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What was the last year cougars were made?

The last year cougars were made was 1997. Cougars, a popular sports car model produced by the Ford Motor Company, were discontinued after the 1997 model year.


The Rise and Fall of the Ford Cougar


The Ford Cougar was first introduced in 1967 as a sporty, mid-size car that competed with the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. The Cougar was designed to appeal to a younger, more performance-oriented audience than Ford's traditional family sedans. Over the years, the Cougar went through several redesigns and model changes, but it remained a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and fun-to-drive car.


However, by the mid-1990s, the Cougar's sales had begun to decline as consumer preferences shifted towards larger SUVs and trucks. Ford decided to discontinue the Cougar after the 1997 model year, replacing it with the Ford Thunderbird, a retro-styled two-seat sports car that was intended to appeal to a similar demographic.


The Reasons for the Cougar's Discontinuation


There were several factors that contributed to the Cougar's discontinuation:



  • Declining Sales: As mentioned, the Cougar's sales had been steadily declining for several years, as consumers gravitated towards larger, more practical vehicles.

  • Changing Consumer Preferences: The rise in popularity of SUVs and trucks meant that the Cougar's sporty, mid-size design was no longer as appealing to many consumers.

  • Overlap with Other Ford Models: The Cougar's positioning within Ford's lineup had become somewhat unclear, as it overlapped with other models like the Mustang and Thunderbird.

  • Lack of Significant Updates: The Cougar had not undergone a major redesign in several years, which made it appear outdated compared to newer, more modern competitors.


Ultimately, the combination of these factors led Ford to decide that it was time to discontinue the Cougar and focus its efforts on other models that were better aligned with the changing automotive market.

How much is a 1973 Mercury Cougar worth today?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,825 for a 1973 Mercury Cougar in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1973 Mercury Cougar? The highest selling price of a 1973 Mercury Cougar at auction over the last three years was $16,500.



How much is a 2000 Mercury Cougar worth?


A 2000 Mercury Cougar has a current resale value of $1,574 and trade-in value of $693.



How many miles per gallon did a 1973 Mercury Cougar get?


Based on data from 1 vehicles, 12 fuel-ups and 2,218 miles of driving, the 1973 Mercury Cougar gets a combined Avg MPG of 13.72 with a 0.82 MPG margin of error.



When did Ford stop making cougars?


The Ford Cougar is a D-segment coupé that was produced and sold in the European market between 1998 and 2002, and sold in Canada and the United States from 1999 until 2002 as the Mercury Cougar.



How many 67 cougars are left?


The database has records on approx 7,000. Of those, approx 4000 have been parted out, or condition is unknown. That leaves approx 3000 which is only a 2% survival rate. That makes any 1967 Cougar a rare car!



Are Ford Cougars reliable?


A much under-estimated car
Have owned two cougars, both 2.5models and found them to be reliable, practicle and stylish. They are not everyone's cup of tea but that's down to individual taste.



What year of Mercury Cougar to avoid?


The Cougar has 2 generations, each with their own issues. Using the same PainRank™ system we've determined that you're better off avoiding the 8th generation (1999–2002).



How much is a 1967 Mercury Cougar worth today?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,533 for a 1967 Mercury Cougar in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1967 Mercury Cougar at auction over the last three years was $54,075.



What is the most desirable Mercury Cougar?


Today, Cougars from 1967 to 1970 are all very collectible, especially the convertibles. Of the near 375,000 Cougars built in its four years of production, only about 13,500 were ragtops. The most collectible, no surprise, are the 428 Cobra Jets, the 427 GTE, and the Eliminator CJ model.



What year cougar is the most desirable?


If you are looking for a used Mercury Cougar, this list of the best Years is one you should keep an eye on.

  • 1967 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
  • 1968 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
  • 1969 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
  • 1970 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
  • 1971 Mercury Cougar (Good Years)
  • 1972 Mercury Cougar (Good Years)


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.