1997 Mercury Cougar User Reviews

Love Mine .*30*th Anniversary Edition —

Mine is a 1997 XR7 has the 4.6L 281ci 8 cyl factory 205 hp i replaced the factory square air box and filter with the cone K&N cold air intake,$130 and 1 hr to install,you'll notice a huge savings in mpg if you began recording before and after upgrade.Power notice? Not noticeable,perhaps on a dyno it might show,but not noticeable.I replaced all my front end moving parts and bushings,then brand new Michelin Defender Tires.WOW!! That's how it felt brand new. F/R and F/R alignment done all in one day,My brother did he's ASE,I highly recommend it,but mine is rust free frame to roof including krevisis. If you found one like that i would jump on it,any other yr is just another car.This is the last and final full size Cougar anniversary edition .Of course they're out there but i wanna see what it's worth in 20yr when i'm 59 : ) Avoid the 6cly if possible at all cost,but 97 if in great cond 6cly is still gonna be worth something several yrs from now.I use mine on dry roads only.Rides very well,like it's on rails.If you're a really big person,it's not the car for you,if you're planning a family or have small children great car.People over 4'-8" tall would be uncomfortable in the back for long drives.It sits low,so it can be tricky for older folks to get in and out of,my grandmother and i drove from her place to mine,i picked her up about 215 mi one way averaged 28.3mpg one time,she's 82..She was laughing and cursing at the same time lol i love her.Awesome car,1st car for an irresponsible or a young person with a heavy foot and parents that worry like mine did when in was 16,no i don't recommend it.It will do 120 i did it.From there idk.Gets there fast to,if you're going about 40 and stomp it to the floor,it'll down shift into 1st till it gets to it's highest out put of hp with rpm ratio ed to shift into 2nd,then repeat,3rd then repeat when it shifts into O/D (4TH) you'll be going aproxx 110,finally when it starts to climb in rpm again you been hit 120,i personally think it could go 130 135. Doesn't take long either.After 100 mph it starts to get floaty feeling,without a spoiler which i don't have i wouldn't go over 70 highway with it,but if you decide to,BE careful and have all the front end parts checked including tires but have fun.

Awesome — The acceleration is good. Car is fast by it self. Brakes are very quick, and can be the savior from an accident waiting to happen. Handling feels nice, not the best but you just love it either way. Build Quality is great. Beautiful Car. Gas is the only downside. And maintenance is great. EXTREMELY FUN CAR

Primary Use: Family transportation

Solid Car — this car is a tank. that big ol' v8 will push the big girl along okay, but it eats gas up. cheap to maintain except when gas is concerned, it was designed in the 90s so it's kind of ugly.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

A Ride To Enjoy — 1997 Cougar XR7 (30th Anniversary Edition) 4.6L OHC V8 Great Driver, Top Speed 120mph 20 mpg Fun to drive, i think it has a sleek design. the only bad thing is that ford doesn't make 'em anymore. there should be a comeback. hey, the camaro had one.

Primary Use: Commuting to work