The Mercury Cougar, a name synonymous with style and performance, has captivated car enthusiasts for decades. From its sporty origins as a Mustang competitor to its later iterations as a more luxurious personal coupe, the Cougar has evolved significantly throughout its production run. This guide will help you navigate the diverse history of the Mercury Cougar, highlighting the best years to own and a few to potentially avoid, ensuring you make an informed decision whether you're buying, restoring, or simply appreciating this classic American car.
Mercury Cougar: A Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Year Range | Highlights | Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| 1967-1970 (First Generation) | Classic styling, potent V8 engines, XR-7 luxury trim, strong aftermarket support. | Rust issues, particularly in Northern climates, can be a significant concern. Early models had some build quality inconsistencies. |
| 1971-1973 (Second Generation) | Larger size, more luxurious features, available with powerful 429 Cobra Jet engine (1971). | Increased weight impacted handling and fuel economy. Styling is less universally admired than the first generation. |
| 1974-1976 (Third Generation) | Continued emphasis on luxury, more restrained styling, available with a Landau roof. | Performance decreased due to emissions regulations. Styling is considered less appealing by many enthusiasts. |
| 1977-1979 (Fourth Generation) | Downsized body based on the Ford Thunderbird, improved fuel economy. | Styling is often criticized as bland. Performance remained relatively weak. |
| 1980-1982 (Fifth Generation) | Based on the Ford Fairmont platform, further downsizing, improved fuel efficiency. | Styling is generally considered uninspired. Performance was limited. |
| 1983-1986 (Sixth Generation) | Aerodynamic styling, improved handling, available with a turbocharged 2.3L engine. | Some reliability issues with the turbocharged engine. Interior materials can feel dated. |
| 1987-1988 (Seventh Generation) | Updated styling, improved interior, continued focus on performance. | Styling is a matter of personal taste, considered by some to be generic. |
| 1989-1997 (Eighth Generation) | Supercharged V6 engine (SC model) offered impressive performance, comfortable ride. | Supercharged models can be expensive to maintain. Electronic issues can be common. |
| 1999-2002 (Ninth Generation) | Modern, sporty styling, independent rear suspension, available with a V6 engine. | Front-wheel drive configuration is a departure from the Cougar's traditional rear-wheel drive. Reliability issues with certain components. |
Detailed Explanations
1967-1970 (First Generation): These Cougars are highly sought after for their iconic styling, powerful V8 engine options (including the 390 and 428), and luxurious XR-7 trim. They represent the classic muscle car era and offer a rewarding driving experience. The strong aftermarket support makes restoration and modification relatively straightforward. However, rust is a common issue, especially in areas with harsh winters. Inspect frame rails, floor pans, and quarter panels carefully.
1971-1973 (Second Generation): While still attractive, these Cougars grew in size and weight compared to the first generation. They offered a more luxurious ride and were available with the potent 429 Cobra Jet engine in 1971. While powerful, the increased weight negatively impacted handling and fuel economy. The styling is not as universally loved as the first generation.
1974-1976 (Third Generation): These Cougars continued the trend towards luxury, with more restrained styling and features like a Landau roof. However, performance suffered due to tightening emissions regulations. Many enthusiasts find the styling less appealing than earlier models. These are generally less desirable and therefore more affordable.
1977-1979 (Fourth Generation): Based on the downsized Ford Thunderbird, these Cougars offered improved fuel economy. However, the styling is often criticized as being bland and uninspired. Performance remained relatively weak compared to earlier models. These are generally not considered collectible.
1980-1982 (Fifth Generation): These Cougars were based on the Ford Fairmont platform, resulting in further downsizing and improved fuel efficiency. However, the styling is generally considered uninspired, and performance was limited. These are not popular among collectors.
1983-1986 (Sixth Generation): These Cougars featured more aerodynamic styling and improved handling. They were also available with a turbocharged 2.3L engine, offering a boost in performance. However, the turbocharged engine can be prone to reliability issues, and the interior materials can feel dated.
1987-1988 (Seventh Generation): These Cougars received updated styling and an improved interior. The focus remained on performance, but the styling is a matter of personal taste and considered by some to be generic. These are generally less expensive than earlier generations.
1989-1997 (Eighth Generation): The Supercharged V6 engine (SC model) offered impressive performance, making these Cougars desirable for enthusiasts. They also provided a comfortable ride. However, supercharged models can be expensive to maintain, and electronic issues can be common.
1999-2002 (Ninth Generation): These Cougars featured modern, sporty styling and independent rear suspension. They were available with a V6 engine. However, the front-wheel drive configuration was a significant departure from the Cougar's traditional rear-wheel drive, which alienated some enthusiasts. Reliability issues with certain components have also been reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mercury Cougar is the most desirable? The first-generation Cougars (1967-1970) are generally considered the most desirable due to their classic styling, powerful engines, and strong aftermarket support.
Are Mercury Cougars reliable cars? Reliability varies greatly depending on the year. Earlier models can suffer from rust, while later models might have electronic or mechanical issues.
What are the most common problems with Mercury Cougars? Common problems include rust (especially in early models), electrical issues, and maintenance challenges with supercharged engines in later models.
How much does it cost to restore a Mercury Cougar? Restoration costs can vary widely depending on the condition of the car and the level of restoration desired. Expect to spend anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
What is the value of a classic Mercury Cougar? The value depends on the year, model, condition, and originality. First-generation Cougars in excellent condition can fetch high prices.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Mercury Cougar for you depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you're looking for classic styling and powerful performance, the first-generation models (1967-1970) are hard to beat. However, be prepared for potential rust issues and restoration costs. Later models offer more modern features and improved fuel economy, but may lack the iconic appeal of the earlier generations. Carefully research each year and model to find the Cougar that best suits your needs and budget.