Used 2002 Mercury Cougar Consumer Reviews
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2002 Cougar V6 35th Anniversary Edition
One of the best cars I've owned, easy fun to drive, got some power to it, would be nice if they could get a more powerful v6 in it
It's all over at 67,000 miles
Transmission needs to be rebuilt....it has slipped since it was brand new. The spoiler broke at 3 years and they don't make it any more. The head gasket is blown and it has never over-heated, has had regular oil changes/service and obviously not used to tow anything. I need to replace a couple of sensors and it is $700 at the dealership. You have to pay $93 for diagnostics to determine minor failures and another $140 for compression diagnostic. As I should have remembered before I bought this, it is just a shinier FORD - Fix Or Repair Daily. I also own a 1967 Ford Mustang which is reliable - built before the American automotive manufacturers forgot how to build a decent, reliable car
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,995411 mi away
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,995465 mi away
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: N/A624 mi away
Best kept secret
This is my SECOND Cougar. The first one (2000)is still in service with 225,000 miles on it. My 2002 will turn 230,000 this week. Rock solid car and I can't understand the complaints. I intend to go at least 300,000 miles if not more. Both Cougars had brakes replaced the first time at 110,000 mile. Both also had to have fuel pump and AC clutch replaced at 140,000. Overall mileage is still above 27mpg. Great brakes and very sure footed and fun to drive.
Good kitty
I have had my Cougar for 3 yrs and have never had a problem. My gas mileage is usually 32-33 mpg. The trunk is big enough to put almost anything in it. It lacks power, you will not win any race, but you will be the best looking slow car on the line!
I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!
My cougar is the best car ever!! It is definitely a head turner. Its exterior is white with a red stripe. the interior is black and red. it is very fun to drive esp. in deep curves. it handles very well. This is not only a aprts car for girls!! I get approached by guys all the time about my car. I recently purchased this car for $1500. the previous owners thought that it needed a new computer. but once i got it home i noticed that the spark plugs were on wrong. lol so i got this great sexy car for cheap. i would give this car a 5 in every category but the back seat isn't to comfy. other than that this car is the best ever.!!!!
Remind Me why this is only worth 2000?
I’ve owned this car for 8 months now. The car had one owner with a clean title new engine at 25,000 the freaking works. Super well maintained. Despite all that she dumped thousands into it, I bought it. Put only 4000 miles on it and drove it softly and here’s a list of things it needed. 1. New remotes 2. Rear struts 3. Wheel bearings. 4. The transmission is slipping so a real build soon. 5. Window motors. 6. Sunroof motor. 7. O2 sensors 8. Valve adjustment. 9. A alternator. The list goes on. Thank god I have half a brain and can do some of the stuff my self but there’s lots of big ticket items I can’t. It’s a small car and is NOT meant for you if your 6,3. On to the more fun part of the 4,000 miles I’ve put on it. It’s been fun. Doesn’t burn oil and gas very good gas mileage (for a v6) despite all this still if you must buy a car I’d highly recommend steering clear of this guy. It kinda sucks and all the parts are out of production which means you can only find used parts. Enjoy it if you’ve made my mistake. Pros? Zippy for its time Cons its broke. In many ways over the course of just a couple of miles not comfy for tall people.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Cougar gone wrong
I should of known the first day it was a lemon, when speedometer broke and my tire blew out. For the past year I have been in and out of the service shop because my car stops while I'm driving, with no warning at all. I can be on the highway or on streets, and it will just turn off. I regret ever buying this car, I wish I would read these other reviews before I purchased it.
Beautiful Cat
Notable information about the Cougar: -The engine was designed by Cosworth. They also design engines that go in formula one cars. Pretty respectable. -The Cougar introduced ford's new Edge design. Notable among this is that the cougar is a blend between American and European design. The hatchback styling is European, the high displacement high torque engine is american muscle. It was designed to be at home on the twisty nuburing. -Ford discontinued it because the Cougar dances around the Mustang. Ford wanted to sell Mustangs because they're in keeping with the all american Ford image. They also sold them for $20K more, the same thing was done to the Thunderbird. Twice.
Cougar XR Type-S, Cosworth V-6
While trying to research specs about my car, I never seem to be able to find it. It "doesn't exist" according to almost everyone. Even when I needed a few parts to fix my car the computers at the auto shop didn't have my car on their list and couldn't help me. Why is this? Obviously my car exist or it wouldn't be parked in my driveway. My car is a 2002 Cougar XR Type S. It also has a V-6 cosworth engine in it unlike the base models and it was produced/manufactured by Auto Alliance, not Ford. My car also has the special black paint, hood scoop, spoiler, XR badges on the exterior. The interior has black & red leather seats with the cougar logo and XR logo carpets. Cont. in favorites.
my2cents
hello. i owned a 99 i4 5 speed. on a whim, i test drove the car. i was very pleasantly surprised! i never would have given a ford or any other american make a look. i prefer hondas/acuras. nonetheless i bought the cougar. i love(d) the styling, the handling, the braking power. i found the driver's seat extremely comfortable and the mpg was acceptable. i fretted over the reliabilty of the vehicle as i began to have some problems with my own and i noticed that the resale value has plummetted. that is why buyers out there are getting great deals on buying their new cougars. expect poor resale values. i unloaded my car.
