Ford resurrected the Cougar with a dramatically styled body mounted on the platform of the competent Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique sedans. The Cougar comes with a 2.0-liter,125-hp Four or a 2.5-liter, 170-hp V6, and with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic (which is available only with the V6). The Cougar is a nicely executed coupe— nimble, and sporty, though at the cost of a stiff ride and a cramped rear seat. Acceleration is a bit disappointing for this class, even with the V6. The Cougar's hatchback design eases loading luggage.
