• The Cougar was first introduced in 1967 as a sporty, upscale version of the Ford Mustang. It was available with a range of V8 engines, including a 390 cubic inch V8 that produced up to 335 horsepower.
• The second generation Cougar (1971-1973) was restyled with a more muscular and aggressive look. It was available with a range of V8 engines, including a 351 cubic inch V8 that produced up to 266 horsepower.
• The third generation Cougar (1974-1976) was redesigned again with a more refined and luxury-oriented look. It was available with a range of V8 engines, including a 460 cubic inch V8 that produced up to 224 horsepower.
• The Cougar was redesigned again in 1980, and continued to be produced until 1997. During this period, it was available with a range of engines, including a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine and a 5.0-liter V8 engine.
• The final generation of the Cougar (1999-2002) was introduced in 1999 as a rebadged version of the Ford Cougar sold in Europe. It was available with a range of engines, including a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine and a 2.5-liter V6 engine.
• The Cougar was discontinued after the 2002 model year and was replaced by the Mercury Marauder.

The Mercury Cougar is considered a classic American muscle car and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Its distinctive design and powerful engines have made it an icon of the 1960s and 1970s American car eras.