Mercury Cougar (1983-1985)

1983 Mercury Cougar

The 1983 Mercury Cougar represents a new expression of personal luxury. Its aerodynamically efficient shape combines flowing lines and softly rounded curves, creating a distinctive yet functional design. The Cougar’s look is forward-thinking — different from both past and present — with every detail blending technology and craftsmanship.

Cougar Style & Interior

Step inside the Cougar and you’re surrounded by an environment of muted elegance, designed for comfort without distraction. The LS interior highlights luxury details such as a cloth headliner, door map pockets, and high-pile carpeting.

Cougar’s Contour Sport seats with dual recliners offer support and comfort, trimmed in rich cloth. For those seeking even more refinement, optional Functional Sport seats feature fully adjustable depth, width, and lumbar support — ideal for long-distance driving.

Exterior Design

Cougar’s sleek shape is as functional as it is distinctive. The sloped front end, angled windshield, and smooth contours provide aerodynamic efficiency. The formal roofline further distinguishes Cougar in its class.

Enhancing its elegant profile are available features such as:

• Cast aluminum wheels with TRX tires
• Electroluminescent coach lamps (standard on LS)
• Five shades of clearcoat metallic paint
• Optional tu-tone paint treatments

Cougar combines grace with restrained power — elegant in appearance yet engineered for performance.

Performance & Engineering

At its heart, Cougar comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with an available Automatic Overdrive transmission. For more power, an optional electronic fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 is offered (except in California).

Cougar’s engineering emphasizes balance:

• Power rack-and-pinion steering
• Power brakes with front discs and rear drums
• MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Four-bar link coil spring rear suspension
• Gas-pressurized struts and shocks

Together, these systems deliver precise handling, comfort, and road stability.

Standard Features

Functional

• 3.8L V6 engine
• Select-Shift automatic transmission with locking torque converter
• Rack-and-pinion power steering
• Power brakes with disc/drum setup and audible wear sensors
• P195/75R14 steel-belted radial tires
• Mini spare tire
• Coil spring rear suspension
• Hybrid MacPherson strut front suspension
• Gas-pressurized shocks
• Dual rectangular halogen headlamps
• 21-gallon fuel tank
• Hood ornament

Interior

• Contour Sport seats with dual recliners
• Cloth upholstery
• Full center console
• Cloth headliner
• Analog quartz clock
• Luxury steering wheel
• Warning chimes
• Glove box with light and lock
• AM radio with dual speakers (credit option to delete)
• Carpeted lower door panels with map pockets and pull straps
• 10-oz carpeting
• Luggage compartment light and trim

Exterior

• Hidden windshield wipers
• Vertical bar grille with bright molding
• Front and rear bumper rub strips
• Color-keyed fascia
• Deluxe wheel covers
• Bright trim accents (beltline, windows, lamps)
• Rear pillar ornament
• Wraparound taillamp assembly

Cougar LS Model

The Cougar LS adds a higher level of refinement, including:

• Tinted glass
• Luxury cloth Contour Sport seats (unique design)
• Luxury door and quarter trim
• Dark Elm Burl woodtone instrument panel appliqué
• 16-oz carpeting
• Visor vanity mirror
• Woodtone-insert steering wheel
• Power windows
• Dual power remote-control mirrors
• Carpeted trunk trim
• Bright rocker panel moldings
• LS fender badge
• Electroluminescent coach lamps

Leather seating surfaces were available as an option on LS.

Options & Packages

Available equipment allowed for wide personalization, including:

• Comfort & Convenience: Automatic or manual air conditioning, keyless entry system with illuminated entry, electronic digital clock, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic dimming rearview mirror, cornering lamps, power windows, power locks, 6-way power seats (single or dual), tilt steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, speed control, and illuminated entry.
• Technology: Trip minder® computer (fuel economy, trip data, time/date), electronic instrument cluster, diagnostic warning light system, vocalized warning system.
• Appearance: Half-vinyl roof, flip-up open-air roof, two-tone paint schemes, hood accent stripes, luxury or wire wheel covers, aluminum wheels with TRX tires, polycast wheels.
• Audio: AM/FM stereo, cassette or 8-track players, premium sound system, electronic search radios.
• Performance & Utility: Heavy-duty or handling suspension packages, Traction-Lok axle, trailer towing package (with cooling and suspension upgrades).
• Traveler’s Assistance Kit: First aid kit, jumper cables, tools, reflectors, tire gauge, and flashlight.

