1999 Mercury Cougar review from North America

While my car was still under warranty, I had to do the following:

*Replace ALL of the weather stripping

*Replace the windshield (it was warped)

*Replace the catalytic converter

*Replace the starter (I think -- it seems like I replaced it, but after ALL I've had done, it's all fuzzy at this point!)

*Replace the alternator

*Fix the moon roof motor because it got stuck open

*Fix one of the side windows (it would not go up and down properly)

*Fix the door on the same side as the window because once I got it back from the dealer from the window being fixed, the door would not open from the inside

*Replace the radio (the faceplate would warp when it was hot and wouldn't touch the contacts)

***That's all I can remember at this point.

Since it has gone out of warranty, I have spent a TREMENDOUS amount of money doing the following:

*Replacing the intake manifold runner control

*Replacing the compressor clutch

*Replacing ALL of the O2 sensors (why does the Cougar have so many?!)

*Replacing the remote control (it quit working)

*Buying a new key ($60 for a key!!)

*Replacing the antenna (it was falling apart and although it still worked, it looked awful)

... Good grief, I can't even remember all of the other stuff - I am sure my mechanic has had a lovely vacation or two based on my repairs alone! :)

What still needs to be done?

*The front seat fabric is wearing out, so they will need to be covered.

*The seatbelt material is fraying a little on the sides.

*My a/c has a crack somewhere in the casing that is inaccessible without pulling the entire a/c out of the dashboard which is AT LEAST $300.00 in labor alone.

*My car has recently started to kick out of 1st and 3rd gear at any given time, speed, or reason. Nice, a transmission problem.

*The weather stripping needs replaced again because it looks SO BAD!

*The headlights need to be replaced as well because they are pitted and foggy and look horrible (unfortunately, Ford/Mercury will not just replace the acrylic -- you must replace the entire unit!).

*The clear coat on the paint is starting to break down and it looks like there are permanent water spots all over it.

Keep in mind that I LOVE my car and have done everything I can to keep it in great shape - regular washings, waxing, "nourishing treatments" for the trim parts. But, alas, to no avail! My car is like a part of me and I love it, but I cannot afford to keep pouring money into it. The repairs are not cheap and they are MULTIPLE. I am seriously disappointed and from reading the other comments, I'm not alone. I don't understand why Ford/Mercury won't go outside the factory warranty to help all of us out. It's obvious that the problems are not just with my car -- I see MANY similarities between my experience and that of others. Oh, Mercury -- why? WHY?

My car performs beautifully. It gets up to speed fast and drives smoothly. The gears shift effortlessly and it hums on the highway. It's a BEAUTIFUL car and it gets a lot of looks. People seem to appreciate the sleek lines and curves this kitty contains. I find the seats to be very comfortable even on long trips. The sound system is great and I love the "fit" of my car. It's too bad that I'm going to have to trade it in -- my beautiful Cougar -- because after 3 1/2 years of ownership, I can no longer afford to take care of it.