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-
Reliable and Fun to Drive - 1998 Ford Contour
By Wumbly - August 28 - 11:29 amI have driven my Contour SE practically every day since I bought it new in 1998. It has the 2.5 L Duratec engine and a five speed manual transmission. This car drives and handles like a quality German machine. The manual transmission also has that German response and feel. Ive put 225K miles on the car and its still going strong. The AC quit a couple of years ago, but Im too cheap to replace it. Other than that, maintenance has been limited to fluid changes, tires, brakes, shocks, and the front ball joints. Believe it or not, Im still on the original clutch with no signs of slippage.
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Great first car - 1998 Ford Contour
By Awlix - July 27 - 12:11 amThis car is AMAZING! We bought it at $1500, great condition, and it only had 52,300 miles on it! I havent had any big problems with it. The biggest problem was a flex pipe falling off ($150), common problem. Runs and drives smoothly, has great gas mileage, wonderful cooling & heating system. This car gets me from point A to B and even to C. This is my first car and I love it! Large trunk, comfortable back seat, great sound quality, the fans are a bit loud but at least you know your engine wont overheat. Great first car, great turning, overall nice car. This car is small and can maneuver around large objects, but it still has great leg room.
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Bring the Contour back - 1998 Ford Contour
By Leo M. Gates - July 17 - 2:38 amI bought my 98 Contour (2.0 Zetec VCT, 5 sp manual) with 26,000 miles on it 8 years ago and now it has just crossed over the 100,000 mile mark. It is reliable, comfortable and economical. Ive replaced a few things over the years as expected but this car has spoiled me. Sometimes I think its time to upgrade but when I read reviews,I go running back to my Contour.
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Fords last good vehicle - 1998 Ford Contour
By pablo - January 10 - 4:04 pmI bought a 98 2.0 Contour in 02 when my 89 Volvo died w/276k. Contour had 58k when I bought it now has 136k. I replaced the orig. timing belt at 102K, did it myself with a book in 6hrs. This car has been nothing but pure joy, all electronic,ac/heat work great. Replaced header exhaust flex pipe 2x, Brakes 2x, car is well maintained at 25 city, 32 hiway mph, engine is still tight and clean no oil burning, when I pulled valve cover to set cams. It has some rot coming thru now in front of rear wheels, orig. rear struts will need to be replaced soon. So impressed with this car I bought a 99 w/59k in 06 and stashed it so I have another. The 99 is just as good. Im buying a 2.0 2000 to keep 2.
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222,000 miles and still going! - 1998 Ford Contour
By newbie - September 25 - 2:45 pmYes, can you believe it! 222,000 miles on this thing, and I am still driving it! I bought this car in 2000 with about 30,000 miles on it, and have had to replace NOTHING under the hood except spark plugs, spark wires, filters - just regular tune-up stuff! I had also purchased a 2005 Focus - but I like my Contour much better. Comfort and interior style were lacking in my Focus. Love this car - I would definitely buy another if they were only still made...
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Doesnt get more reliable than this car! - 1998 Ford Contour
By Ken - July 13 - 7:02 pmBought my SE in 1998 with 15K. Has not let me down once since I bought it. With only regular maintaince it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. 27MPG in town, and a best of 34MPG on the highway cant be beat. Currently has 112,000 miles and still starts and drives like it did when I bought it. Ride is probably a little stiff to most people, but very well controlled and makes me want to take the curves and turns faster than I really need to. Excellent cornering manners. Very comfortable in town and downright perfect for road trips. Mine has the 2.0 Zetec engine and it delivers more than enough power for commuting, but could use a little more for driving in the mountains.
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Thank You Sir May I Have Another! - 1998 Ford Contour
By John - March 28 - 12:11 amMy contour has treated me and my family very well. It has had small problems, but nothing that other vehicles dont have. I bought it with 30,000. It now has 160,000. I would drive it another 8 years if it werent for the deer that ran into the side of it. I paid 10,000 for it and it was well worth it. As for any bad reviews, you cant expect steak and eggs when you pay for a Burger and fries. Its not a Cadillac, its a contour, and it serves its purpose. Especially when fuel was at 5.00 a gallon. I always saw the contour as the Tauruss little brother.
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Best car ever owned - 1998 Ford Contour
By Momasauras44 - November 7 - 9:59 amMy Contour was bought for 2,500 with 97,000 miles. I really enjoy my car. I drive it all over town for my job. Ive been told its a cute little get around car. I agree. It now has 127,000 and needing some minor repairs. The timing belt, alternator and steering pulley. All in all, a really great little car.
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Dependable car I will miss driving! - 1998 Ford Contour
By Jill - June 28 - 5:34 pmAfter 8 years with no expenses (aside from basic maintenance), I have had a great experience with the Contour. I only wish Ford didnt discontinue the line! This car brought me back and forth across the country with great control, comfortable handling and no problems. After 120,000 miles and many years, its time to move on. I hope my next car treats me as well as the Contour has!
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Great to own - 1998 Ford Contour
By kristylint - April 2 - 5:14 pmthis car is so reliable and so easy and fun to drive. It is a very nice and stylish car.