Take the Good with the Bad
I love the outer appearance however it is lacking in other areas. I have the "leather" interior. this car is 5 year old and already the seats are shot. I have rips/holes just from every day use. I have only had this car a few months and have had to replace the brakes and recut rotors. The transmission seems to be slipping at times too. It's fun to drive but the repairs will cost you. I have a Chevy before and I think I just might go back to buying them next time around.
The Sports Ultimate Coupe
My husband and I were at our lease-end of a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. We decided not to keep it, we were in the process of looking for a new car. We had our minds already set. Went Christmas shopping in a mall In Omaha. Seen the Sport Ultimate. The next day we test drove one and ended up purchasing one. I just love everything about it, the get-up and go. The color, the feature and the price was just right.
Last Cougar?
Really "fun" car to drive, and the price was right ... don't know why it didn't sell better.
Fun!
I love this car. It is a blast to drive, especially on a windy road. Even though it is nearly 7 years old, it still looks and drives like new.
OK for the money
This car is definately a looker. The C@ pkg really adds to the look. DO NOT plan to have more than 2 people in it! Gas mileage is very good. The car handles curves extremely well. The engine is sluggish on start, but does well once on the road. Make sure you watch your blind spots - this car provides several.
nice car
Very fun to drive car.My wife has a C2 and the only prob. we have had is with the fuel gage and miles to empty.Right after we bought it the gage would take about 30 miles after filling up to go to full.Also agree that in acceleration it is not to great but top end is wonderful for those who drive fast on the interstate like me.
A++++++ 35th Aniv.
Great sports car at compact price!35th Aniv. Model is even better than plain!
Great but expensive car
I got this car a few years ago, and while I absolutely love this car, parts for this car can be very expensive. For a headlamp assemble, new was $400 and used was $450, due to some 'national back order' of parts. A windshield was $500, four tires $290, and radiator $350. E-Bay though has been my friend with this car and has saved me hundreds. An alternator at Advanced Auto Parts cost $120, but on E-Bay I got one for $45 and that included shipping.
Great Car
Fun! I love this car. My experience has been great. I unfourtuantley got into an accident and it wasn't too expensive to fix.
Great Car - Great Deal too!
Bought the base vehicle with the 2.5L Duratec, spoiler, and an Automatic Trans. Just $200 over invoice less $1500 rebate less $500 owner loyalty rebate as well. Love the way it drives. Has a nice secure feeling to it. Compares favorably to an Acura RSX but looks much better than the Acura and cost about $7,000 less after rebate. Pretty much a no-brainer I would think. Well... gotta go. My Mercury awaits me. Just looking at it makes me want to drive it.
GrrrrrrWOWllll!!!!
I had been drooling over a Prelude SH until I drove one and kept asking myself if I wanted to spend all that money on something so plain and basic as the SH is.... Once I spotted a Cougar, I researched it and fell head over heels for it. The third day we owned it, a teenage girl ran a stop sign and had this car not been able to react during a swerve and skid she would have totaled this car... I never felt like the car was out of control... Wonderful car!!! C2 model's a definite plus...
First Annual Review
I liked my Cougar V6, when I first bought it. My Cougar now however, is developing rattles, has had pieces of weather-proofing trim come off, the rear brakes are groaning, 3 transmission bolts came loose, & the CD player starts skipping after ~3 hours of continuous play. I do drive my Cougar with verve, but I don't abuse my car. I maintain it properly, the way a pre-midlife crisis car should be. It's my impression however, that my car was not built as well as I thought and that it's starting to fall apart. After reading Consumer Report's review of the Cougar this year where Cougar owners rated is as much worse than average for reliability, I am dreading the worst.
Trading my 2000 for a 2002!
I bought the 2000 for a steal at the end of the model year and had a few problems right out of warranty, (about 40,000 miles). I needed a new fuel pump but my dealership replaced it as if I had the extended warranty. I'm now at 52,000 miles in about 21 months and looking to trade it in for the 2002. No other major problems, just that now the Oxygen Sensor Light is stuck on, but it may be related to this fuel pump thing. I get about 32.6 MPG, love how the interior feels, and how the car handles. I could care less about speed but after about 50 MPH this little cat really moves!