Dimensions & Specifications

• Wheelbase: 104.0 in
• Overall length: 197.6 in
• Overall width: 71.1 in
• Overall height: 53.4 in
• Curb weight: 3,099 lbs
• Turning diameter: 38.6 ft
• Luggage capacity: 14.6 cu. ft.
• Fuel tank: 21 gallons

Interior Dimensions

• Headroom (front/rear): 37.8 / 37.4 in
• Legroom (front/rear): 42.0 / 34.3 in
• Shoulder room (front/rear): 56.3 / 55.2 in
• Hip room (front/rear): 55.8 / 49.5 in

Color Choices

Standard Exterior Colors

• Black, White, Light Charcoal, Midnight Academy Blue, Desert Tan, Light Desert Tan, Medium Red, Light Academy Blue, Pastel French Vanilla

Optional Clearcoat Metallics

• Dark Charcoal Metallic, Silver Metallic, Medium Red Metallic, Midnight Academy Blue Metallic, Walnut Metallic

Optional Tu-Tones

• Black/Dark Charcoal Metallic
• Light Academy Blue/Midnight Academy Blue Metallic
• Light Desert Tan/Desert Tan
• Silver Metallic/Dark Charcoal Metallic
• Medium Red Metallic/Silver Metallic
• Walnut Metallic/Desert Tan

Accent Stripes

Black, White, Light Gray, Medium Red, Light Academy Blue, Dark Academy Blue, Tan, Copper

Vinyl Roof Colors

Black, White, Silver, Medium Red, Midnight Academy Blue, Light Desert Tan, Walnut

1985 Mercury Cougar

Sleek, Stylish, and Refined

Across America’s highways and main streets, the sleek profile of the 1985 Mercury Cougar is unmistakable. This personal luxury coupe blends contemporary aerodynamic design with traditional Cougar styling cues, making it both beautiful and functional.

The 1985 Cougar carries forward the virtues of earlier models with refinements that enhance performance, comfort, and efficiency. Its sloped windshield, raised rear deck, and aircraft-inspired doors contribute not only to its appearance, but also to improved fuel economy, reduced wind noise, better cooling, and greater stability.

Form follows function: the Cougar looks beautiful, but was engineered to perform beautifully as well.

Suspension & Ride

The Cougar features a Nitra-Cushion suspension system designed to keep all four wheels in contact with the road. Gas-pressurized shock absorbers respond quickly to road irregularities, improving control compared to conventional shocks.

Engines & Performance

The 1985 Cougar lineup offers a choice of three advanced engines, each equipped with electronic fuel injection and controlled by Ford’s fourth-generation EEC-IV onboard computer:

• 3.8L V6 (standard on Cougar and LS)
• 5.0L V8 (optional on Cougar and LS)
• 2.3L Turbocharged I4 (standard on XR-7)

The XR-7’s turbocharged four-cylinder uses a blow-through design with up to 10 psi of boost, forged pistons, high-temperature alloy valves, and an integrated system designed for quick throttle response and efficient performance.

Transmission choices:

• 3-speed SelectShift automatic (standard)
• 5-speed manual with overdrive (optional on XR-7)
• 4-speed Automatic Overdrive (with 5.0L V8)

Rear axle ratios:

• 2.73 (V6 & V8)
• 3.45 (Turbo I4)

Cougar Models

Cougar

The base model combines aerodynamic design with comfort and technology. Standard equipment includes:

• 3.8L EFI V6, 3-speed automatic transmission
• Rack-and-pinion steering, MacPherson strut front suspension, 4-link rear suspension
• Power front disc/rear drum brakes
• Dual halogen headlamps, full wraparound taillamps
• 20.6-gallon fuel tank
• AM/FM stereo radio with four speakers
• Contour seats with cloth trim
• Full soft door trim, carpeting, glove box light, luggage lamp
• Deluxe wheel covers

Cougar LS

The LS emphasizes luxury and refinement, adding:

• Luxury cloth Twin Comfort Lounge seats with consolette
• Canyon Red, Sand Beige, Oxford Gray, or Regatta Blue interiors
• Power windows and dual remote mirrors
• Electroluminescent coach lamps
• Woodgrain appliqués and richer trim
• 24-oz carpeting
• Fold-down rear center armrest with integral headrests
• Thicker luggage compartment carpeting
• Optional digital LCD instrument cluster with speedometer, tachometer, trip computer, and fuel economy functions

Cougar XR-7

The performance model of the Cougar family, designed as a sports-minded touring car:

• Standard 2.3L Turbo EFI engine
• Quadra-shock rear suspension (four shocks) with rear stabilizer bar
• Modified MacPherson strut front suspension
• Power rack-and-pinion steering (15:1 ratio)
• P225/60VR15 Goodyear Eagle VR60 performance tires
• 15×7 lightweight aluminum wheels
• Front air dam with fog lamps
• Full analog instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, turbo boost, oil pressure, temperature, fuel, and amps
• Sport-oriented interior with articulated sport seats, power lumbar, and bolsters
• Optional leather upholstery and leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Premium Sound System with graphic equalizer available

