1989 Mercury Cougar

1989 began the Seventh Generation of the Mercury Cougar and remained in production until 1997 when it was replaced by the eighth and final generation. It was introduced on December 26th of 1988 and had been in development from the second quarter of 1984. The redesign had been a two billion dollar investment for the Mercury Cougar and the tenth-generation Ford Thunderbird.

It was built upon the Ford MN12 platform, specifically designed for the Cougar and Thunderbird, and retained the use of front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. The wheelbase grew by nine inches to 113 inches although its exterior footprint was mostly unchanged. It used an independent suspension all around with a short-long arm wishbone setup in the front. Disc brakes were in the front and drums were at the rear. four-wheel antilock discs were optional, but standard on the Cougar XR7.

Power was from a 3.8-liter, overhead valve V6 engine with a cast-iron block and aluminum head. With the help of multi-point fuel injection, it developed 140 horsepower at 3,800 RPM and 215 foot-pounds at 2,400 RPM. The XR-7 came with a supercharged version of the engine which brought horsepower to 210 bhp at 4,000 RPM and 315 lb-feet of torque. A four-speed overdrive automatic was standard on the Cougar LS, a five-speed manual standard on the XR-7, with a four-speed automatic optional.

Since the sixth-generation Mercury Cougar had been successful in the sales department, the 1989 redesign had similar design cues to its predecessor and its styling was largely an evolution, building upon the previous generation's design. The controversial upswept quarter windows of the previous generation did not make it into the seventh generation design, and the wraparound taillamps and headlamps were similar to the Sable. The formal-style roofline of the Cougar was one of the main distinguishable features from its Thunderbird cousin.

Standard equipment included an AM/FM stereo radio, electronic instruments, power windows, power mirrors, tinted glass, and air conditioning. The LS version rode on 15-inch tires while the XR-7 used 16-inch performance tires. Anti-lock braking and four-wheel disc brakes were standard on the XR-7. It also came with a Traction-Lok axle, a handling suspension, analog gauges, and sport seats with power bolsters.

The base LS Coupe had a price of $15,445 and the XR-7 listed for $19,650. Its first year resulted in 92,702 sales, a rather disappointing decrease from the 119,162 examples built the prior year. 104,526 Mercury Cougars had been sold in 1987 and 135,909 in 1986.

1989 would prove to be the most popular and successful year for the seventh generation Cougar. Production continued until 1997 and Mercury tried several styling changes along the way, hoping to increase sales. By 1996, just 38,929 were sold followed by 35,267 in its final year. The eight-generation was introduced for 1999 and sales rebounded to 88,288, but its success was short-lived, as sales slumped to 44,935 the following year. 25,044 were sold in 2001 and a mere 18,321 in its final year.

by Dan Vaughan

The Mercury Cougar appeared in 1967 as a sport-luxury vehicle. The muscle car era was in full swing and Mercury used a longer version of the Ford Mustang chassis complete with two doors, leather bucket seats, and V8 engines. In its inaugural year, Motor Trend awarded it their prestigious award, the Car of the Year. The Mercury brought style, sophistication, and speed. The engine options ranged from a 289 cubic inch V8 engine producing nearly 200 horsepower to a 390 cubic inch 8-cylinder power-plant capable of producing 335 horsepower and an amazing 427 foot-pounds of torque. The high performance 390 cubic-inch engine ran the quarter-mile in sixteen seconds and raced from zero to sixty in 8.1 seconds. A three-speed synchromesh gearbox was standard and a four-speed manual and three-speed Merc-O-Matic were also available, allowing for customization to suit all types of drivers and styles. The suspension was modified from the Mustang platform to include a longer rear leaf spring and an upgraded front suspension, the result was a softer, comfortable ride with a sports-racing heritage. An optional firmer suspension complete with stiffer springs, solid rear bushings, larger shocks, and wider anti-roll bars, were available for a price. If the driver preferred luxury over performance, the XR-7 package was available. This included competition instrumentation, walnut dash, leather-covered automatic transmission shifter, wood-trimmed steering wheel, and a combination of leather and vinyl seats. Just over 27,000 of the XR-7 option was ordered during its introductory year. The XR-7 option was offered for all years the pony-car Cougar was produced. More than 150,000 2-door Cougar hardtops were produced in 1967.

