The 1999 Mercury Cougar, a stylish and sporty coupe, offered a unique blend of performance and comfort. Its sleek design and powerful engine options made it a popular choice for drivers seeking an engaging driving experience. This generation of Cougar marked a departure from its predecessors, adopting a more modern and aerodynamic aesthetic that captured the spirit of the late 1990s.
The 1999 Cougar was available in various trim levels, each offering a distinct set of features and capabilities. The base model was equipped with a 2.5-liter V6 engine, while the more powerful XR7 trim boasted a 3.0-liter V6. The Cougar’s target market included young professionals and enthusiasts who desired a sporty yet practical vehicle.
Its blend of performance and comfort, along with its distinctive styling, helped it stand out in a crowded automotive landscape.
Overview of the 1999 Mercury Cougar
The 1999 Mercury Cougar was a sporty coupe that aimed to attract younger buyers seeking a stylish and fun-to-drive vehicle. It represented a significant departure from its predecessor, adopting a more modern and aggressive design language.
Design and Styling
The 1999 Cougar featured a distinctive and aerodynamic design, characterized by its sloping roofline, rounded headlights, and prominent grille. It shared a platform with the Ford Contour and was a clear departure from the previous generation’s boxy styling. The Cougar’s sleek lines and sporty stance were intended to appeal to a younger, more image-conscious audience.
Notable design elements included:* Curvaceous lines:The Cougar’s body was sculpted with smooth, flowing lines that emphasized its athletic profile.
Large, wraparound headlights
These headlights provided a distinctive look and enhanced visibility.
The 1999 Mercury Cougar, a sporty coupe, represented a departure from the brand’s traditional image. While it shared its platform with the Ford Mustang, the Cougar offered a more refined and luxurious experience. In contrast, the 1940 Mercury Woody Wagon embodied a classic American aesthetic, with its wooden body and vintage charm.
The Cougar, however, aimed to capture a younger audience with its sleek design and powerful engine options, highlighting the brand’s evolution over time.
Sporty grille
The grille featured a prominent mesh pattern and a large Mercury emblem, adding to the car’s aggressive appearance.
Integrated rear spoiler
The spoiler not only enhanced the Cougar’s sporty look but also contributed to its aerodynamic performance.
Available 17-inch alloy wheels
These wheels further enhanced the Cougar’s sporty appeal and provided a more substantial road presence.
Trim Levels and Features
The 1999 Mercury Cougar was offered in three trim levels:
- Cougar:The base trim level included standard features such as power windows, power locks, air conditioning, and a CD player.
- Cougar XR-7:This mid-level trim offered additional features, including a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and unique interior trim.
- Cougar XR-7 Convertible:The top-of-the-line trim featured a power-operated convertible top, leather upholstery, and a premium sound system.
Target Market and Place in the Automotive Landscape
The 1999 Mercury Cougar was primarily targeted towards young professionals and enthusiasts seeking a stylish and sporty coupe. It competed against other popular coupes of the time, such as the Honda Accord Coupe, Toyota Celica, and Nissan Altima Coupe.
The Cougar’s combination of sporty styling, comfortable interior, and available V6 engine helped it to stand out in a crowded market.
Performance and Handling
The 1999 Mercury Cougar offered a blend of sporty performance and comfortable handling, making it a compelling choice for drivers seeking a balance between spirited driving and everyday usability. Its engine options and chassis setup contributed to its overall driving experience.
Engine Options and Performance
The 1999 Mercury Cougar came with two engine options, each catering to different performance needs:
- 2.5L Duratec V6:This base engine generated 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for daily driving. It was paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly sporty, it offered decent fuel economy and a smooth driving experience.
- 2.5L Duratec V6 with SVT Performance Package:This optional engine, developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT), delivered a more potent 200 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. This engine was exclusively mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The SVT package also included upgraded suspension components, larger brakes, and unique styling cues, enhancing the Cougar’s performance and handling capabilities.