Safety & Engineering

• Power rack-and-pinion steering (standard on all models)
• Power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes with wear sensors
• Front stabilizer bar
• Gas-pressurized struts and shocks
• Energy-absorbing crush zones front and rear
• Roof structure designed to withstand 1.5x vehicle weight
• Reinforced doors with guard beams
• 5-mph impact bumpers
• Energy-absorbing interior trim, visors, and panels
• Lap and shoulder belts with retractors and tension relievers

Options & Packages

• Comfort & Convenience: A/C (manual or automatic), illuminated entry, keyless entry system, interval wipers, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power locks, power decklid release, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, half-vinyl roof
• Appearance: Tu-tone paint, hood stripes, wire wheel covers, polycast wheels, aluminum TRX wheels, clearcoat metallic paints
• Technology: Digital instrument cluster, Trip minder® computer, diagnostic warning light system, Auto-Lamp delay, automatic dimming headlights
• Performance: Traction-Lok axle, heavy-duty suspension, trailer towing package
• Audio: Premium sound system, AM/FM stereo with cassette, graphic equalizer
• Other: Traveler’s Assistance Kit, floor mats, power antenna

Specifications

• Wheelbase: 104.0 in
• Overall length: 197.6 in
• Width: 71.1 in
• Height: 53.4 in
• Curb weight: 3,084–3,100 lbs
• Fuel tank: 20.6 gallons
• Trunk capacity: 14.6 cu. ft.
• Turning circle: 39.4 ft

Interior Dimensions

• Headroom (front/rear): 37.8 / 37.4 in
• Legroom (front/rear): 42.0 / 34.3 in
• Shoulder room (front/rear): 56.3 / 55.2 in
• Hip room (front/rear): 55.8 / 49.5 in

Colors

Standard Exterior Colors

• Black
• Oxford White
• Silver Metallic
• Medium Charcoal Metallic
• Sand Beige
• Medium Sand Beige Metallic
• Dark Clove Brown
• Light Sage Metallic
• Dark Sage
• Light Canyon Red
• Medium Canyon Red Metallic
• Pastel Regatta Blue Metallic
• Medium Regatta Blue Metallic
• Midnight Regatta Blue Metallic

Tu-Tone Combinations (XR-7)

• Black / Medium Charcoal Metallic
• Silver Metallic / Medium Charcoal Metallic

Interior Colors

• Oxford Gray (LS, XR-7)
• Charcoal
• Sand Beige
• Canyon Red
• Regatta Blue

Vinyl Roof Colors

• Black, Oxford White, Light Charcoal, Medium Sand Beige, Pastel Regatta Blue

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1983 to 1985

There are several key differences between the 1983 and 1985 Mercury Cougar even though they look similar on the surface.

• 1983 Cougar: Launch of the sleek new generation, focused on personal luxury with V6 and optional V8.
• 1985 Cougar: More advanced with EFI on all engines, the sporty XR-7 Turbo model, digital dashboard technology, and stronger safety design.

Feature	1983 Cougar	1985 Cougar
Models	Cougar, Cougar LS	Cougar, Cougar LS, Cougar XR-7 (Turbo)
Engines	3.8L V6 (carbureted, std.)5.0L V8 (EFI, opt., not CA)	3.8L V6 (EFI, std.)5.0L V8 (EFI, opt.)2.3L Turbo I4 (EFI, std. XR-7)
Transmissions	3-spd SelectShift auto (std.)4-spd Automatic Overdrive (opt.)	3-spd SelectShift auto (std.)5-spd manual OD (XR-7 opt.)4-spd Automatic Overdrive (5.0 V8)
Suspension	MacPherson strut front4-link coil spring rearGas-pressurized shocks	LS/Base: Nitra-Cushion suspensionXR-7: Quadra-Shock rear suspension (4 shocks + stabilizer bar)
Styling	First aero Cougar. Sleek nose, formal roofline. Wraparound taillamps	New grille & taillamps. Flush “aircraft-style” doors (quieter)XR-7: front air dam, fog lamps, body-color mirrors
Interior	Cloth Contour Sport seats. Optional Functional Sport seats w/ lumbar, depth, width adj. Analog gauges	LS: Twin Comfort Lounge seats, plush 24-oz carpet, rear armrest. Optional LCD digital dash & trip computerXR-7: sport gauges (tach, turbo boost, oil, amps), articulated sport seats, power lumbar, optional leather
Technology	Trip minder® computer (opt.)Premium radios (cassette/8-track)Electroluminescent coach lamps (LS)	Digital LCD instrument panel (opt., LS)Keyless entry (opt.)Premium Sound w/ graphic EQ Coach lamps (LS)
Safety	Crush zones. Power front disc/rear drum brakes. Rack-and-pinion steering21-gal tank	Reinforced roof & door guard beams5-mph bumpers. Energy-absorbing interior trim20.6-gal tank. More rollover protection
Specs	Wheelbase: 104″ Length: 197.6″ Width: 71.1″ Height: 53.4″ Weight: ~3,099 lbs	Wheelbase: 104″ Length: 197.6″ Width: 71.1″ Height: 53.4″ Weight: 3,084–3,100 lbs
Distinctive Features	First year of aero Cougar design	EFI standard on all enginesXR-7 Turbo performance model. Digital dashboard option. Improved safety engineering

