1988 - 2002 Mercury Cougar

The Mercury Cougar is a two-door sports coupe that was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from 1967 to 2002. It was initially designed as a more upscale and luxurious version of the Ford Mustang, but over the years, it evolved into its own distinct model.

The Cougar was known for its sleek and stylish design, with a long hood and short rear deck, giving it a muscular and aggressive appearance. It featured a range of engine options, including V6 and V8 engines, which provided strong performance and a thrilling driving experience.

Inside, the Cougar offered a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with various luxury features, such as leather upholstery, power seats, and a premium sound system. The rear seats were relatively spacious for a coupe, making it a more practical option for carrying passengers than some of its competitors.

Throughout its production, the Cougar underwent several redesigns and updates, with each generation featuring its own unique styling cues and technological advancements. In the late 1990s, the Cougar received a more modern and aerodynamic look, with a rounded body shape and streamlined features.

The Mercury Cougar gained a reputation for its handling and performance capabilities, particularly with the high-performance XR7 model, which featured upgraded suspension and performance enhancements. It was often praised for its nimble and responsive handling, making it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts.

Unfortunately, the Cougar's sales declined in the early 2000s, and as a result, production was discontinued in 2002. However, the Cougar remains a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts for its classic styling and performance prowess.

1. First Generation (1967-1970): The first generation of the Mercury Cougar was introduced in 1967 and shared many components with the Ford Mustang. It had a distinctive, sleek design and was available in coupe and convertible body styles. The first generation Cougar was available with several engine options, including a 7.0L V8 engine.

2. Second Generation (1971-1973): The second generation Cougar debuted in 1971 and featured a longer, wider body design compared to its predecessor. It had a more luxury-oriented styling and was available in coupe and convertible variants. Engine options included a variety of V8 engines ranging from 5.0L to 7.5L in displacement.

3. Third Generation (1974-1976): The third generation Cougar was introduced in 1974 and featured a more angular and boxy design compared to previous generations. It was also smaller in size due to changing market demands for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Engine options included V6 and V8 engines.

4. Fourth Generation (1977-1979): The fourth generation Cougar debuted in 1977 and featured a lighter and more aerodynamic design. It was available in coupe and sedan body styles and featured a range of engine options, including V6 and V8 engines.

5. Fifth Generation (1980-1982): The fifth generation Cougar was introduced in 1980 and shared its platform with the Ford Thunderbird. It had a more rounded and streamlined design compared to previous generations and was available in coupe and sedan styles. Engine options included V6 and V8 engines.

6. Sixth Generation (1983-1988): The sixth generation Cougar underwent a major redesign in 1983 and featured a more modern and aerodynamic design. It was available in coupe and sedan body styles and featured a range of engine options, including turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines.

7. Seventh Generation (1989-1997): The seventh generation Cougar debuted in 1989 and featured a more rounded and streamlined design. It was available in coupe and sedan styles and had a variety of engine options, including V6 and V8 engines. The seventh generation Cougar also introduced a performance-focused XR-7 model.

8. Eighth Generation (1999-2002): The eighth generation Cougar was introduced in 1999 and underwent a complete redesign. It featured a more aggressive and sporty design and was available in coupe body style only. Engine options included V6 engines.

9. Ninth Generation (2003-2005): The ninth generation Cougar was the final iteration of the model. It featured a more refined and modern design and was available in coupe body style only. Engine options included V6 engines. The ninth generation Cougar was the last model year for the Mercury Cougar as the brand was phased out by Ford.

The Mercury Cougar was available with a range of engines and transmissions throughout its production run.

Initially, the Cougar was offered with a variety of V8 engines, including a 4.7-liter, a 5.0-liter, and a 5.8-liter. These engines produced between 200 and 335 horsepower depending on the year and the specific engine.

In terms of transmission options, the Cougar was available with a three-speed manual, a four-speed manual, a three-speed automatic, and a four-speed automatic. The specific transmission available varied depending on the engine and the year.

In terms of performance, the Cougar was capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in around 7-8 seconds, depending on the engine and transmission combination. Top speed was typically in the range of 110-120 mph.

Overall, the performance of the Mercury Cougar was considered to be respectable for its time, particularly in the higher-performance V8 engine configurations. However, it was generally not considered to be a true sports car, but rather a comfortable and stylish grand touring coupe.

