2000 Ford Cougar Sport review from North America

Alternator -- This is a common problem with this car, it's located next to the exhaust manifold. It's tucked in behind the engine, down low. It gets cooked from the heat and splashed with water. It's difficult to remove, which means a big labor bill to replace.

Check Engine Light -- Bad Catalytic converter. I had the computer reprogrammed (flashed) to an updated spec.

Lights would flicker -- Another common problem -- Ford has a service bulletin, cheap, easy fix. Did it myself.

This is a good looking, sporty and fun car to drive. I would recommend the 6 cylinder over the 4. The 6 cyl. will get you good gas mileage (26 MPG), and provide decent acceleration. My Cougar is almost 10 years old but still fits in with the newer style cars -- it doesn't look dated.

There are definitely some common problems with this year cougar.

Alternator -- see above.

Sunroof -- 1999-2000 years had plastic tracks and parts that would break. The 01, 02 Cougar had metal tracks -- much better.

Flickering lights -- see above.

Rear hatch doesn't open properly.

Rough idle -- Moosing sound -- Replace idle air control valve -- Easy fix!!

Cup holder will spill hot coffee in your lap!!

Not much room in the back seat for more than a kid. I'm 6 '2" and I fit just fine in the drivers seat, even with the sunroof. Car has a hard sporty ride, handles great. A lot of road noise in the cabin -- it's not a Cadillac. This is a great first car for a teen. You can get one in good shape for a great deal since they are not to popular. Plenty of info on the net to deal with the common problems. Consider the 01, 02 model, Factory has fixed many common problems including the cup holder!!