Overview & Reviews

"World music" is a nebulous satellite radio genre that tends to feature a lot of pan flutes, maracas, bongos and those crazy Australian didgeridoo things. The term "world car" is far less exotic, applying to a vehicle like the Ford Contour that can be sold in multiple markets with only minor changes made to best appeal to folks in both France and Fresno. It's an idea that German manufacturers have quite successfully subscribed to for decades, but one that American automakers have avoided as much as radio listeners avoid world music. Nevertheless, to save money and benefit from the engineering expertise of their European subsidiaries, American brands have increasingly turned to world cars in recent years.

The Blue Oval's first modern whack at them was the Ford Contour sedan produced from 1995 to 2000. Designed by Ford's European division and known as the Mondeo across the pond, the Contour had a decidedly European feel to it thanks to its spirited performance, composed handling and aerodynamic styling.

However, with a body size that fell in between compact and midsize, the car was often criticized for its lack of backseat legroom. Ford tried to compensate for this almost every year the Contour was sold. Excess seat padding was removed and the rear bench was redesigned, but its dearth of space remained the Contour's Achilles' heel.

In 2000, the Ford Contour was discontinued and not replaced. Its Mondeo sibling lived on in Europe, however, and is now in its third generation. This stylish, quasi-sport sedan was even driven by James Bond in Casino Royale and positive reaction to it has prompted speculation that it may eventually show up in the United States. Ford's "world car" Contour may soon live again.

Most recent Ford Contour

The Contour debuted in 1995 and was offered only as a front-wheel-drive sedan. Available in GL, LX and SE trim levels, the lower two trims came with a 2.0-liter inline-4 rated at 125 horsepower, with a 2.5-liter 170-hp V6 optional. The six-cylinder was standard on the SE. All Contours were equipped with a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Standard features included dual front airbags, tilt steering wheel and AM/FM stereo. Other equipment offered on the LX, SE or as options, included power windows and locks, air-conditioning, cruise control, sunroof, power driver seat, leather upholstery, and CD or cassette stereo. Antilock brakes and traction control were available on all models.

In 1998, the Contour received a midlife styling tweak with a redesigned front fascia and taillights that mimicked its Mercury brand sibling, the Mystique. The rear seat was redesigned to squeeze a few more inches out of the cramped quarters. The base-level GL was discontinued, while a high-performance SVT Contour debuted. Equipped with a 195-hp version of the 2.5-liter V6 coupled to a five-speed manual, this was essentially a sport sedan for people who couldn't afford pricier European marques. The SVT version offered fun handling and quick acceleration, with a top speed of 143 mph.

In reviews and road tests, we showered great praise upon the Ford Contour -- especially the SE and SVT versions. The 170-hp V6 powered the SE up from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which was relatively quick for midsize sedans in the mid-1990s. We were impressed with this engine's broad power band and the wonderful pull it gave right up to redline. We also found that it handled better than many other competing sedans (or even sport coupes) thanks to its quick-ratio rack-and-pinion steering and relatively sophisticated rear suspension. The SVT's additional horses, 16-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension and exterior styling enhancements made it even more desirable.

Downsides to the Contour were largely its cramped interior and questionable ergonomics. Ford's ubiquitous, small-lettered stereo drew considerable ire. Beyond that, the Contour was a fun four-door sedan that offered European moves at American prices -- one could even call it a "world car."

Past Ford Contour models

The Ford Contour lasted for only one generation from 1995 to 2000, with a midlife freshening in 1998. It replaced the Tempo in Ford's lineup.

User Reviews:

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  The Money Pit! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Mark Charlebois - October 1 - 12:15 pm

  This car is an awesome car to drive, but is plagued with serious tranny problems between 70-80k, seriously considered dumping the vehicle. Rack and pinion is garbage, alternators, heat blower, various sensors, hard on tires and brake rotors. To top it all off, the value of the car is disappointing its a complete loss because the headaches and wallet aches are endless. Never again Ford!

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  Disastrous quality. Cars value now = $0 - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Cristian - September 20 - 12:00 pm

  Dont ever buy Ford! This Contour, at 6 years and 100,000 miles, was a nightmare since I bought it in 02 at 46K miles. The cars trade-in value is about $1500 thats a 6-year-old car that was $21,000 new! The BIG problem is that to get even that low trade value I have to make repairs of about $1500 (the catalytic converter, about $1200, and the oxygen sensor). Basically, that brings the value of the car as it is to $ZERO. I called Ford, they wont pay for the converter (warranty expired at 80K). The V6 engine is crammed and labor around it is VERY expensive (the alternator at 70K miles and again at 80K, A/C line at 60K, A/C clutch at 85K about $850).