Very pleased
I seem to have a different view than most people here. I have a 2002 Anniversary edition and absolutely love it. I have had no problems and have put 8k miles on it making a grand total of 51k. I dont know if its too soon to talk but it handles great, is a comfortable and quiet ride on the interstate, and gets great gas mileage (after driving 250 miles at 75 mph I have half a tank left). For a 2dr car the back seat is very roomy and comfortable except it does not seat very tall people well.
Great Ride
Most fun I've ever had driving regularly...comfortable, looks great...what else can I say? I LOVE THIS RIDE!!!
Don't go to Village Lincoln Mercury
Worst experiences with a new car purchase. Dealership very unprofessional. New car leaked when it rained,sprinkle,or a car wash.Service told me to expect water leakage, they werent able to fix it or come up with a solution.It was fixed when I had to take one of them with me through a car wash. Amazing that trained technicians cant fix a leakage problem after the 4th try. Leakage since day one, air conditioner problem, and after driving past 2,000, you can really tell a difference in the performance. I couldnt imagine that car lasting more than a year without any more major problems, if I would have kept it.
Great car, whats with all the haters?
My 2002 Mercury Cougar V6 sport is one of the best looking cars on the road. I cant stand reading all the poor reviews on this car. Whats wrong with it? Its not as fast as a mustang cobra? If you want a fast car, get something else. Its not like the cougar is slow. I can hang with celica's and V6 'stangs. PLus, the cougar looks better. What else can you ask for? This is a TREMENDOUS car if youre looking for a sports car for under or around $20,000.
What a great buy for a great car!
We have had no problems with our 2001 Cougar. It is VERY fun to drive and has a huge interior considering its exterior size. The styling jumps out at others and turns about 20 heads a day when we drive about 20 miles a day. The front and especially rear leg room is generous. It's sad that Mercury is discountinuing the Cougar for 2003, but this is your chance. We recommend this car to any buyer young or old, short or tall. And the price is right too. Normally, the price starts around $16,000. Now, since it's getting discountined, you can get a new Cougar for way under $10,000 if that seems believable, but according to our local dealerships, it's true.
SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET
When I was looking for a car I had never thought that a cougar would be the one. But when I saw the new XR package I knew I had found the car I was looking for. So far I have nothing but great things to say about the car; it drives great, looks great and is an awesome car for picking up chicks. The stereo system is also great and the leather seats are so comfortable. The car has great steering and makes tough, sharp right turns easy. This is a great car worth every penny spent.
I don't know what I was thinking
The car drives great when it drives, tires expensive, After 85,000 miles I had to replace the transmission. Built like a Honda or Toyota, I don't think so.
AWESOME
This is my 3rd car and definately the best I've ever had. V6,5 speed. Mine has a Stage 1 Roush package on it. For those that don't know, it's got really cool ground effects, rear spoiler, 17" wheels with the Roush emblem, Roush floormats and an exhaust tip that makes it sound like a bumble bee. I was hesitant on leather interior and black for the color but I was sold on the Roush package. It's a 2000 model and it only had 7000 miles on it (was reposessed and passed around dealerships) when I bought it for $14500. My old car was a Neon and for $5000 more it's a helluva deal! I love it! And get compliments ALL THE TIME!
My New 2002 Mercury Cougar, V6 Base
I just traded a 2000, with 29,200 miles, for a 2002, same color, base model V6. The 2000 was a sports model with the big tires which I found a little noisy with a rough ride. The 2002 base model has smaller tires which are very quiet with a smoother ride. The stereo system in the 2002 model I bought is very much improved with disc and tape. I can even hear it now due the the reduced road noise. I bought the car to refresh the warranty and enhance trouble free driving.
Lemonade?
One year in, and this car needed the fuel pump replaced while still under warranty. CD player 6 cd in dash also ATE cd's and got stuck even after repairs to it. Needed to do the brakes sooner than would be expected. I was told that this was due to the front wheel drive or something.. Not only the brake pads, but also the rotors usually need to be replaced every time on this type of brake system. They don't tell you that when you buy it. Next came the dead battery.. at about 25,000 miles. Just as it fell outside of warranty in terms of years, not miles, it needed the alternator replaced. This was at 32,000 miles. This is when I dumped the car, ate the negative equity, leased a Mazda
Overall nice car
Bought new in '02 for wife who is tougher on cars than I am. Only mechanical issue in five years has been rear brakes and coil pack. It's got decent power for a 2.5 litre V6 and still gets around 27mpg. Rear visibility isn't good and took some getting used to and it has a killer blind spot. Turning radius is terrible when you're used to foreign cars, but it handles and rides very well. Seats are comfortable and head and shoulder room are more than adequate for me (6 feet tall, 210 lbs.) The tach has no redline and with the 5 speed stick and the engine being so quiet, that's an issue. Not surprised that Ford made this nice car and almost immediately discontinued it.
