2000 Mercury Cougar review from North America
"Perfect balance of speed, handling, looks, and comfort"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Wheel Cracked. 27k m.
Tire blew. 29k m.
Wheel bent & tire blew. 36k m.
Bolts broke around gasket behind catalytic converter. Bolts and gasket had to be replaced. 32k m.
Grill broke off. Not quite sure how. Bottoming out maybe? 35k m.
Inner tire rod loose. 35k m.
Boot on half joint tore. 31k m.
Exterior trim began to come off in one spot. Double-stick tape, easy fix. 27k m.
General comments?
I love this car! Looks great and feels great. A joy to drive.
A few problems with the low profile tires. The P215 50R16 gave no protection to wheel. No problems since I switched to P205 55R16, taller, skinnier wheel.
Few problems with car, most resulting from a serious pothole at high speeds.
Speaking of high speeds, you'll have no problem reaching them. The car isn't a Mustang off the line, but it holds its own. At highway speeds, acceleration and handling is flawless, a real beauty to watch or drive.
Small side comment. Many of these reviews mention an annoying trunk timer. For those of us with observation skills, there is no timer. The trunk opens when you hit the button, and if you shut a door with any significant force, the jolt will cause the trunk to shut. No timer problem, just sensitivity issue.
The back seats look great, and are reasonably comfortable once you're back there, but for anyone over 5'8'' or so, negotiating your way into the back seat and sitting comfortably is no small task. Small sacrifice for this bundle of joy.
Of all of the cars I have driven, this car feels the best hands down. Great balance of speed and handling.
The engine is powerful and quiet, nearly silent while cruising with a gentle purr while accelerating.
It's not the best car in speed, handling, looks, or comfort, but the balance of the four is better than any car I've driven. The strongest points are handling and looks, speed coming in close behind, followed by comfort. It is by no means an uncomfortable car, yet it manages to have everything else too.
The most expensive part about this car will be your speeding tickets.
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| Something to die for... In |
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| It's a cheaper version of a Vette and better then driving a little Focus |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2000 |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 liter V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 26000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 35500 miles |
| Previous car | Buick LeSabre |
| Date of Entry | 3rd June, 2005 |