[luminous]

Personally I think the 01/02 headlights give off much better light, and I like the chrome better, especially aussies. Also interior is better.

I think that the exterior comes down to color. I have an oxford white 99 and I like the bumpers much better than the 01/02's, however I had problems with the way mine looked also. The bottom looked like too much of a gap in a smiley face pattern, so I painted the fogs and put mesh in the grill, now it seems more solid. The darker color cougars don't have the same problem b/c there isn't so much contrast.

I don't think that either year is better. That is why so many people use parts from different years, however, I don't see too many people putting 99/00 headlights, seats, clusters, grills, ect in their 01/02s. 01/02 had many more options and models. I really think it depends on the overall color and look of the car to determine what headlights and bumpers look better. I feel that black seems to work well with everything. Silver I would have to go with 99/00. White 99/00. I am not sure of others.