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What year of Mercury Cougar to avoid?

When it comes to the Mercury Cougar, the 1971 model year is generally considered one of the models to avoid. This classic muscle car had several issues that made it less desirable than other years in the Cougar's production run.


Reasons to Avoid the 1971 Mercury Cougar



  • Reliability Issues: The 1971 Cougar was plagued by various mechanical problems, including transmission failures, engine issues, and electrical gremlins. These reliability concerns made the 1971 model a headache for many owners.,

  • Reduced Performance: Due to stricter emissions regulations, the 1971 Cougar's engine performance was significantly reduced compared to earlier model years. This resulted in a less powerful and less exciting driving experience.,

  • Styling Changes: The 1971 Cougar underwent a redesign that many enthusiasts consider less appealing than the earlier, more iconic Cougar styling. The changes made the car look bulkier and less sleek.


Overall, the 1971 Mercury Cougar is generally considered one of the weaker model years in the Cougar's history, with a combination of reliability problems, reduced performance, and less desirable styling. For those seeking a classic Cougar, it's generally recommended to look at earlier or later model years that offer a more enjoyable and reliable ownership experience.

What years of Mercury Cougar to avoid?


Cougar owners have made 71 complaints about the 1999–2002 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 22nd out of 28 Mercury generations in overall reliability , with real electrical and engine concerns.



What is the rarest Mercury Cougar?


1968 GT-E version
However, the most rare is the 1968 GT-E version, where either a 427, 390 horse V8 or a 428 Cobra Jet 335 horse engine sat in waiting. Only 264 of the GT-E models were ever delivered, most with the 427 although no official records exist as to the powerplants.



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 engine did a 1967 Mercury Cougar have?


Engine choices ranged from the 200 hp 289 cu in (4.7 L) two-barrel V8 to the 335 hp 390 cu in (6.4 L) four-barrel V8. A performance package called the GT was available on both the base and XR-7 Cougars. This included the 390 cu in (6.4 L) V8, as well as a performance handling package and other performance enhancements.



What does XR7 mean on a Mercury Cougar?


experimental racing
It's been suggested that "XR-7" is a cipher for "experimental racing," and there was, in fact, a team of Cougars prepared by NASCAR specialist Bud Moore for drivers Dan Gurney and Parnelli Jones to compete in the 1967 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am road-racing championship.



What is a 68 Mercury Cougar worth?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,420 for a 1968 Mercury Cougar in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1968 Mercury Cougar at auction over the last three years was $58,800.



What is the most powerful Mercury Cougar?


Mated to a C6 Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic, this potent V8 made the 1968 GT-E the most powerful commercially available Cougar ever produced. However, from May 1968 to the end of the model year, the newer 335-hp 428 Cobra Jet replaced the discontinued side oiler as the GT-E's standard engine.



How much is a 1973 Mercury Cougar worth?


The value of a 1973 Mercury Cougar can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,825 for a 1973 Mercury Cougar in good condition with average spec.



How rare is a 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7?


Only 619 XR7-Gs were made, so they are pretty rare. Also, for 1968 they offered a GT-E, which was a step above the GT package and fielded a 390-hp 427 V-8 mated to a three-speed automatic trans. These were even rarer, with only 394 being made.



What year of Mercury Cougar is the best?


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.