2001 Ford Cougar SX review from Australia and New Zealand
"A truly awesome pocket rocket"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Nothing.
General comments?
My previous car was a 2004 Magna VRX All Wheel Drive, which did not compare to the Cougar.
I fell in love with the Cougar instantly when I saw a picture of it, and was extremely impressed when seeing one in person.
Mine has a full spoiler kit, which really adds to the Cougar's aggressive appearance.
The interior is fantastic. The beautifully sculptured dashboard and door trims instantly give a sports car feel.
There are instruments and switches galore, which make the dashboard look like an airplane cockpit, just fantastic.
The car provides features and options galore, something absent in Australian cars, but common to US cars.
The interior with leather seats is very comfortable and fits me like a glove. You really feel that you are in a sports car. Even the back seats are comfortable and quite roomy. I totally disagree with reviews that the back seats are too small.
Performance is very good for a 2.5L. This car has plenty of take off acceleration and great overtaking. This car is much quicker than I expected.
The sound of the engine during acceleration and cruise is just fantastic.
The handling is great. The Cougar hugs the road and corners better than my previous All Wheel Drive Magna VRX.
Overall, driving the car is exhilarating, and I try to find any excuse to drive it.
This is the best car I have owned and I love everything about it. It is truly saddening that Ford no longer import the Cougar to Australia, as I have no replacement for this car when I decide to buy a new car.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | 2001 - Cougar 2.5 V6 X pack 2.5 Great style, great performance, reasonable price |
![]() ![]() | The Cougar is a much better car than Top Gear magazine said, if they ever drove one |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5L Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 50000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 51000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mitsubishi Magna |
| Date of Entry | 13th August, 2005 |



