1995 Mercury Cougar in Carbondale, IL - $0

Introduced for the 1999 model year in current body style, the Mercury Cougar has been freshened up for 2001. A new front grill, fog lamps, front and rear facias refine and sharpen the styling cues for the automaker's "Edge" design direction. The interior also receives a new instrument cluster for 2001.

"The Cougar is the embodiment of the new Mercury brand," Jennifer Monegle, Mercury Group brand manager said. "It is stylish and spirited and its expressive character appeals to the true individualist. This car turns heads."

Built by AutoAlliance International, a joint venture between Ford and Mazda in Flat Rock, Mich., the new coupe is derived from the underpinnings of the Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique. Don't think the Cougar is a warmed over soup. The sheetmetal is all new, with powertrain and suspension components revised and retuned for optimal performance.

Consumers have a choice of the Zetec 2.0L four-cylinder or the Duratec 2.5L six-cylinder engines with either the five-speed MTX75 manual or four-speed CD4E automatic transaxles.

Model choices include the Coupe I-4, Coupe V-6 and Coupe S. Mercury also offers several equipment packages that allow consumers to customize the Cougar to an specific individual taste, starting with the Coupe V-6 model.

The C2 Feature Car ($515) includes a unique spoiler, machined aluminum wheels, badging and unique floor mats. The C2 is only available in black, blue, silver or white exterior colors.

The Zn Feature Car ($1,395) includes a unique hood scoop, speed control, illuminated keyless remote entry, rear window wiper/washer, machined aluminum wheels, badging, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD in-dash changer, unique cloth sport seats, unique side marker lights, floor mats and P215/50ZR17 tires.

The Sport group ($865) includes leather wrapped steering wheel, upgraded center console, auxiliary power point, aluminum pedals, rear spoiler, front armrest with storage, rear disc brakes, cloth sport bucket seats, dual visor vanity mirrors, light group, auxiliary warning system, fog lights, glove box lights, reading lights and P215/50ZR16 tires.

On the road, the four-cylinder Mercury delivers so much power, it feels like driving the six-cylinder model instead. This combination has what it takes to tackle any type of pavement -- from Midwestern Interstates to twisty mountain ribbons.

The suspension works well with the chassis to deliver a controlled ride. The front suspension consists of an independent strut type front-drive with strut-mounted coil springs, lower control A-arm and cast steering knuckle connected to a rubber-mounted sub-frame.

The rear suspension is a Quadralink strut with coil spring on shock strut, mounted to a rigid mounted subframe with an anti-roll bar. Four nitrogen gas-pressurized hydraulic shocks at each wheel work with the standard P205/60R15 tires to keep the Mercury coupe firmly on the road.

Inside the cabin, it is like sitting in a precision German automobile. Displays and controls are excellent and easy to read and operate. The most impressive thing about the new Cougar is that although it looks like a coupe, it is actually a hatchback. Its body integrity is so solid. The 50/50 split rear seat adds to the 14.5 cu. ft. in the cargo area.

Ratings & specifications

Engine performance statistics are 2.0L ZETEC I4 -- 125 hp at 5,500 rpm and 130 lb/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm; 2.5L Duratec V-6 -- 170 hp at 6,250 rpm and 165 lb/ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. EPA fuel economy numbers range from 23 city/34 highway for the four-cylinder to 20 city/29 highway for the 2.5L V-6. Both engines use regular unleaded gasoline. Underhood fluids are clearly marked and easy to reach.

Standard safety/security equipment for the Cougar includes dual front airbags, steel alloy door beams, and Securilock -- a passive anti-theft system. S adds four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock. Optional safety equipment includes four-wheel anti-lock brakes, $500, side impact airbags, $390, and traction control $235, (V6 models only).

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Mercury Cougar begins at $16,700 for the four-cylinder up to $22,050 for the Coupe S model. Destination charge adds $475. Mercury is offering $2,000 in customer cash that ends Oct. 8. Dealers report decent inventories.

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