Overall Rating |  |
Ford aimed the American-inspired Cougar at more mature motorists. It's good looking and its Mondeo-derived mechanicals perform well, but it was neither sporty nor special enough to make its mark.
For
- Stylish four-seater coupe for sensible money
- Good equipment levels, especially with X-Pack
- Smooth, sporty, satisfying 2.5 V6 engine
Against
- Feels and looks too American for some
- Coarse ride at low speeds
- 2.0 16v gets harsh when pushed hard
Road Test
Sleek in a Puma-meets-Mondeo manner, Cougar is really a big pussycat. It drives and handles precisely, although even the 170 bhp 2.5 V6 engine won't excite sportier drivers. But view it as a comfy long-distance mile-muncher and you won't be disappointed.
As a used choice, Cougar majors on value plus sensible running costs thanks to that blue oval badge. Full four-seater capacity and a decent boot are bonuses in a sector where rear seats are often a gesture. Standard spec is generous, with the X-Pack adding extra goodies like leather upholstery.
Quality was an issue on some early cars, though most problems were sorted quickly and ongoing reliability is Mondeo-class. Safety features are good, though Cougar was never NCAP rated.
If you're a Ford fan looking for something a bit different from a sporty Mondeo, Cougar may fit the bill, though its rarity means there's not much choice out there.
Need To Know
NCAP: not tested
Best Models: 2.5 V6 24v X-Pack
Worst Models: 2.0 16v without extras
Replacement: n/a
Alternatives
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Star Ratings
Handling Comfort Quality & Reliability  Performance Roominess Running Costs Value for Money Stereo/Sat Nav |
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