Auto Guide
2001 Mercury Cougar
Used

Review and specifications

2001 Mercury Cougar

The Cougar was introduced in 1999 as a small, front-wheel-drive coupe with a large hatchback. The car had excellent handling but a stiff ride. It was available with a 125-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 170-hp, 2.5-liter V6. Even the V6 provides just adequate acceleration. It is available with an automatic transmission that is sometimes reluctant to downshift or with a balky five-speed manual. Six-footers fit comfortably up front and the rear seat is comfortable for a sporty coupe. The Cougar was dropped after 2002.

Market value
$3,350
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Manual
Seats
4
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Model year 2001
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
2-door hatchback
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Manual, 5-speed
Category
Sports cars 4/5-seat
Generation began
1999

Pricing

Current retail median
$3,350
Retail value range
$3,225 - $3,725
Original MSRP range
$16,700 - $22,050
Trade-in range
$730 - $1,110

Ratings

Road test score
74/100

Fuel economy

Tested city
15 MPG
Tested highway
51 MPG
Tested overall
25 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,555
Cruising range
375 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
4 sec
0-60 mph
10.6 sec
60-0 mph braking
138 ft
Avoidance speed
52.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
185 in
Width
70 in
Wheelbase
106 in
Weight
3,140 lb
Maximum load
700 lb
Towing capacity
1,000 lb

Interior

Seating
4 people
Front head room
1.5 in
Front leg room
40.5 in
Rear head room
0.5 in
Rear leg room
26.5 in
Cargo volume
0 cu ft
Luggage
4+1

Brand context

About Mercury

Until Ford discontinued the brand in 2011, Mercury sat in the middle of the company’s lineup—fancier than Ford but not as luxurious as Lincoln. The brand had its heyday from the 1950s through the 1980s, with cars like the Cougar, Monterey, Montclair, and Turnpike Cruiser still commonplace at classic car shows. Nearly all recent Mercury models were based on Ford counterparts. The Mercury Milan was a gussied-up Ford Fusion and the Mercury Grand Marquis was a more comfortable take on the Ford Crown Victoria. Since the brand has been gone for many years, most Mercury vehicles will lack modern convenience and safety features, and used examples will likely have high mileage.

Vehicle ID: 10450 First published: June 21, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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