Where are Ford Cougars made?
There is no current Ford model officially named the "Cougar." The name is most often associated with two distinct cases: the historical Mercury Cougar, a Ford-owned model sold under the Mercury brand, and the European Ford Kuga, which Americans sometimes misidentify as a Cougar. Production locations depend on the specific model and market.
Mercury Cougar — a historical model
The Mercury Cougar was produced from 1967 through 2002 as a companion to Ford’s Mustang and was built at Ford’s North American plants. There is no active Mercury Cougar today, as the Mercury brand itself was discontinued in 2011. If you’re researching vintage Cougars, you’re looking at vehicles originally assembled in the United States (and at times other North American facilities) during that period.
Ford Kuga vs. the U.S. Escape — production by region
In Europe, the model commonly referred to in conversations as the “Cougar” is the Ford Kuga, which is the European counterpart to Ford’s Escape. The Kuga is assembled at Ford’s Valencia Assembly Plant in Valencia, Spain, for European markets. In the United States, the related vehicle is the Ford Escape, which is built at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. Other regions use local production arrangements through Ford’s regional manufacturing partnerships, depending on demand and regional strategy.
Common misconceptions about the name
Many readers encounter the term "Cougar" in reference to the European Kuga or to the Mercury Cougar legacy. Today’s Ford lineup does not include a model officially named "Cougar," so it’s helpful to distinguish between historical Mercury Cougars and the European Kuga/Escape pair when discussing where these vehicles are made.
Summary
To recap, there is no current Ford vehicle called the Cougar. The historical Mercury Cougar was produced in North American plants from 1967 to 2002. In Europe, the closest contemporary model is the Ford Kuga (the European Escape), built in Valencia, Spain, with the U.S.-market Escape produced in Louisville, Kentucky. For other regions, production occurs at local Ford facilities through regional partnerships. If you have a specific year or generation in mind, I can pin down the exact plants involved.
What is the US equivalent of the Ford Kuga?
The US equivalent of the Ford Kuga is the Ford Escape. The two vehicles are essentially the same model, with the name change being due to different regional markets. They are identical cars, distinguished primarily by minor differences in engine options, specifications, and market-specific features.
This video reviews the facelifted 2024 Ford Kuga and discusses its similarities to the US-market Escape: 59sAutoChamp WandelenYouTube · Jun 2, 2024
- Same vehicle, different name: The Ford Kuga sold in Europe and other global markets is the same vehicle as the Ford Escape sold in North America.
- Regional variations: The main differences are the engine options available to suit local regulations and fuel types, and slight variations in trim levels and features.
- Historical context: While the first generations of these models were distinct, the second generation Kuga and third generation Escape have been largely identical since around 2013.
- Name change reasons: The name change was likely due to market research, trademark laws, or because the name "Kuga" has a negative meaning in some languages.
Are Ford cars 100% American made?
No, no Ford vehicle is 100% American-made because no car is, due to the complex global supply chain for parts. However, Ford assembles more vehicles in the United States than any other automaker, with nearly 80% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. being domestically assembled.
Domestic assembly vs. 100% American-made
- Domestic assembly: Many Ford models, such as the F-150, are assembled in the United States.
- Component sourcing: Many components, however, are sourced from other countries, including Mexico and Canada, making 100% American-made a difficult and complex goal.
- Examples of non-domestic assembly: Some models, like the Ford Maverick and Bronco Sport, are assembled in Mexico.
- Design and engineering: Even if a vehicle is assembled abroad, it is still designed and engineered by Ford's American teams.
Are Ford Cougars reliable cars?
Ford Cougar's have a average reliability rating of 496/999. The score was a mathematical result of the average score of every Ford Cougar that has had a registered MOT. Ford Cougar's reliability reviews are reflected in the score.
Where are Ford Kugas manufactured?
Valencia
New Kuga is built in Europe at Ford's advanced Valencia plant in Spain, where 3D printing of parts delivers highly accurate and sustainable manufacturing. Artificial intelligence works hand-in-hand with engineers to ensure the highest standards of quality and production.
