Overview & Reviews

A redesigned face gives this Ford more character, but the new taillight treatment is almost identical to the Contour's sibling, the Mercury Mystique. New alloy wheels and a slightly more commodious rear seat debut. Midyear changes included a model consolidation, the addition of depowered airbags, as well as improved handling and new wheels for the SVT.

• Energetic performance in the spirit of more expensive German sedans.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 99.00

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  Wow! I am still in shock! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Natividad - July 26 - 2:20 pm

  I have always owned "Ford" vehicles but this one has to be the best one yet! I am totally impressed. The Number One tip I can share with everyone is, stay on top of your Oil Changes. I have received many cards stating it has many recalls but the way I figured it was if it isnt broken, "Why fix it!" Now if I would have had a problem then that a different story. I just traveled over 1950 miles and I only spent $87.00 in gas. No lie. So, I have no complains. My car has been everywhere and aside from a flat tire. "To be expected!" no other complains. Thanks Ford Company! I am still a committed customer.

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  I would do it again - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Bob - February 28 - 12:03 pm

  Wife bought the car used (26,000 miles) in 2000. I commuted with it for the next 10 years, 72 miles/day for 4 years and 40 miles/day for the remainder. In 146,000 total miles, the worst problem was a/c compressor--$700-at around 50,000 miles. Ive also replaced the alternator and the water pump. Gets 30 mpg all the time, no matter where or how I drive. Starting to leak a few bodily fluids, but not bad. Selling her today, but Ill never forget her.

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  Fun but with problems - 1998 Ford Contour
  By NatG83 - November 4 - 5:11 pm

  Had 2.5L V6, Auto. Interior was mostly cheap materials, but ergonomic and simple. Seats were firm, but comfortable enough. Alot of issues with the HVAC. The fan motor resister pack blew out and the fuse box shorted. Water pump broke at 50,000 miles. The control for the secondaries on the air intake was made of plastic, thus it wouldnt work if it got too hot. Constantly had issues with O2 sensors failing. Had an issue with the fuel filler. Cheap wiring in the doors cause issues with speakers. But, engine was strong. Mileage was good, but the tank was small. Excellent handling with the Sport package. Excellent capability in the weather. Traded in do to misfire and detonation in one cylinder.

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  1998 Ford Contour SE 2.5L Duratec V6 - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Nick R. - October 14 - 4:42 pm

  My contour was purchased with 9,800 miles in 2003. It was used by an elderly couple until they both passed away. My mother drove it back and forth to work until turning it over to me when I got my drivers license. Today it has just under 80,000 and the car still looks like new. The car has never left me stranded although I have had a couple repairs. Intake manifold gaskets($330) at 34k miles, some pollution device($350 but car was running fine - 55k miles), and just recently replaced tie rod bushing, sway bar link, and control arm bushing. Steering is still tight and the V6 pulls just like it did when pruchased. Have replaced tires, front brake pads and rotors. Avg 25mpg

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  1998 ford contour cng - 1998 Ford Contour
  By josh - July 21 - 10:29 pm

  i own a 1998 contour gl it has been great to me 123,000 miles on it original tranny , motor it has been very well takin care of maintanice wise.its my work car it also runs off natural gas it is the cng equipped model. so i can use natural gas and 87 unleaded fuel.I love this car never been to the shop for nothing serious just oil changes and brakes, tires routine stuff.great gas milage for one. even better with the bi fuel when gas prices are ski high i use the natural gas cant beat that only 1 percent come with that on this vechile. if i got rid of it only because i got offered alot for it for mthe natural gas set up on it.i rate this car a overrall 8.all around good vechile.

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  1998 Ford Contour SE 4 cyl DOHC - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Arthur Blessing - April 9 - 8:57 pm

  Purchased car 1998 thru Hertz- 1998 model w/25,000 miles sale: pleasant experience, price quite reasonable, complete file kept on car by them, kept in like new condition by Hertz. Car has been extremely reliable and durable, similar in build quality to my previous Toyota. Front seats very comfortable (Im 5-11"), a few minor recalls handled well by Ford dealers, no major failures on car, just replaced things that wore out (belts, brakes, rotors, sparkplugs, thermostat, etc.). At 112,000 miles now still has original starter, alternator, water and fuel pumps, and now needs front end bushings and A/C compressor. Very happy with this car, except for mileage: 20-24 mpg for 4 cyl. car.

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  Been a Great Car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By onyx_ranger - April 2 - 9:25 pm

  Bought this car new for my wife. She commuted 54 miles round trip, both highway and winding country roads. After 11 years and 120000 miles no problems. Replaced timing belt and plugs at 80000 as preventative maintenance along with water pump. One front wheel bearing replaced at 90000. Brakes around every 40000 miles, tires at 60000 & 110000. Still runs strong, AC still cold, decent mileage and still tight. Burns no oil. Chgd oil & air filter every 5000. Probably keep it until it dies. Did the work myself so it has cost very little to operate over the last 11 years. Basically changed the oil and drove it. What more could you ask for in a car? Great Car!

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  Owner of 2 contours! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Larissb - March 30 - 9:18 pm

  -good car,but check engine lights never goes off, even after being fixed -cupholder was designed by an idiot -1st car went to 220000 which was pretty good got with 153000 paid 2000.00

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  Mod head - 1998 Ford Contour
  By maddog53 - December 11 - 2:03 pm

  This car is one of the best I have ever owned. It is very easy to modify it and repairs are relitively cheap. (except the starter) it is a very good car for a teen as it is fast fun yet insurance is still low because it is a 4 door and cops will not think it is a perfomance car

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  Best car Ive owned - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Jim - Florida - December 3 - 9:25 am

  I have 211,000 on my 1998 Contour SE (V6, Manual Tranny). The only issue has been the alternator (pain to replace). Other than that - this car has been phenomenal. Still flies along like a champ - uses no oil - A/C still works great. Bought this car new and love it. 28 mpg average. It has never left me stranded (I was able to limp home with a bad alternator and a bad water pump). Water pump is the easiest one in the world to replace. Still riding on the original brake rotors. I will miss this car.