The fuel economy, or miles per gallon (MPG), of a Mercury Cougar can vary depending on the year, engine size, and driving conditions. Here are the average MPG ratings for some common models of the Mercury Cougar:

• 1999 Mercury Cougar: 18 city MPG, 26 highway MPG
• 2000 Mercury Cougar: 19 city MPG, 26 highway MPG
• 2001 Mercury Cougar: 18 city MPG, 26 highway MPG
• 2002 Mercury Cougar: 18 city MPG, 26 highway MPG
• 2003 Mercury Cougar: 18 city MPG, 25 highway MPG

It's important to note that these ratings are approximate averages and can vary based on individual driving habits and maintenance. Additionally, newer models may have slightly different MPG ratings due to advancements in technology.

The Mercury Cougar offers both an attractive exterior design and a comfortable interior.

Exterior: The Cougar features sleek and sporty styling that sets it apart from other sedans. It has a modern and aggressive front grille, stylish headlights, and a sculpted body that gives it a strong presence on the road. The rear of the vehicle is also designed to be visually appealing, with taillights that are integrated into the body lines. Overall, the Cougar's exterior design is eye-catching and reflects its sporty nature.

Interior: Inside the Cougar, you'll find a well-appointed cabin that prioritizes comfort and convenience. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making long drives enjoyable. The interior materials are of high quality and give the cabin a refined feel. There is plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with intuitive controls that are easy to reach and use. Overall, the interior of the Cougar is a pleasant place to be.

Comfort: The Cougar offers a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its sophisticated suspension system that absorbs bumps and road imperfections. The seats are well-cushioned and offer ample support, even on longer journeys. The cabin is also well-insulated, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum. Additionally, the Cougar has a spacious trunk that provides ample storage space for luggage and other belongings. Overall, the Cougar offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

The Mercury Cougar, a compact sports coupe manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, offers a range of infotainment and connectivity features to enhance the driving experience.

One of the main features of the Mercury Cougar is its advanced infotainment system. It includes a touchscreen display that allows drivers to easily access various audio and entertainment options. This system provides access to AM/FM radio, CD player, and MP3 player compatibility. Additionally, some models may also offer satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling.

The Mercury Cougar also offers a variety of connectivity options. The car may be equipped with USB and auxiliary ports, allowing drivers to connect their smartphones or other devices to the vehicle's infotainment system. This enables drivers to play music from their devices directly through the car's audio system.

In terms of connectivity, the Mercury Cougar may also offer features such as Wi-Fi hotspot capability. This allows passengers to connect their devices to the car's Wi-Fi network, providing internet access on the go. This can be especially useful for long drives or for passengers who need to work or browse the internet while in the car.

Furthermore, some models of the Mercury Cougar may offer advanced navigation systems. These systems provide turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates to help drivers navigate to their destination more efficiently.

Overall, the Mercury Cougar offers a range of infotainment and connectivity features to keep drivers and passengers entertained and connected while on the road. Whether it's listening to music, making hands-free calls, or accessing the internet, the Mercury Cougar provides the necessary tools to enhance the driving experience.

The Mercury Cougar, a sporty coupe produced by the American automaker Mercury from 1967 to 2002, offered several safety and driver-assistance features throughout its various generations. While the specific features varied depending on the model year and trim level, here are some notable safety features that were available on the Mercury Cougar:

1. Antilock Braking System (ABS): Many later-generation Cougar models were equipped with ABS, which helps to prevent wheel lock-up during braking, allowing for better control and shorter stopping distances.

2. Dual Front Airbags: Dual front airbags were standard on the later models of the Cougar, offering protection for both the driver and front passenger in the event of a collision.

3. Side-Impact Protection: Some later Cougar models featured side-impact protection beams in the doors, designed to absorb and distribute crash forces in the event of a side collision.

4. Rearview Camera: In later generations, the Cougar offered a rearview camera as part of its optional or available navigation system package, providing improved visibility when reversing.

5. Traction Control: Some later versions of the Mercury Cougar came with a traction control system, which limits wheel spin during acceleration on low-traction surfaces, adding stability and control.

6. Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC was available on certain later Cougar models and helps to maintain vehicle stability by automatically applying individual brakes and reducing engine power when necessary to correct oversteering or understeering.

7. Child Seat Anchors: The Cougar typically featured child seat anchors (LATCH system) in the rear seating area, providing a secure attachment point for child safety seats.

8. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Certain later Cougar models were equipped with a TPMS that alerts the driver when a tire is significantly underinflated, helping to prevent tire failure and maintain optimal driving conditions.

It's important to note that the availability and standard inclusion of these features varied based on the model year and trim level of the Mercury Cougar. Additionally, safety features have evolved and improved over time, so older versions of the Cougar may not have had the same level of safety features as later models.