1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7

1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Picture

1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 convertible was the last line of a Cougar. Mercury Cougar name has a variety of cars over the years than "Save the Whale" stickers: drag strip demons, Ford Thunderbird clone, and even vans. In 1973, however, that the bomb was in the seventh and final year of his original concept as "Mercury Mustang", a luxury "adult" version of the popular Ford Mustang.

The 1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 was the upscale option for the model.

But times are a Mustang changes were fueled by the heroic new shares, 1971: s why I Mercury Cougar, also receives a larger 113-inch wheelbase, and certainly a big Merc style. Although a powerful 429 V-8 was available in that year with 370 gross horsepower, increased insurance premiums and the devastating results car market decreased 73 Mercury Cougar disgruntled trio of 351s, with a maximum of 264 horses bred.

1973 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Wallpaper Picture shown

Mercury Cougar' 1st convertibles were 1969 and the last were 1973: $ 3726 base model and $ 3903 upscale XR-7 (as shown here). Few were built - 1284 and 3165, respectively. It is sad that there's not been another one since.

1999-2002 Mercury Cougar

2001 Mercury Cougar Picture

Significantly different from the Thunderbird-related bombs from the past, the revised 1999 Mercury Cougar is a compact, front-wheel drive sports hatchback coupe with seating for four. His goal: to revive the image of Mercury. Despite its sharp design, 1999 Cougar was based on the Ford Contour / Mercury Mystique sedans. Cougar usually measured only one inch longer. Engines were the same as those used in the Contour / Mystique, but Mercury Cougars got a firmer suspension and tighter control. Basic 4-cylinder with manual transmission alone, while 4-speed automatic is available with 2.5-liter V6. Features include front side-airbags, antilock brakes and traction control (V6 only). V6 Sport Group included rear disc brakes (instead of drums) and 16-inch wheels instead of the usual 15 inches. Split folding rear seat is standard in the sport of four-passenger Mercury Cougar interior.

Mercury Cougar: to enliven Mercury's image

Quite Peppy engine with the base, one Mercury Cougar profits of some low-end muscle, they are equipped with V6, but the power is impressive. So is the acceleration, with almost 10 seconds, reaching 60 km / h on automatic bombs. Automatic shifts smoothly, but unpleasant fish between devices in hilly terrain and the lack of lock-out overdrive fourth gear. Neither engine matches with rival Japanese brand for refining high-revving up the fun. Regarding the economy, we average 19.9 mpg with a five-speed V6, automatic, and 20.7 Mercury Cougar handle well, moves well in the corners, but not through the winding road agility and balance, which provides our main brand.

2002 Mercury Cougar Picture

Long wheelbase (for coupe) prevents the maneuverability, but the basic suspension helps provide a relatively comfortable ride. V6 Sport Group improves the ability of the road, but at the expense of Thump, nervous ride. Brake pedal feel was inconsistent, from soft touchy to try new models, but to stop the flow is sufficient. Road rumble and exhaust noise are intrusive. Front head and adequate legroom are somewhat cramped interiors. Seats provide good lateral support, but they are most comfortable. Mercury Cougar rear seat is tight for the immature, badly shaped pillows. Split folding rear seat offers generous cargo room, but the lift is high. Lack redline on tachometer, radio and low controls, Mar otherwise attractive dashboard. In addition, cabin full of hard, cheap plastic appearance.

1999 Mercury Cougar Wallpaper Picture shown

With their "new-edge" look, Mercury Cougar earn points for originality and style in a modern sports coupe segment, but weaker in guest satisfaction and manage the practical virtues. Competitive threats Mitsubishi Eclipse, which is much better for 2000 and handles better. Dodge Avenger / Stratus coupe is wider, and Honda Prelude or Acura TL costs significantly more.