Get it while you can because Mercury's five-seat Cougar becomes extinct after this year. Trends towards front-wheel drive, growing competition from luxury imports and booming popularity of sport utilities spelled doom for the once mighty, two-door Cougar sports coupe. This coupe handles, accelerates and corners nicely, but with so much competition, Cougar got lost in the new-car jungle. According to industry analysts, Cougar's corporate twin, the Ford Thunderbird, will also drive off into the sunset, although unconfirmed reports have Thunderbird resurfacing as a two-seat roadster sometime near the turn of the century. Ironically, Thunderbird burst onto the automotive scene in 1954 as a two-seat model. Cougar debuted over a decade later in 1966 as a 1967 edition. The current automotive platform has been around since 1989. Mercury marks the occasion with a special 30th anniversary edition featuring a dark red exterior, circular Cougar emblems embroidered into the front of seatbacks and anniversary floor mats. Currently, Ford's Mercury division offers one Cougar trim level; the XR7. A 3.8-liter, 145 horsepower V-6 engine is standard. For more power, drivers can opt for the 4.6 liter V-8 engine with 205 horsepower. With a base price of $17,830, the mid-size Cougar falls into a relatively affordable price range of the middle specialty car segment. Our test-drive 30th Anniversary edition with many amenities, totalled $22,525, including the larger V-8 engine and $510 destination charge. For a comparatively heavy vehicle, this vehicle moves quickly and is quite agile. Manual air conditioning, automatic transmission, dual air bags power windows and independent rear suspension come standard. Options include traction control and anti-lock brakes. Inside, drivers must be wary of the small, rectangular rear window that contributes to larger-than-average blind spots. Side view mirrors could be a tad bit larger too. The wrap-around cockpit includes updated instrument cluster warning lights. Those big 32-oz drink cups rest nicely in the redesigned center console featuring permanent dual cup holders. Small buttons monitor temperature settings, while fan speed and directions are dialed controlled. Radio pre-set buttons also tend toward the small size. However, power door locks and power window buttons, found on the doors, are good sized and easy to locate at night. Traction control and trunk release buttons are found, below the center storage bin's flip top. New options for 1997 include power moonroof and leather-wrapped steering wheel. A decklid spoiler is optional. Decent head room in back is offset by tight leg room. The rear-wheel drive transaxle hump, running the length of the floor, creates an area better left for two passengers. Outside, Cougar bucks the rounded, aerodynamic roof line appearance with a more traditional angled structure. The long, flat trunk incorporates a low-liftover design, making loading and unloading luggage or groceries easier. Cougar has no pass-through system from the back seat area to the trunk. Mileage estimates for the upgraded V-8 engine check in at 17 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg highway. Six cylinder engines average 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Our bright red test-drive vehicle, with 1,890 odometer miles, registered 16 mpg in combined driving. The fuel tank holds 18 gallons of unleaded fuel. Ford assembles the Mercury Cougar in Lorain, Ohio. |