Ford - Cougar (2002)

Discover your next adventure in the Ford Cougar – the midsize sedan that defined comfort and reliability for a generation of drivers. Whether you’re looking at a Ford Cougar 2002 or a later model, it’s essential to understand how the market values this sibling of the Mustang. The Ford Cougar price will change depending on mileage, condition, and location, but the underlying appreciation curve is consistent across the line.

Below is a definitive snapshot of the 2002 Ford Cougar’s core specifications, how it holds its value over time, and how it stacks against competing models like the Subaru Legacy or the Nissan Altima. Use this information to answer the everyday question: what is a 2002 Ford Cougar worth?

• Engine: 4.0‑L V6 (2002) 215 hp, 220 lb‑ft torque – a smooth, everyday performer.
• Transmission: 5‑speed manual or 4‑speed automatic (depending on trim). The manual offers engaging street driving, the automatic for cruising.
• Fuel type: Regular gasoline.
• Dimensions: Length 197.9″, Width 73.4″, Height 58.1″, Wheelbase 111.3″.
• Seating: 5 occupants, front bucket seats, optional rear seat passengers.
• Cargo space: 23.6 ft³ behind the rear seats; 56.4 ft³ with the seats folded.
• Towing capacity: Up to 3,500 lb with proper hitch and gear.
• Safety features: Dual airbags, anti‑locking brakes, optional traction control.
• Warranty: Remaining manufacturer warranty (if applicable), or extended offers from dealers.

Understanding Ford Cougar Depreciation

Depreciation is the key metric that informs a used car’s market value. For the Ford Cougar, market data show that the vehicle typically loses the bulk of its value early in the ownership life span:

• First year: 15‑20% off the original MSRP.
• By the third year: about 30‑35% cumulative depreciation.
• Five years in, the average Ford Cougar can drop 45‑50% from the original price.
• After ten years, the resale value stabilizes at roughly 20‑25% of the original selling price, reflecting the vehicle’s robust build.

This pattern is consistent across trims, and while mileage and maintenance history may slightly adjust the numbers, the percentage trend remains reliable. A used Ford Cougar price calculator will often reveal that a 2002 Cougar with 120,000 miles retains roughly 30% of its original value.

Comparison Context

When you compare the Ford Cougar to similar models in its segment, a few insights surface:

• Subaru Legacy (2002): Slightly more all‑wheel‑drive options, but generally slightly narrower pricing. However, the Cougar’s V6 offers higher horsepower.
• Nissan Altima (2002): The Altima tends to have a slightly better interior finish, though the Cougar’s trunk space is larger.
• Mazda B350 (2003): A competitive price point with similar reliability, but the Cougar’s engine is more powerful.
• Volkswagen Passat (2001‑02): Known for European styling, but the Passat carries a higher depreciation curve early on; the Cougar’s V6 keeps it more desirable.

In short, the Ford Cougar 2002 is a middle ground between the fuel‑efficient offerings of the Altima and the all‑wheel‑drive adventure of the Legacy, providing a blending of performance, comfort, and space.

Market Position Statement

The Ford Cougar remains popular in the midsize sedan segment for buyers who want the practicality of an MPV layout but with the dynamism of a V‑engine. Car collectors who appreciate retro styling also appreciate the clean lines and the Mustang heritage that the Cougar embodies. Within the used‑car market, the Ford Cougar is often found in the mid‑range pricing sector for its age and capabilities.