The 2.5L Duratec V6 with SVT Performance Package offered a noticeable performance improvement over the base engine. It provided quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience, making it a desirable option for enthusiasts seeking a sportier feel.
Handling and Driving Dynamics
The 1999 Mercury Cougar featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multilink rear suspension, providing a balanced blend of comfort and handling. The car’s relatively low center of gravity and well-tuned suspension contributed to its agile and responsive handling.
The Cougar’s steering was precise and offered good feedback, allowing drivers to confidently navigate corners.
The car’s suspension effectively absorbed bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a comfortable ride even on less-than-ideal surfaces. However, some critics noted that the Cougar’s suspension could feel slightly stiff at times, particularly on rough roads.
Fuel Economy and Driving Experience
The 1999 Mercury Cougar’s fuel economy was generally decent for its class. The base 2.5L Duratec V6 engine achieved an estimated 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the SVT Performance Package model delivered slightly lower figures due to its more powerful engine.
The Cougar’s overall driving experience was enjoyable, offering a good balance of performance, handling, and comfort.
The car’s interior was well-appointed and provided a comfortable and stylish environment for both driver and passengers. The Cougar’s smooth engine and well-isolated cabin made it a pleasant car for long drives.
Interior and Comfort
The 1999 Mercury Cougar offers a sporty and comfortable interior that blends style and practicality. Its design prioritizes driver-centric ergonomics while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic.
Interior Design and Layout
The Cougar’s interior features a driver-oriented layout with a well-designed dashboard that places all essential controls within easy reach. The instrument panel is clear and easy to read, featuring large gauges for speed, RPM, and fuel level. The center console houses the audio system, climate controls, and other functions.
The overall design of the interior is characterized by a blend of sporty and luxurious elements, with materials that are both stylish and durable.
Seating Comfort and Spaciousness
The 1999 Mercury Cougar offers comfortable seating for both the driver and passengers. The front seats are supportive and well-bolstered, providing excellent lateral support during spirited driving. The rear seats are also comfortable, offering adequate legroom and headroom for average-sized adults.
While the Cougar is a two-door coupe, it provides sufficient space for four passengers to travel comfortably.
Technology and Amenities
The 1999 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a range of technology and amenities that enhance both comfort and convenience. Standard features include power windows, power locks, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo system. Some models also offer optional features such as a CD player, cruise control, and a sunroof.
The audio system provides clear sound quality and is easy to operate. The climate control system effectively regulates the temperature inside the cabin, ensuring a comfortable ride in all weather conditions.
Reliability and Safety
The 1999 Mercury Cougar, while known for its sporty handling and stylish design, has a mixed reputation in terms of reliability and safety. Owner reviews and industry reports provide insights into its strengths and weaknesses, helping potential buyers make informed decisions.
Reliability
The 1999 Mercury Cougar is powered by a 2.5L V6 engine or a 3.0L V6 engine. The 2.5L engine is generally considered reliable, but the 3.0L engine can be prone to issues.
- Common problemswith the 3.0L V6 engine include timing chain failures, oil leaks, and head gasket issues. These problems can be costly to repair, and it’s essential to have the vehicle regularly maintained to minimize the risk of encountering them.
- Transmission problemsare also a concern, particularly with the automatic transmission. Transmission failures can be expensive to repair, and it’s crucial to have the transmission fluid changed regularly to help prevent issues.
- Electrical issuescan also arise, such as problems with the wiring harness, sensors, and other electrical components. These issues can be difficult to diagnose and repair, and they can lead to a variety of symptoms, including engine misfires, stalling, and dashboard lights.
The 1999 Mercury Cougar, a sporty coupe with a distinct design, represents a shift in the Mercury brand towards a more youthful and performance-oriented image. While it may seem like a far cry from the classic luxury of the 1947 Mercury Convertible , both models share a common lineage, showcasing the brand’s evolution over time.
The Cougar’s sleek lines and powerful engine offered a modern take on the Mercury legacy, appealing to a new generation of drivers.
While these issues can be concerning, it’s important to note that not all 1999 Mercury Cougars will experience them. Regular maintenance and proper care can significantly improve the vehicle’s reliability.
