More civilized than the new Celica. Side air bags available. Decent gas mileage for a six-cylinder sports car. Sloppy trim in places. Power-seat switch confusing.
ABS is an extra-cost option.
We first tested the Mercury Cougar when it arrived in Lincoln Mercury dealerships more than a year ago. But the 2000 Cougar is such a better car than the new Celica in so many ways, we felt compelled to give it some ink. The one place where Toyota still wins is assembly quality. Our Cougar had some trim out of place and some bunched-up seat fabric. Well, you were almost on your own for this test drive.