Cougar
Mercury Cougar: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditGenerations and technical specifications
Mercury Cougar – Eighth generation1998–2002
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | 1998 – 9 August 2002 |
| Model years | 1999–2002 |
| Body styles | 3-door liftback coupe |
| Layout | Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive |
| Platform | Ford CDW27 platform |
| Engines | 2.0 L Zetec I4 (gasoline) 2.5 L Duratec V6 (gasoline) |
| Transmissions | 5-speed MTX-75 manual 4-speed CD4E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,703 mm |
| Length | 4,699 mm |
| Width | 1,768 mm |
| Height | 1,326 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,312 kg |
| Class | Sport compact |
| Assembly | Flat Rock, Michigan, United States |
| Designer | Darrell Behmer |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2002 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2000–2002 | 2.5 L, 6 cyl | 4-speed automatic | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
| 2000–2002 | 2.5 L, 6 cyl | 5-speed manual | Front-wheel drive | Petrol (regular) |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2002 | 2.0 L, 4 cyl · 5-speed manual · Front-wheel drive | 9.4–9.8 L/100 km | 11.2 L/100 km | 7.6 L/100 km |
| 2000–2002 | 2.5 L, 6 cyl · 4-speed automatic · Front-wheel drive | 11.2 L/100 km | 13.1 L/100 km | 9.0 L/100 km |
| 2000–2002 | 2.5 L, 6 cyl · 5-speed manual · Front-wheel drive | 11.2 L/100 km | 13.1 L/100 km | 8.7–9.0 L/100 km |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Compact car |
| Model years in EPA data | 2000–2002 |
| Powertrains | Petrol |
| Engine displacement | 2.0–2.5 L |
| Cylinders | 4, 6 |
| Transmission types | Manual, Automatic |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Petrol (regular) |
| Configurations listed | 9 |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 396 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 2,464 L |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2000–2002 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel and propulsion | 121 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Electrical system | 80 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Engine and cooling | 61 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 34 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Visibility and wipers | 33 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Airbags | 31 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Speed control and cruise | 24 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Brakes | 19 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Tyres | 15 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Body and structure | 15 | 2000, 2001, 2002 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2000–2002: 406 complaints, 34 with a crash and 17 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.