Headlight assembly had a leak, and would fog up. The dealer couldn't get a replacement, said they fixed the seal, but I ended up having to do it myself with sealant.
Unfortunately I lost mine in a freak accident, and am still mourning the loss.
However, I have a great testimony to the safety engineered into this car. The entire engine, front end, trunk and undercarriage were destroyed in a rollover on rocks. The passenger compartment didn't budge an inch and I walked away without a scratch.
Anyway...
The Cougars seats are designed for a narrow back, the passenger seat seems the most comfortable.
It had power, but the response lagged a bit.
I had no problem with defects or bugs in 14,000 miles.
I've never driven a car that can corner like the Cougar, and have taken 35 MPH curves at 55 without squealing.
If you are looking at one of these try out the other competitors also (Celica, Eclipse, Stealth). You'll find the Cougar can hang with the more expensive copycats (Cougars were first with this design).
I'd consider this style of car the low end of "true" sports cars, which puts it into elite company. Furthermore, for it's cost, the Cougar might be the best bargain.
If you are looking at one of these try out the other competitors also (Celica, Eclipse, Stealth). You'll find the Cougar can hang with the more expensive copycats (Cougars were first with this design).
This comment about the copycat bothers me a little. The 97 Cougars had a very different body style than the one that you had. Only the 99+ have the sport compact body. The Eclipse has had that body style since 1995. Unless you're talking about the 1994 or earlier eclipses in which case you're right, the cougar body was first.
My friend had a 99 Cougar V6 5-speed with cold air intake and a zex nitrous system and it would beat anything in town. These are great cars...
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