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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  Time to move on - 1996 Ford Contour
  By kitties6 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  As a commuter car (500+miles per week) my contour has held up well. I have had problems with the sensors (too many to note), transmission (111,000), air conditioner, and wheel bearings (70,000 and 120,000). At 145000 miles I never thought it would last this long.

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  wasted money - 1998 Ford Contour
  By ohwell - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but problems. Nothing but money on top of money. If you are going to buy this car second-hand you have about a 25% chance of getting one thats good. $3500 in 2 yrs and in need another $1200 more. 2 alternators, rack and pinion, etc. I dumped mine. I wouldnt even sell it to another human being.

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  scared to drive it - 1998 Ford Contour
  By mamma - July 27 - 2:00 am

  other than 2 alternators in less than 1 year (350.00), the timing belt & pulley (450.00), and waiting for the co2 sensor to go nothing but problems, and wondering where you are going to break down next. i have a little girl, and have been stranded now on the highway, and city streets. i dont feel safe driving it anymore, because i am soooo scared it is going to break down again. that is sad, considering it only has 82k miles on it. oh well, im shopping foreign now!! my husband has an 83 f150 that runs like a dream. what happened ford? ya just dont make em like ya used to, do ya?? im am still wondering if one is an ashtray

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  I loves my Contour - 1995 Ford Contour
  By GFunk - July 12 - 2:00 am

  These are great cars, they just need to be maintained and cared for.

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  Ford Rocks! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Bob Q. - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, its one of the best that I have ever had!

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  Good reliable car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By yanks27 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Contour is a good driving car for driving to work and back. It wont turn any heads, but you will get to where you want to go, and when it comes down to it, that is all a car is suppose to do.

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  ok car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By sfawcett2003 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  a lot of things have went wrong on the car. it gets u from point a to b and sometimes c however. i would not recomend buying this car unless it is the only thing in ur price range.

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  Nothing but trouble - 1998 Ford Contour
  By jelly - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for two years and have had nothing but problems. Average money put into the car in two years : 3000 $. new transmission, tires, engine, battery, and O2 sensors that were suposed to fix the check engine light but its still on from 6 months ago. Runs badly in the winter, barely starts. Cant wait to sell it. Oh and to make a copy of your key will set you back about 150 dollars!

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  Great Value - 1996 Ford Contour
  By John Snider - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This has beren a great vehicle! The only major repairs have bee replacing the timing belt at 90,000 miles and the front wheel bearings at 102,000 miles. The car holds the road great and still has good acceleration. It has been paid off for a few years now and is still running fine.

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  Good handling but under-powered sedan - 1998 Ford Contour
  By grtgrfx - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought used as an end-of-lease car from dealer, and it had high mileage. This car was the GL but with the Sport package (tach, leather wheel, 15" aluminum wheels, sunroof, fog lights, better suspension, etc.). I put 17" wheels and performance tires on, and handling increased dramatically. Its always been comfortable inside but lacks the power that the V6 engine provides. If I did it again, Id go for the SE or SVT models. The sunroof had a $10 plastic gear break, resulting in a $2,500 repair bill (warrantee, thank God). Warning lights do come on intermittently and theyre hard to diagnose (check engine and air bag on mine).