1999 Mercury Cougar review from North America

Smog shop found six manufacture and OBII codes. IMRC circuit failure. O2 failure (2 codes). EVAP/Gas tank pressure sensor (2 codes). Disconnected DPFE hoses.

Changed O2 sensor. Changed fuel pump and pressure sensor. Changed DPFE hoses. Looking for cheap IMRC actuator, and thinking about changing manifold gaskets (vacuum leaks).

I remind myself that the engine is a 2.5 duratec, which is one of Ford's best small engines. It is the car's electrics and emissions which are most problematic and aggravating. Stupid things such as premature failures of the front hub bearings, alternator, fuel pump, and remote trunk switch are part of a long list of ford's apparent oversight for this model car.

The cougar has great euro-inspired sports-car lines. It is more spacious than a Cobalt, quicker than most Golfs, and quieter than any of the compacts.

I plan on keeping the car. I have invested so much time into locating and fixing the problems, I now know where to find and how to fix most of the replaceable parts in the car. I agree that there are too many manufacturer oversights (defects) in the car, and I agree with edmunds. com which reviewed six sports coupes in 2001 and scored the cougar dead last. But I brought the car for its styling (and engine).