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  My wheels. - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Marqui16 - September 16 - 2:06 am

  My Contour now has 198,000 miles on it. I bought it used with about 34,000 miles(mostly highway) and have owned it for 7 years now. I changed the transmission once, the alternator once, several belt changes, headlight problems, and several other minor changes, but never any engine problems. It is still a fun car to drive but since it was my first car I am ready to move on to foreign cars (less maintenance).

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  Marys review - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Mary dore - August 27 - 6:48 pm

  This car fails to meet normal wear and tear, it starts at about 5 years old. First the engine check light come on and no can fix, except for 250 dollars, then they can turn it off. Next, continual problems with the wheel, axles, bearing, alternator assembly replaced alternator, water heater, timing chain, and last but not least the transmission is shot -- every time I turned something was wrong with this vehicle. What a piece of junk, I will never buy anything again that says Ford or Mazda since my car has a Mazda transmission in it. Need to have over head light in the middle of the car you cant see in the back seat when its dark.

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  putt-putt - 1998 Ford Contour
  By niriana - August 5 - 4:46 pm

  Awesome first car. Easy and smooth driving. Not too old and not too new. Excellent for first time driver.

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  A good "starter" car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By jenbeaner - July 19 - 1:33 am

  I agree with other reviewer - I would only recommend a Contour to a high schooler buying their 1st car. I bought this car 5 years ago, and it started out with minor problems - the cup holders breaking (was told they "overload" too easily). But the last 2-3 years, Ive noticed every time it gets humid, rainy or even when I have my air on, my car wants to stall. I know someone else who has a Contour, & the same thing happens to hers. Now my temp gauge is not functioning, & not too long ago, my cruise control broke because of an electrical problem (too expensive to even bother). I also was surprised to find I couldnt get my car out of park one day also because of an electrical problem.

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  FIRST FORD - 1999 Ford Contour
  By McGuireFamily - July 16 - 4:47 pm

  We bought our 99 Ford Contour over a year ago with 75,000 miles on it. The only thing we had to do was regular maintenance, oil change, brakes, etc. The interior was good but the dash started warping after the first month we had it. But we do live in Las Vegas were it get from any where from 160 degrees inside a car when its sitting there parked. It never broke down on us, and we never had any problems really. I would say this is a good car for a student, a high school kid maybe. But for a family itÂ’s really small. But itÂ’s very dependable as long as you keep up your owner duties.

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  Stranded, Again - 1999 Ford Contour
  By brad83 - June 11 - 10:54 pm

  Please avoid this car at all costs! I have been stranded six times with this thing. Ive replaced almost every part, several times. This car has no pick up and go. Interior parts are falling off of it. This is my third Ford, and will be my last. Unless you enjoy time on the side of a highway, run screaming!

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  1996 Contour - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Andy Briggs - May 6 - 9:01 am

  Bought from my father who owned it since new. This car has had multiple maintenance related problems. By 85,000 miles, replaced alternator (which is difficult to access for remove and replace and very expensive), heater blower motor, heater resistor pack, and both wheel hub bearings. I have a continuing problem, yet unsolved, of the radiator fan not turning on when the temperature gauge reads high unless the a/c is on. Check engine light comes on intermittently with an "EGR flow excessive" code read-out. This seems to be too many problems for a car that has had regular maintenance and mostly highway miles. For those reasons, I do not recommend buying, even though it drives well.

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  Taught Kids to Drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Marco - April 29 - 3:24 pm

  Specifically purchased a Contour with 60K to teach my 2 teenagers how to drive. Im tall and needed something with 4 doors. Not as pricey as other used cars of similar size, with 4 doors. Not too fast, but handles great. Both teenagers have licenses and have moved on to other vehicles. Sort of expected that one of them would wreck the car, so I didnt expect to own it for long. Have had it almost 3 years, and am pretty pleased. Get close to 30mpg in regular driving. Had to pay a bit to get the timing belt, gear, etc. replaced at 90K, but have just had maintenance (battery, brake pads) since. Wore out a set of tires in 40K, but expected as much with 2 teenagers pushing the envelope.