The Cougar utilizes disc brakes in the front, but unfortunately drums grip the rear wheels in all but the V6 Sport Group package that only became available in 2002. During 1999 and 2000 anti-lock brakes were optional, and made standard on the S model in 2001, and in 2002 on the V6 Premium Sport Group. Reliability data indicates that braking systems on final generation Cougars encounter infrequent problems and incur low repair costs.
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| All of the 1999 through 2002 Cougars received a three star crash rating, front and rear, which isn't much to brag about. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
Other safety features included standard driver and passenger airbags, plus optional side airbags on all models except the 2002 V6 Premium Sport Group, which contained side airbags as standard equipment. All of the 1999 through 2002 Cougars received a three star crash rating, front and rear. That's nothing to brag about, especially in the absence of standard side airbags and standard ABS on all models.
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| Mercury did not scrimp on standard comfort and convenience equipment for its 1999 to 2002 run of Cougars, even on the base models. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
However Mercury did not scrimp on standard comfort and convenience equipment for its Cougar, even in its base format. In every version air conditioning, power windows, power steering with tilt, power door locks, a cassette player and tachometer came standard. Options included power leather seats, sunroof and luggage rack. On the outside all Cougars received attractive alloy rims.
The 1999 to 2002 run of Cougars has proven to be highly reliable, however the 1999 model was afflicted with five recall notices and in 2000 three recalls were issued. None of the recalls were of a serious nature, most dealing with wiring and a problematic blower motor sensor in the ventilation system. These matters were easily corrected at the dealer level and are unlikely to aggravate future owners.