2001 Mercury Cougar Review

The Mercury Cougar underwent a radical transformation for 1999, becoming a slick sports coupe like the original 1967 Cougar.


The first Cougar was basically a high-line, European-style version of the trim Ford Mustang. It had a Jaguar-style dashboard and was successfully raced. But the Cougar got too big and sloppy as the years passed, ending up as a clone of the rear-drive Ford Thunderbird. It didn't get a nice 30th anniversary present because it was dropped in 1997.


The current-generation Cougar arrived as an early 1999 model in mid-1998. It was a smaller front-drive coupe with the same engines and chassis as the similar, European-developed Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique sports sedans. However, the Cougar had a sportier body style and stiffer construction.


The Cougar featured Ford's ''New Edge'' styling, which retained smooth body lines, but added sharp edges and geometric features for a sculpted look that gave a feeling of motion.


The Contour and Mystique were dropped because they were too European for American tastes. But the Cougar has hung on, although it's in the fickle small sports coupe market where many cars have fairly short lives unless revamped on a regular basis.


The 2001 Cougar is virtually the same as the 1999 model. Changes include minor styling revisions to the front and rear and a new satin aluminum instrument panel with retro-looking gauges.


However, the promised 196-horsepower high-performance Cougar S version of the car never arrived for 2001. The Cougar thus is offered only with a 2-liter, 125-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower V-6.


The 16-valve four-cylinder only comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 24-valve V-6 is offered with both the manual and a responsive $815 four-speed automatic transmission. Mercury is to be thanked for offering the V-6 with the manual. That's something a sporty outfit such as BMW would do to allow the best performance. Most automakers would offer the V-6 only with an automatic.


The dual-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder comes only with the manual because that engine doesn't have lots of power and an automatic always soaks up power. The shifter is rather notchy, but works with a light, short-throw clutch.


The smooth V-6 is the best Cougar engine. It propels the approximately 3,000-pound car to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds with the manual gearbox. But the V-6 is no fireball; the 65-75 mph passing times are average--especially with the automatic. Here's hoping that Mercury offers the more potent Cougar S for 2002.


Fuel economy is an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 29 on highways with the V-6 and either transmission. It's 23 and 34 with the four-cylinder.


The fast, precise steering has a rather heavy, springy feel that takes getting used to. The all-independent suspension provides a firm but supple ride, which the long 106.4-inch wheelbase helps make smoother. Braking is good. So is handling--especially with the $865 Sport Group V-6 option; it contains wider tires on bigger wheels and a four-wheel disc brake setup.


The Cougar lists at $16,700 with the four-cylinder and at $17,200 with the V-6. Even the four-cylinder model has air conditioning, tilt wheel, power height-adjustable driver's seat, AM/FM/CD player, rear defogger, power windows and door locks and heated mirrors. The V-6 version adds the six-cylinder engine and an upgraded suspension.


Major stand-alone options include a $615 power sunroof, $500 anti-lock brakes and $390 front side-impact air bags. The Cougar V-6 is offered with a traction control system and six-way power driver's seat, which each cost $235. The Cougar V-6 also is available with $895 leather upholstery. A rear spoiler costs $235 for the four-cylinder model, but is very conspicuous in the rearview mirror.


The rather noisy cockpit provides good room up front for 6-footers in supportive bucket seats, but not enough headroom in back for taller adults. The nicely placed controls work well, but rearview mirrors are too small and thick rear roof pillars seriously block driver visibility. Be careful changing lanes with this car.


The huge hatch swings up to reveal a large cargo area, which has a high, rather narrow opening. Rear seatbacks can be flipped forward to provide truly impressive cargo room.


The Cougar still turns heads and is a worthy successor to the original 1967 model.