2000 Mercury Cougar review from North America

20,000 Miles- Trunk Chime would not shut off.

60,000 Miles- Alternator as well as Idle Air Control Valve.

68,000 Miles- Both Left and Right Front wheel bearings and hubs.

Everything else has been the usual wear and tear type items- brakes, tires, battery, spark plugs, wires, etc.

For the most part this has been a good, dependable car. I thought it rather odd that the wheel bearings went at 70,000 miles as the design for these cars is meant to last longer.

The car is great on gas on the highway. I've seen interstate stretches where I've achieved 34-35 MPG with the A/C running.

The drive-train needs more oomph, especially down low in the rev range. My other vehicles are both highly modified and produce well over 350 HP each so I may be a little biased in this aspect. The transmission also has a couple of dead spots. That is to say when traveling at certain speeds and a need for a lower gear is needed, dropping the gas pedal to the floor will only open up the throttle body and no down-shift will occur. Not a big deal with a large, torquey motor, but the 2.5 isn't a very large or torquey motor.

The stock stereo in the car is surprisingly clear and has lots of volume for when your in the mood for crankin' up the tunes.

I have yet to be in another car that is as sure-footed in the snow. I've never been stranded in the driveway and missed work because of an ice storm with this car.