Main differences in trims & colors:

• 1983 Cougar had more traditional earth tones (Walnut, Desert Tan, Pastel French Vanilla) and broader tu-tone options.
• 1985 Cougar expanded the palette with bolder metallics (Clove Brown, Canyon Red, Regatta Blue) and reserved tu-tone schemes mainly for XR-7.
• Interiors shifted from classic muted luxury (’83) to sportier and more tech-focused (’85), especially with the XR-7’s sport seats and LS’s optional digital dash.

Feature	1983 Cougar	1985 Cougar
Models	Cougar, Cougar LS	Cougar, Cougar LS, Cougar XR-7 (Turbo)
Engines	3.8L V6 (carb, std.)5.0L V8 (EFI, opt., not CA)	3.8L V6 (EFI, std.)5.0L V8 (EFI, opt.)2.3L Turbo I4 (EFI, std. XR-7)
Transmissions	3-spd SelectShift auto (std.)4-spd Automatic Overdrive (opt.)	3-spd SelectShift auto (std.)5-spd manual OD (XR-7 opt.)4-spd Automatic Overdrive (5.0 V8)
Suspension	MacPherson strut front4-link coil spring rear. Gas-pressurized shocks	LS/Base: Nitra-Cushion suspensionXR-7: Quadra-Shock rear suspension (4 shocks + stabilizer bar)
Styling	First aero Cougar. Formal roofline. Sleek grille, wraparound taillamps	Revised grille & taillamps. Flush “aircraft-style” doors (quieter)XR-7: front air dam, fog lamps, body-color mirrors
Interior	Cloth Contour Sport seats w/ recliners. Optional Functional Sport seats (depth/width/lumbar adj.)Analog gauges	LS: Twin Comfort Lounge seats, plush 24-oz carpet, rear armrest. Optional LCD digital dash & trip computerXR-7: full sport gauges (tach, turbo boost, oil, amps), articulated sport seats w/ power lumbar, optional leather
Technology	Trip minder® computer (opt.)Premium radios (AM/FM, 8-track, cassette)Electroluminescent coach lamps (LS)	Digital LCD instrument panel (opt., LS)Keyless entry (opt.)Premium Sound System w/ graphic equalizer. Coach lamps (LS)
Safety	Crush zones. Rack-and-pinion steering. Front disc/rear drum brakes21-gal tank	Reinforced roof & door guard beams5-mph bumpers. Energy-absorbing interior trim20.6-gal tank. Improved rollover/crash protection
Specs	Wheelbase: 104″ Length: 197.6″ Width: 71.1″ Height: 53.4″ Weight: ~3,099 lbs	Wheelbase: 104″ Length: 197.6″ Width: 71.1″ Height: 53.4″ Weight: 3,084–3,100 lbs
Exterior Colors	Standard: Black, White, Light Charcoal, Midnight Academy Blue, Desert Tan, Light Desert Tan, Medium Red, Light Academy Blue, Pastel French Vanilla Clearcoat Metallics (opt.): Dark Charcoal, Silver, Medium Red, Walnut, Midnight Academy Blue Tu-Tone (opt.): Black/Dark Charcoal, Blue/Blue, Tan/Desert Tan, Silver/Dark Charcoal, Red/Silver, Walnut/Tan	Standard: Black, Oxford White, Silver Metallic, Medium Charcoal Metallic, Sand Beige, Medium Sand Beige Metallic, Dark Clove Brown, Light Sage, Dark Sage, Light Canyon Red, Medium Canyon Red Metallic, Pastel Regatta Blue Metallic, Medium Regatta Blue Metallic, Midnight Regatta Blue Metallic Tu-Tone (XR-7): Black/Charcoal, Silver/Charcoal
Interior Colors	Cougar: Charcoal, Red, Blue, Walnut, Desert Tan. LS: Charcoal, Red, Blue, Walnut, Desert Tan (luxury cloth or optional leather)	LS & XR-7: Oxford Gray, Charcoal, Sand Beige, Canyon Red, Regatta Blue Leather option on XR-7 and LS
Vinyl Roofs	Black, White, Silver, Medium Red, Midnight Blue, Light Tan, Walnut	Black, Oxford White, Light Charcoal, Medium Sand Beige, Pastel Regatta Blue
Distinctive Features	First year of new aero Cougar design	EFI standard on all enginesXR-7 Turbo performance model introduced Optional digital dash board Improved crash protection