Are 2002 cougars reliable?

I am considering buying a 2002 cougar with 44,000 miles on it. The dealer told me the car was a manufacturer buyback. They said it was filed under the lemon law in PA because of water leaks. Is this believable? Are these cars generally reliable? I tried car fax but it was a waste of money and showed nothing. The only info I found with carfax is that it was sold used at the auto auction as a manufacturer vehicle sale.

The price is 4000 below NADA because of the buyback thing. Its a great deal but I don't want to get burned with a lemon.

Thanks ahead of time!