The success and popularity of the car continued in 1968 although sales did drop by around 40,000 vehicles. There were still well-over 110,000 examples produced in 1968. The base engine was the 289 V8 engine producing nearly 200 horsepower. The muscle-car era was heating up, and so were the available engines that Mercury was offering. A 427 and 428 cubic-inch engine became available with the 427 producing 390 horsepower and the 428 producing 335. With the 427, the Cougar could run from zero to sixty in 7.1 seconds and the quarter-mile in just over 15 seconds. The 428 was offered near the close of 1968 model year, a move that was intended to allow the buyer with customization room while keeping insurance and safety personnel content. When compared with the 427, the 428 did better on satisfying emission requirements and had around fifty-less horsepower. A performance package was offered, the GT-E, complete with the 427 cubic-inch V8 matted to a SelectShift Merc-O-Matic, power disc brakes, hood scoop which did nothing except add to the aggressive look of the vehicle, various performance and handling upgrades, and steel wheels.

The cougar changed in many ways in 1969. A convertible option was now offered, the 427 engine option was removed, and the wheelbase became wider and longer resulting in a heavier vehicle. Sales were still strong but they just barely cleared 100,000 units. Mercury introduced the Eliminator package available in blue, orange, and yellow exterior colors. Under the hood lurked a four-barrel Windsor 351 cubic-inch V8 capable of producing nearly 300 horsepower. The base engine was a 302 cubic-inch 8-cylinder producing 290 horsepower with the top of the line engine a 428 cubic-inch 8-cylinder producing just under 340 horsepower. Mercury offered products such as Weber carbs and deep-sump oil pans that amplified the performance to meet customer performance requirements. Larger brakes, sportier suspension, engine modifications, and performance products did make the car a stronger force on the drag strip but it was often shown-up by the smaller and lighter muscle cars of the day.

For 1970 the Cougar continued to grow in size. Although the size meant more interior room for the passengers, it also meant more weight. The Eliminator was still available, now with a 351 cubic-inch Cleveland 8-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. The 302 cubic-inch V8 rated at 290 horsepower was the base engine. A 429 cubic-inch 8-cylinder big-block with Ram-Air induction offered 375 horsepower and 440 foot-pounds of torque. With less than 4,300 convertible options sold during the 1970 model year, it guarantees their exclusivity in modern times. Although the size of the car and the available engines grew, sales did not. Just over 72,000 examples were produced in 1970.

The muscle-car era was beginning to decline due to stiff safety and emission regulations, gas shortages, and steeper insurance premiums. Mercury decided to continue the Cougar on the path of luxury with sport-tendencies, resulting in a larger wheelbase. The Eliminator package was no longer offered. The 351 or 429 cubic-inch engines were all that were offered. Horsepower ranged from 285 through 370 depending on the engine and configuration selected. 3,440 convertible were sold and nearly 63,000 combined total Mercury Cougars were produced in 1971.

In 1972 the 351 cubic-inch V8 was all that were offered. Sales were around 54,000 units with the hardtop configuration proving again to be the popular option. Horsepower was now rated in SAE Net horsepower. The Cougar produced between 168 through just over 265 depending on the configuration. The same continued into the 1973 model year.

With sales around 60,000 in 1973, Mercury decided it would be the final year for the Cougar in the 'pony' car configuration. Mercury continued to use the name 'Cougar' in various models.

Built atop an enlarged Ford Mustang chassis, adorned with luxury Mercury had become famous for, and powered by high-performance engines, the Mercury Cougar was a well-rounded vehicle. It was designed to offer performance while keeping the occupants comfortable and content.

by Dan Vaughan