Faults:

Fuel Pump has been replaced twice, once at 52K and now at 79k. This is not a cheap job (approx $700 for parts and labour).

Alternator went at 70k.

Front right side wheel bearing went at 55k along with tie rod.

Front hood and rear trunk release consistently stick, Ford can't seem to fix it.

General Comments:

I love the styling of my cougar, unfortunately that is the only thing going for this vehicle.

I purchased this vehicle with 24k, thinking I would not experience any immediate problems other than regular wear and tear. My biggest problem with this vehicle is the fuel pump. Every person that I know who ownes this vehicle has had to change the fuel pump on a regular basis. Ford is aware this part has a history of problems, yet anytime you go back they install the exact same part. Therefore, your only alternative is an expensive after-market fuel pump.

The automatic transmission is very sluggish on the V6. But after shifting into higher gears she rides very well and smooth.

I Would not recommend this vehicle to anyone, actually I would discourage anyone from purchasing a Ford period. There service departments provide very poor service (Well in the Toronto area anyways.

Faults:

The alternator has gone out.

It eats very expensive tires.

The engine light is on constantly.

The upholstery is wearing badly.

The windows struggle going up and down.

Even though there is a trunk release it has to opened manually.

The radio is a lit blank screen, never knowing what station you are listening to.

When hitting a bump the radio goes off occasionally.

It is very uncomfortable at any distance.

There is no head room in the back seat area.

The transmission has a clunk at shifting from first to second in an automatic.

General Comments:

The dealers seem to be at a loss as to how to fix most problems, this car has been on an analyzer more times than I care to say.

Overall handling is superb.

The style of the car is unsurpassed for the price range.

The gas mileage is very good. 28 to 35 miles per gallon.

The instrumentation is well desined and stylish.

Replacement body parts are inexpensive.

Mercury could have done a much better job manufacturing this vehicle.

Faults:

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.