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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  Reliable car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Vara - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Had it from 60,000 miles. Now it has 85,000 miles on it. Never had any kind of mechanical problem. I just made sure all the required maintenance is done as per the owners manual and oil changed every 3000 miles.

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  Contour.. the under rated Sport Compact - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Guildpilot - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Well, I must say that I have enjoyed my ownership if this car so far. I have the V6 and its perfomance is great. Power when you need it w/ a nice growl.The handling is awesome.It stays glued to the road and is very predictable.Being a car nut and I have to say the Contour, especially in SE Sport trim has beat all within $3-4k of the price.I get great&unheard of fuel economy w/ it. I average 30-32 hwy & city combined.The worst thing that has happened w/ this car is the fuel pump went bad at 60k..They are WELL underpriced compared to the Cavaliers & Neons , Etc. out there.They dont have half the performance and comfort the Contour has.

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  Excellent value - 1996 Ford Contour
  By NMRN - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 4 years ago from owner.. Been a Ford expected a lot of issue. So far only one minor issue. Front power window actuator broke. Wish I had the larger engine, but even with the 2L (Shift stick) it is fun to drive. For what I paid for it, It was plesent surprise, especialy performence and handling, but alos reliability.

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  good - 2000 Ford Contour
  By xavia2 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  This is in my experience a pretty good car. I have not heared any complaints. If you live on dirt road, the struts can be costly Apr. 1000 for all 4 with alignment Im going in for the first time in 5 years.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 1997 Ford Contour
  By rjs66 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My wife bought this and it is been trouble from early on. At 7k miles, the tranny started leaking fluid. 6-7 recalls. Poor acceleration. After about 30-35k miles, it started idling horribly, sounding like it would stall, and it even did several times. At 45k it sucked $250 in repairs, a couple months later, $500, and a couple months later, at 50k miles, it would have been $1200 after it was determined that the O2 sensors, computer and 5 other things were faulty, but I declined to fix it and got rid of it. I will never buy Ford. I would only recommend buying a used one if it is for a high schoolers first beater car.

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  Great affordable car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By july - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car. I got it at 35,000 miles and got all the way up to 90,000 without any problems other than normal wear and tear. I delivered pizza in it for two years and it still worked fine. Would have kept going if someone hadnt totaled it while I was sitting at a red light. Im looking for another one now.

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  great car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By KMA - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I got a 99 contour se, w/ only 66k miles. its a great car w/ the 2.5L V6 24V DOHC. I havent had any major problems thus far. the drivers side window is probably the major concern, the window wont roll down. and the gas gauge gets a bit picky when it gets to a quarter of the tank. really sporty in black, rear spoiler helps to complete the effect alpine stereo made the factory speakers incredible seems to hug the ground in turns, which makes it all the more fun to drive. overall its the best car ive had.

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  Great Little Econo-Sport Sedan - 2000 Ford Contour
  By kent4978798 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 99 SE Sport for 4 years now and have enjoyed it the whole time. Ive had no major problems (knock on wood) except for a slight deformation in the dashboard, which I realized too late was a recall item that I never took advantage of. Its a great drive.

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  Almost Great But..... - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Dave Madrid - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that could have been great but for nagging NVH problems. Pros: Wonderful 2.5L DOHC V6 mated to a manual 5spd. Never stops pleasing! Had veh up to 115mph grinning all the way. Exterior styling is awesome. Chassis dynamics are very stable, very predictable. Cons: From day 1, nagging squeaks & rattles from the dashboard drive me crazy. The dashboard was a design blunder of the worst kind because otherwise, this would have been a great car. Road isolation is not great, particularly when sitting in rear seat.

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  Fix Or Repair Daily - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Felito - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new and I had numerous problem issues with it. The interior cheap plastic broke on numerous occassions, Passenger shoulder harness housing, cuptray, etc. Drivers window motor broke twice in 4 yrs. time. Transmission went out at 52k miles. I am an aircraft mechanic and I maintained this car twice as better as the recommended maintenance intervals. I purchased a 2002 Toyota Corolla brand new it has 62000 miles now and still has not given me any problems. I am convinced that if you want a dependable transportation car you need to buy a Japanese one. I will never buy american junk again.