Since she was tired of SUV fuel economy and size, we got my Mom a 2002 Mercury Cougar V6 Ultimate for a sporty, comfy and efficient daily driver. Moonroof, leather, side airbags (didn't know they came with that!) and a 6-disc in dash head unit.
Gotta say, compared to any other small car, this Cougar kicks butt. And I think it looks real nice and normal these days, esp compared to a Celica or Scion or something. And the interior is so much better than a 2002 Mustang its downright scary...feels like a VW Jetta inside.
Plus its red, so now I gots two red Cougars. Holla! ;)
The wife has a 2000 with a V6 and the automatic. They are great daily drivers. NO low end punch, but they wake up at 3500 RPM's or so. If you have the auto I'd recommend throwing a tranny cooler in it. They seem real sluggish to shift in hot weather. I just picked one up for hers and I'm waitin for a nice weekend where nothing has been planned for me soI can put it in.
Thanks! That's good information, I'll consider the tranny cooler, gets real hot down here!
dude, that avatar rocks!