Love my Cougar
I bought my Cougar one year ago, and I love it. It has been a great car, and I am really surprised how good it is on gas. It has been very dependable, other than a broken hood latch. The ride is great, although the car is a bit loud. This car seems to get some bad press, and I don't see why. To me, the quality is very good, and the overall feel of the car is great. I also can not understand why Mercury is discontinuing this car. It could give the Eclipse/Acura NSX/ Toyota/etc. a ride for their money if Mercury would enhance some things.
the car
great car, great ride, great price.
I love my car!
I have not had my Cougar very long only about a year and I love it, despite the moon roof and the 6 disc cd player dont work, but minor things can be fixed! Otherwise this is a great car! I have a 5 speed and its super fun to drive. They are hot sleek cars that people look at when you drive by! Having the V6 really helps with the outter look! Very sporty reliable car!
Ann's car
This car is wonderful, I haven't regretted buying it. I got into an accident, and it was pretty bad, and my car came out perfect. The structure on my 2002 stayed strong, and it's comfort it perfect.
I love my car
Even with my Cougar being a salvage, it's awesome. I fixed/replaced some things, all parts were cheap, except getting the reverse fixed. Now my car is all good! And yes, the heater/air is excellent - it's real powerful! My Cougar has dual overheads too and they say its rare and that it's fast! Also my Cougar is beautiful! Plus, it looks small but it's roomy with a big trunk for my system.
A Dream Car in my Garage
An eye catcher in 35th Anniversary Edition Skin with options and standard features to back it up. A beautiful car with an even more beautiful interior and a sound system that sounds like its worth $1000.00, rides like a sports car and feel like a sports car in handeling. The only downside to the car is that by all means it looks fast, but in this case looks are deceving. This car is unfortunitly underpowered. That aside it has been everything and more than what I expected for a Mercury for the price of $22K. A good solid investment if you had the money to tweek up the engine.
Beautiful Car
Great car, Birthday Present, Plenty of room Friends love the sporty look and just fun to drive!
Probably the best Cougar
I own a 2002 cougar XR with 34,000 miles on it. Let me say i had a 1999 cougar and i thought it was sweet, this car by far beats it. The nicer interior and sweet headlights make me want to drive it constantly!
Cougar
I have had to take my car into the shop several times for different problems. I have had the stereo replaced 3 times and it still does not function properly. I still love the car just wish it would have been built better.
Sleek Sports Car !!!!
I have the 2001 V6, leather seats, 6 cd changer,ABS,anti-theft,side & front airbags,automatic. I really enjoy driving this car. I like it because a lot of people don't own one. It is much better looking than the Acura or Mits.
The best car for the money "excellent"
I really was'nt thinking to buy a new a car, but I have to admit that when i test drove the Cougar v6 with the c2 package I fell in love with it!! With the help of the Salesman Mr. Carlo everything went smoothly, needless to say that Mr. Alvarez the finance Mgr. put every effort on it, I got a good interest rate & a cash rebate, the car handles like a European car, the performance only compared with a good Sport Car it has plenty of power, I when I knew about a tune-up's every 100,000 miles I said the American Automotive Industry finally got it.! It's very confortable for two people (in the front) forget 4 on a trip.
My Cougar
I have had my 02 Cougar for a little over a year, I haven't had any engine trouble no big problems. few problems with the rear visibility and huge blind spot also the arm rest isn't there and no mirror on the passenger Visor... other than that good mpg. all in all good Car
"The only car I want to drive"
I previously owned a 1999 cougar which was my first car when I was a junior in high school, but I was foolish and traded that car in when it had 46000 miles on it. Now, I am a sophmore in college and I recently purchased a 2002 cougar. This one is the Ultimate version. Both of my cougars have been excellent cars. The minute I get into them I get a feeling like the car was made specifically for me. That is probably the best thing about the car. What else can I say? I haven't had any problems with either of the cougars I've owned.
i got a 2000 cougar its really great!
i got mine a few months ago and while i was driving late one night i hit a raccoon and it really damaged my flood lights and the front end of my car around there and that was only a raccoon thats the only problem and its reallly expensive to get it fixed but i still will cause i love it its a really great car to drive and its confortable and its overall great.
Love and hate relationship
I love driving the car and the look, but the car has a major fuel pump problem which is common in these Cougars. It had to be replaced twice on mine, and I also had a sensor go out very early on. The features are all great, but I hate having a problem every couple of months.
'02 cougar V6
I have had this car for a little over six months now and haven't had any problems. I feel that it is pretty sporty, and its a lot of fun to drive. Its light weight combined with the V6, really gives it some oomph!