1999 Mercury Cougar V6

Summary:

This car is touch and go on reliability

Faults:

Alternator has been replaced four times (8,000 miles, 28,000 miles, 74,000 miles and 100,000 miles). Twice while under warranty, thank goodness.

I've had problems with the driver side window that come and go and they can't seem to get it fixed right.

General Comments:

I've spent more fixing this car over the five years I've had it than I ever did on the car I had before this and I had that one longer.

When it's running okay it runs great.

Awesome power, but that doesn't make up for the repairs I've had to have done.

The backseats are actually roomy and comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th December, 2005

1999 Mercury Cougar 2.5L

Summary:

If I could, I would sell the car for scrap metal

Faults:

I have replaced 6 tires on the car due to flats including a full set put on in 2003 and half set in 2005.

I replaced the engine for the window in May (approximately $300) because I could not roll the window down, and I am having the same problem 7 months later.

I spent approximately $1,500 dollars on the car to pass state emissions testing in the past 6 months.

I have replaced the battery 3 times in 6 years and each battery has had a 5 year warranty.

Currently, I am replacing the alternator at 105,000 miles. Mechanics estimate the cost to be approximately $600 dollars because the alternator is actually under the engine.

General Comments:

The car was fabulous for the first year as far as handling and efficiency.

The cabin is cozy, yet comfortable for front seat passengers.

The car is fast and runs like a beauty when the car is in fact running properly, which is rarely.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th December, 2005

25th Jan 2006, 23:43

As far as alternators are concerned: avoid the dealer. Look for a "StartMart", or other shop that does just starters and alternators. About $200-$300 including labor.

Dealers always screw you bad (sometimes you have no choice to use the dealer, but not with an alternator, that's the last place to go).

1999 Mercury Cougar V6 2.5L

Summary:

Things could always be worse

Faults:

I must say, that with this car, I've been semi-lucky considering some of the problems others have had. I didn't have to pay for something out of my pocket until about 110,000 miles when I had to replace the alternator (400 dollars without a new battery after having to really yell at them about the price). Now, after reading the reviews, I see that most people were replacing theirs around 60,000 miles.

The first month I had my car, a vacuum went out in my car. Not even a year later, I had to replace the brakes on my car and 2 rotors because the brake sensor had gone out (worst invention ever made, considering it's only on 3 wheels and the one that it isn't on is the one that goes out first). Also, two catalytic converter sensors went out (750 dollars per sensor, covered in warranty).

About a year later the whole fuse panel went out, along with having to replace my first set of tires. The tires on this car are outrageously priced on the v6 17" wheels, they average between 140-170 dollars. If you just bought this car I recommend making friends with a small tire company, you'll get to know these people well; very, very well, and you're definitely going to need for them to discount you and not charge labor. I was having to replace a tire once a month, mainly because I lived on a gravel road and the tires that belong on this car are only a 2-ply tire, designed with a strong side wall. In one year I spent over 2000 dollars on tires. Even after moving to a land of paved roads I was still having to replace tires, so I decided to replace the tie-rods. Not even a year later I was replacing the tires again. After all the frustration I decided to go to Walmart. I had them put on the wrong sized tire for my car, and so now there's mild rubbing when I turn sharply, but I am happier with this.

The check engine light comes on and goes off and I've realized it has a lot to do with the oil I'm using. When I use all synthetic oil, it will stay off 90 percent of the time. When I use a regular 5w-30, (Valvoline High mileage), the check engine light burns with fury until the next oil change. It has on and off days, literally. Some people try to tell me that it's an oxygen sensor, but I think it's the oil.

Now, the only problem I have is that the switch for my air conditioner seems to be broken and won't work on the first three settings. The fourth setting is the only one I really need, but with using that comes downfalls with the radio. When on the fourth setting, the radio gets insanely bad reception. It's aggravating to either be cold/hot or bored. Invest in a CD player if you don't already have one.

General Comments:

I really do enjoy my car a lot, but I don't recommend buying this car unless you have a decent job. This definitely is not a car for a teenager that is having to pay the bills on it.

People also have said this car is uncomfortable if you're tall. I'm 6'1", and it was uncomfortable at first because you really have to search for the steering wheel adjuster. I didn't find it for 3 months. I thought the car had just come without one.

If performance tires aren't a big deal to you, go to Walmart, have them put on the cheap tires, and just deal with the mild rubbing. I tried to keep up with performance tires for 3 1/2 years and thousands of dollars.

People with other brands seem to have more problems with their cars than I have ever had. It makes these problems seem like a walk in the park.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th November, 2005

12th Aug 2007, 11:20

Hello Everyone,

I fully sympathize with all the problems with these cougars as I own one myself. I have many of the same problems, and they aren't fun at all. The one thing that I wanted to add was the problem with the blower motor for the heater/air conditioner is a relatively simple inexpensive repair.

Under the glove box inside the vehicle on the blower motor itself is a resistor control switch. It has one screw and unplugs, the dealers have them in stock for about $15-$20.

Very easy repair, my one son has a 2000 ford mustang, same thing except his was held in with two screws. Whenever you lose one speed or all speeds except high on the blower, this is usually the culprit.