Safety Features and Crash Test Results
The 1999 Mercury Cougar came standard with several safety features, including:
- Dual front airbags
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Side impact beams
However, the 1999 Mercury Cougar did not perform well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It received a two-star rating for frontal impactand a three-star rating for side impact. These ratings indicate that the vehicle may not provide adequate protection in a crash.
Common Maintenance Issues, 1999 Mercury Cougar
The 1999 Mercury Cougar, like any other vehicle, requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Some common maintenance issues include:
- Engine oil leaks: Oil leaks are a common issue with the 1999 Mercury Cougar, particularly in older vehicles. It’s essential to check the oil level regularly and have any leaks repaired promptly to prevent engine damage.
- Suspension problems: The suspension system can wear out over time, leading to issues such as noisy suspension, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. It’s important to have the suspension inspected regularly and replaced as needed.
- Brake problems: Brake problems are another common issue with the 1999 Mercury Cougar. It’s essential to have the brakes inspected regularly and replaced as needed to ensure safe braking performance.
It’s essential to have any maintenance issues addressed promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the vehicle’s safety and reliability.
The 1999 Mercury Cougar, with its sleek design and powerful engine, was a popular choice for those seeking a sporty coupe. While it was a modern interpretation of the classic Cougar nameplate, it drew inspiration from the past, such as the iconic 1946 Mercury 2-Dr Coupe.
This earlier model, with its flowing lines and distinctive grille, exemplified the elegance and performance that Mercury was known for. The 1999 Cougar, while distinct in its own right, carried on that legacy of style and driving excitement.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The 1999 Mercury Cougar, despite its relatively short production run, left a lasting mark on automotive culture. It was a car that resonated with a specific demographic, becoming a symbol of a particular era and style.
The Cougar’s Place in Popular Culture
The 1999 Mercury Cougar’s sleek design and sporty performance made it a popular choice for car enthusiasts and the general public alike. It was featured in several movies and television shows, including the popular TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which helped to solidify its image as a stylish and cool car.
Comparison with Competitors
The 1999 Mercury Cougar found itself competing in a crowded market of sporty coupes, facing off against established players like the Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, and the ever-popular Ford Mustang. While the Cougar shared its platform with the Ford Mustang, its styling and target audience differed, positioning it as a more refined and luxurious option within the segment.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses Compared to Competitors
The 1999 Mercury Cougar offered a unique blend of features and performance that set it apart from its rivals.
- Strengths:
- The Cougar’s sleek and modern design, particularly its distinctive “New Edge” styling, appealed to a younger, more sophisticated buyer than the Mustang.
- The Cougar’s interior, with its premium materials and well-appointed features, offered a more luxurious feel than many of its competitors.
- The availability of a powerful V6 engine, coupled with its responsive handling, provided a satisfying driving experience.
- Weaknesses:
- The Cougar’s rear seat space was somewhat cramped, limiting its practicality for families or those who frequently carry passengers.
- The Cougar’s overall performance, while adequate, wasn’t as impressive as some of its rivals, particularly the Honda Prelude with its VTEC engine.
- The Cougar’s resale value was lower than some of its competitors, likely due to its limited production run and less widespread popularity.
Value Proposition
The 1999 Mercury Cougar offered a unique value proposition in the sporty coupe segment.
- It positioned itself as a more refined and luxurious option compared to the Mustang, appealing to buyers who desired a more upscale driving experience.
- The Cougar’s price point was competitive, offering a balance between performance and features.
- The Cougar’s distinctive styling and interior design helped it stand out from the crowd, appealing to buyers seeking a unique and stylish vehicle.
Epilogue
The 1999 Mercury Cougar remains a cherished model for many car enthusiasts. Its blend of sporty handling, stylish design, and comfortable interior made it a popular choice for those seeking a unique and engaging driving experience. While production ceased in 2002, the Cougar’s legacy lives on, reminding us of a time when coupes were celebrated for their performance and style.