruise. The gas mileage is a little low but better than some of the new cars today. It was a great buy and soon it will be my sons car!
Driving With Prayers
I drove my car off the show room floor in 2000 and I'm just now having problems with 90,000 miles and thats with very little to know rust, so I believe I've gotten my monies worth.
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FOR THE LOVE OF GOD NO
I had this for 2 years and it had 83k miles on it when I first had it... But boy oh boy, can the murderous ones look enticing. Pros- It had alright front seats The CD player was great. The sound system was awesome It's really sporty. Cons- It rusts easily (Muffler fell off after a month of heavy rain after I hit a pothole) There were many electronic issues. (3 batteries, 1 alternator, 4 tune ups within 2 years) Sensor failures almost killed me twice. After 6 months, the boot arms started wearing out. Overall: It's a sporty death trap. Don't buy it.
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Problems from the start
I got it as a present from my father before i even had my licence. Mind you he didn't let me pick out the car i wanted or even asked me what I liked in a car. I hate two door cars but i was happy because it was a car.. As soon as I got the car I had to replace the alternator. Then after 2 months of driving it the car starts to jerk every time I drive it so I replace the fuel pump. That does not fix it so it must be the transmission that i have to fix. For all of that i can just buy a new car. There is a lot of recalls on this car
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My friend's Cougar
Borrowed his Cougar a few times. It was swell. Updated: I was too harsh with the ratings. It deserves 5 stars!
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Hunk of Junk !!
I've had my Cougar about 4 years now and it's only just over 89,000 miles. I've had to have 3 fuel flushes ..the gas was filthy and very dark brown and causing the engine to miss. I've had to put 2 new batteries in it along with an altenator. I had plugged ECG valves. Last week I spent $700. on a new fuel pump along with a fuel/oil pressure censor. I've replaced all 4 tires. The dash lights and headlights are always flickering. It won't start if it's cold out. My sunroof won't open. It's starting to rust. The battery light is always flickering on and off (even with a new battery and altenator). When it's cold out my trunk won't stay open I have to hold it up (hatchback)..do not recommend!!!
This car was a LEMON!!!
I bought my 2000 Cougar V6 Sport brand new in January of 2001. After 6 months of driving, I had over 30 pages in work orders. Everything in this car was wrong. Ford spent more money fixing this lemon then I paid for it. To top thing off, Ford Customer Care would not help me. Avoid this lemon!!!
I wouldnt buy
I have had to replace 3 alternators, has to get tires replaced a lot. I have to get my transmission electrial system replaced. I had to get wiring for from my engine to my alternator. My set does move up it stays in one place. My trunk, will not open on its own. Recommendation, is to check out every's car reviews before purchasing this vechile.
Love my Cougar!
In fact I love it so much, I am about to trade it in on a brand new one! I have never had any problems out of my 2000 cougar. It has been a fun reliable car for me. I am looking to buy the 2002 Anniv. Special real soon! So you can go look up my little Blue trade in and get you a really good car!
Runs like a %@$#&@i#$!!!
Within 4,000 miles a bolt broke in the engine - took two weeks to fix and dealer wanted me to pay for rental car- unbelievable! Love the way the car looks inside & outside - drives harder than my 1981 Ford Fairmont Futura - very disappointed with the car and I only have 25000 miles on it - dealership even more disappointing - glad my lease is up in 10 months - also HORRIBLE in snow!
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.
Loved it!
Well this car was given to me by my parents as my first car. It was a great first car! Very sporty and got alot of attention. The only problem I ended up having with it was the sunroof broke and was going to cost a fortune to replace! Next problem...I don't drive it anymore is that I was rear ended at 50mph which in turn made me slam into the car in front of me. The car was absolutely crushed like a little can and guess what...no airbag deployment. Don't crash and the car is great!
Looks cool, built like junk
Ford bought back my car as a lemon. I'm glad it happened as it had many problems and I still had 2 more years on my lease. On the otherside, the car looked great. It was kind of embarassing having a tow truck pulling it so often, but I liked the design of it.
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!
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.
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.
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!!
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!
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.
mine
runs good needs a little more trunk space
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.
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!
Not a reliable car.. i hate my cougar
I bought this car about two years ago after having a friend total my vw jetta which i loved. the cougar is nothing compared to that car and i can say i have had more problems with my cougar than i ever had with my jetta. within the first few months of having my car i liked it, it was nothing special but after like four months i started to have major problems with it. since i have spent probably close to $6000 fixing it. replaced the transmittion, any and every sensor possible, the alternator is bad now and i have had probably 5 batteries all go bad. the car stalls when it gets cold out or rainy. it is a very unpredictable car and i would not recommend it to anyone... wish i never got it
We love this car!
Im surprised to read about the problems some have had with this car. My husband and I have had no problems. We've driven it coast to coast and haven't had to take it in for anything except for oil changes. It is a fun car to drive and the hatchback with folding seats gives us plenty of storage room. We've hauled furniture and had friends borrow it to haul things that wouldn't fit in their cars. We're sad to be selling it, but the bucket seats in the back aren't the best to put a car seat in.
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
Lemon
I purchased my 2000 special edition in Aug of 2000. I paid $22,300.00 I have had nothing but constant problems with this car. It has been at the service department more than I have had a chance to drive it.
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.
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.
cougar
i love my cat is a really good car, i had some problem like the alternator but is really good i nerver have problem about the gas i drive my car with 0 of gas an nerver stop is a great car
Not very pleased
I've had my Cougar for 2 years, and it's been in the shop for MAJOR issues about 10 times. 3 times for the fuel pump (twice replaced), 2 recalls, Transmission slips, brakes, leaks of all sorts, electrical failures, and the list goes on... It's a shame because the car itself it very nice looking, but it's TOTALLY not worth the trouble. I'm looking forward to moving on to a different car soon.
great lookin car for a costly price!
Bought this car back in 2003 from a family member it was runnin great for a while, but since about 2005 i have had to have multiple alignment jobs done,multiple new tires,a new radiator,radiator hoses,new power steerin hoses,new batteries, a new transmission, new motor mount, multiple alternators, new mass airflow sensor, new spark plugs, just recently had to have the o2 sensors replaced and the egr valve fixed, and my catalitic converter needs to be replaced (fyi just for the catalitic converter alone its gonna be $300)...all in all its a good lookin car and has lasted me a long time but im definately ready to get rid of it!!...It has cost me a lot of money!!
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.)
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!
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
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.