1999 Mercury Cougar from North America - Comments

I bought my 1999 Cougar in summer of 06. It's a 5 speed v-6 that had about 65k miles on it. Besides the sunroof breaking on me at about 85k miles, I've had no other major problems with the car. I had a slight tire tread wear down on the front passenger tire, but after a screw destroyed it, I got the tires replaced and rebalanced. After that, there's been no sign of wear on the tread. It has 105k miles on it now, and just drove a 2000mile trip up and back to Florida with no problems at all. It got 35mpg the whole time and I couldn't of been happier. The sunroof breaking did suck, but if that's the only major problem I've had (especially after reading other comments) I can't complain. I love my car, and would recommend it to anyone.

I love my '99 cougar, but I am also going to jump on the band wagon. The check engine light is always off and on. The transmission is just about to give up on me. Sorry to say this to the person who commented about the A/C not working on levels 1-3..but I am glad to know that some one else has had this same problem. Mine does the same thing as well. It is fixable and not that expensive. Just haven't gotten around to it! Has it done the same thing to anyone else? Also the locks on the car are horrible. I can never trust that the locks are locked. My trunk doesn't pop open the first time either. Although my car has these problems they are pretty minor (not including the transmission) ; I have fallen in love with my car, but will be excited to pass it to the next person after I'm done paying it off!

I have 1999 (1998.5) Cougar with the V6 and auto transmission. I bought the car new in July, 1998. The car currently has 112,500 miles. Overall, the car has been reliable. It has never left me stranded. The only major issues I have had were the sunroof broke (26k miles), rear sway bar mounts (55k miles), CD Player/Radio broke (58k miles), flex plate & starter (62k miles), and 2 failed oxygen sensors (62k & 74k miles). Currently, the car is at my mechanic, because I think my transmission is failing. I love driving the car, except for the squeaks and moans. It may be time to say goodbye to by beloved car. Is it time to buy a Honda?

I received my 99 Cougar in April 2005 for a graduation present. I instantly fell in love with the car. Then in July of the same year we were out shooting off fireworks in the middle of the country on the Fourth of July, when my alternator went out. If it wasn't bad enough, my cell phone was dying and I couldn't let anyone know where we were.

Then, a few months after getting my alternator replaced, it went out again. I have had so many problems with this car it is unreal. I can't even list all of the things I've had to replace.

I am someone who always checks my oil and every other fluid frequently, and I always get my oil changed on time. My check engine light is constantly on, and now my car is sitting parked in my garage because my transmission is going out.

As far as recommending this car to anyone, I would say keep looking at other options. I will give the car credit as far as looks go, but it is definitely not worth all of the money you waste trying to keep it running like it is supposed to.

I have a 99 Cougar that I bought new in December 1998 and has 95k miles on it right now. It has been an extremely reliable car for me with the exception of the alternator. According to my mechanic, that was a very bad design by Ford. Apparently the alternator is located at the bottom of the engine compartment, where it gets sprayed with water every time it rains which is quite often here central Florida. Additionally, to replace the alternator my mechanic ends up taking part of the front suspension apart. I’ve had to replace it at least 3 times and each time costs me well over $500. However, other than the alternator I have not had any other serious problem with the car. I’ve been extremely happy with the car.