Overview & Reviews

The addition of a Sport Package for the GL and LX models and the inclusion of a standard trunk light are the only changes for the 1997 Contour.

• Great peformance with either engine when equipped with a manual transmission. A worthwhile alternative for those who have BMW tastes, yet are restrained by a Ford wallet.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 36.00

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  almost 200k and still kickin - 1997 Ford Contour
  By mickeyb08 - July 3 - 11:31 am

  Excellent mid-size car, bought mine from a junkyard here on an Air Base in Germany for 400 bucks had 180k miles on it and just needed a new set of cam seals, front springs (the new springs were actually in the back seat when I bought it) and had to adjust my parking brake a little tighter, of course I did the usual tune up stuff when I bought it (oil change, coolant and tranny flush, new plugs etc.) but its now at 195k miles and still goes GREAT its pretty quick for what id call a socker mom car and out handles some of the beamers here, those last 15 miles werent easy driving miles either, alot of autobahn @ 100mph+ (that governer at 112mph is a PIMA) overall I cant complain

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  Underrated car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Wxdog - November 1 - 2:02 pm

  I bought this four-banger ("Sport" version) when it was 3-years old. Its performed very well. Excellent mileage on the highway but just OK in the city. Really good handling was always noted by the critics and anyone who drives my car is surprised by its performance. It has a somewhat bland/odd exterior. Critics complained the legroom in the back wasnt enough. To me its fine unless you have long legs. There is a persistent problem with a switch for the heater/AC control. Its a recall so it gets replaced when it breaks (every 3-years or so) for free. The timing belt broke at about 65,000 miles, a few miles beyond when the manual says to replace it. Be warned.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 1997 Ford Contour
  By JR - October 30 - 9:59 am

  Ford - Drive One? I had a 1997 Ford Contour GL that was fun to drive and very fuel efficient during its time. I really took care of it as well. However, throughout my experience of driving it since August 1997, I went through a lot of adversity with it in the long run as far as recalls and parts replacement is concerned. I had a lot of stuff replaced in this car it did cost x-amount of dollars for repairs. Other than that, the car ran pretty good during its time until a major oil leak occured it was gonna cost thousand of dollars to fix. As a result, it was goodbye for me driving a Ford around March 2009. After that, I went out and bought a 2009 Honda Civic LX Sedan as a replacement.

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  12 years and still reliable - 1997 Ford Contour
  By mar - March 25 - 2:41 pm

  I bought it new in early 1998 and the first tune-up according to manual was after 10 years. Never had a problem with reliability. I drove it up and down the east coast and into Canada and I must write that it is indeed reliable and low maintenance. The color looks like it is just 3 years old. I am proud of the 97 Ford Contour After 10 years, it still has no rust and the paint is still shiny considering the it is never garaged.

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  Inexpensive Wheels? - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Chauncey Townsend - February 10 - 3:17 pm

  Bought our Contour w/85k miles. Loved driving it. Good on gas, one of my favorite cars out of 15+ owned over the years. Only complaint was at 101k miles the head cracked and ended up costing a small bundle to repair notorious Ford 4 cyl. problem. Just be careful of used high mile Contours.

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  Good yet anoying - 1997 Ford Contour
  By kurenai07 - October 18 - 8:31 pm

  A decent car. Nothing too special about it. Drives and handles well. And the fronts seats are pretty comfy.

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  Pleasantly surprised and thankful - 1997 Ford Contour
  By T.Amundson - February 21 - 2:22 pm

  I bought my car used with low mileage almost ten years ago. I have not had one problem with it and have experienced only normal wear and tear. The car has been serviced regularly, consistent oil changes and new tires when necessary. Its great on trips being comfortable and reliable. At present it has a little over 100,000 miles on it and could go for another 50 to 60,000 miles. Car does need some cosmetic work but very little. Interior in excellent condition with no tears or cuts. Dashboard still in pristine condition as is the stereo (tape deck only). In short it has served me well...want to sell for automatic due to broken arm and age.

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  Safe - 1997 Ford Contour
  By AndyL - November 10 - 12:34 pm

  I bought this car for my son but decided to keep it for myself because its zippy acceleration would only have caused me much grief. I enjoyed the car while I had it, but it ultimately saved my life in a nasty head-on car crash. The car withstood a 110 mile per hour impact. After a couple weeks in the hospital and months of rehab, I can honestly say the car performed as Ford planned. Between the air bags and the engineered crush points, Im happy to be alive to submit this review.

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  age and comfort - 1997 Ford Contour
  By frank hart - July 14 - 4:18 pm

  Purchased this car from a private party with 27000+ miles August 2005 the car is clean inside and out, no dents or rust. Problem being our age (70-75), we need a better riding car. This make and size is perfect for a younger person.

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  Reliable, Economical & Good Handler - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Bob - January 19 - 6:51 am

  A very decent car. Nothing to get excited over, but great transportation. Handles very well, and with the right tires excellent in the snow. Got it with 33K on it and 100K warranty. Only the cigarette lighter and cup holders went out under warranty. 100k tune up, but needed new plugs at 85k. 4 cyl is simple to tune up. Smooth transmission. At about 110K needed new brakes (3rd set), waterpump and TIMING BELT. Still gets ok mileage at 114K, 23 city, 29 hwy. Used to get better, but its aging. You do have to maintain these! Do yourself a favor--get the tranny fluid changed (ideally flushed). Ive done that twice--happy transmission. Solid car!