Ford Cougar

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 4 model years from 1,087 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

69%

Total Tests

1,087

Highest Pass Rate

2001 (76%)

Years Covered

About the Ford Cougar

The Ford Cougar was MOT tested 1,087 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 4 model years (1998 to 2001), with an average pass rate of 69%. That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 76% from 263 tests. The 2000 model has the lowest at 70%. The 6 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Ford Cougar has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1998) averages 101,624 miles, while the newest (2001) averages 94,678 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Ford brand average of 85%, the Cougar is 16 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Ford models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2495cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,958

Per month£247/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2001 details

How reliable is the Ford Cougar?

vs average of all models-13% (82% avg)

vs Ford brand average-16% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread6 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Ford Cougar by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2001	76%	263	94,678 mi
2000	70%	288	91,486 mi
1999	71%	452	86,706 mi
1998	58%	84	101,624 mi

Questions about the Ford Cougar

Is the Ford Cougar reliable?

Across its 4 model years in our data (1998 to 2001), the Ford Cougar averages a 69% MOT pass rate, from 1,087 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2001 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 76%.

Which year Ford Cougar has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2001 Ford Cougar has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 70%, a 6 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.