1999 Mercury Cougar review from North America
"A piece of crap."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
To start off, the first month I had the car, the dealer had to replace the overdrive shaft and button.
Then, a month later the catalytic converter went.
My sunroof would leak as if it were open when it rained.
My stereo face would keep popping out of place, and for some reason, the dealership couldn't get it to stay in.
Then, in the winter, some of the time it would start right up, both 1/2 the time when it was extremely cold, you would have to try to start it like 3 or 4 times before it finally changed over.
My check engine light also came on right after I took it to them to check my starter (which they determined it starts fine, and that they don't know how I was trying to start it!!!). They told me that there is a humming coming from the engine that they can't find, so keep driving it until something goes in it to determine what the problem is. Now, my warranty is up.
About every 2 months for like the last 6 months, I would be stranded on the side of some huge highway. First, the alternator went going down a major highway, had to get towed.
Two months after that, going down, 1-95, had the alternator went again!!
Two months after that, on route 1 (major 6 lane highway in Jersey) guess what---broke down again. This time it was a main fuse. The dealership said that they cannot find what caused it, but since they couldn't find the cause, that most likely it would happen again! This is my most recent which just happened a month ago. The dealership isn't just some side dealership, it is a huge chain.
General comments?
The car, when it is running, runs great. The acceleration is great, and passing ability. It handles excellent on turns. The interior is one of a kind, and looks great.
Recommended reviews
![]() ![]() | Friends don't let friends buy Cougars!!! |
![]() ![]() | This car is garbage! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 43000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 68000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Neon |
| Date of Entry | 3rd October, 2003 |

