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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DONT BUY A 96 CONTOUR!! - 1996 Ford Contour
By HateMyCar96 - December 30 - 2:00 amI had nothing but problems with this car after it hit 50,000 miles!! First the drivetrain and then the radiator and the water pump and then the wheel cylinders whet bad! Dont buy a 96 contour unless you enjoy constant aggervation and automotive problems!
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Cheap Thrills - Maintenance Required - 1995 Ford Contour
By Jack Jones - December 24 - 2:00 amOwned one for 9 years. Duractec V6 is responsive and pulls hard all the way to redline (6700rpm). Amazingly good cornering and handling. ABS brakes excellent. Sold after 135K miles. Auto Tranny never an issue - changed fluid every 35K as they suggest.
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Love It!!! - 1999 Ford Contour
By dagmara - December 20 - 2:00 amI purchased my Contour brand new in 1999. I drive it back and forth to work, strictly in city driving. Gas mileage is relatively good, considering its strictly stop/go and my top speed is maybe 30 MPH. Its never been in the shop other than for routine maintenance. Overall, I love this car, and plan on hanging on to it for many more years.
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170HP rocks - 1998 Ford Contour
By Spaceman Spiff - December 5 - 2:00 amThis vehicle handles like a sports car, and has all the power you need. Even after six years, there is no engine noise to speak of.
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Do Not Buy a First Generation Vehicle - 1995 Ford Contour
By Joe Blow - December 3 - 2:00 amI dont care if its Yugo or Lexus, NEVER buy a first generation vehicle (like I did). The engineers need time to improve the thing with a few design mods. I have had my car for 9 years and put 135,000 miles on it. Fun as hell to drive, but frequent warranty failures put me on first name basis with service department. Out of Warranty repairs minor, but agree the powertrain is a total pain to work on - even a simple thing takes patience due to extremely dense fit of motor in engine compartment!
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2000 contour - 2000 Ford Contour
By Tony1 - December 1 - 2:00 amThis car hasnt left me stranded have almost 53K miles. The 4cy w/ auto is good but the MPG could be better. The A/C sucks, I live in Phoenix, and during the summer the A/C has a hard time cooling the inside of the car down.
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Biggest mistake of my life! - 1995 Ford Contour
By im done - November 30 - 2:00 ami bought this car for $5,000 a few years ago and since then have put close to $6,000 into it in repairs alone, not to mention regular maintenance. 3 months after i bought it, the water pump, AC compressor, serpentine and timing belts went out (along with a host of other things) and a few months after that, it happened again. I have not gone more than 3 months without this car costing me at least $400 in repairs. Most recently, the entire central computer needed to be replaced along with the 3rd water pump and all new belts (for the 3rd time) to the tune of nearly $1000.
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Very safe - 1998 Ford Contour
By loved it - November 26 - 2:00 amI was involved in a bad accident in this car. The car was totaled, both airbags deployed, and the car was hit at a speed in excess of 50mph. I was driving and was able to walk out of the hospital the same day. The safety features of this car are excellent. I loved the car while I had it.
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Great Car, Sweet Ride - 1995 Ford Contour
By thor_thunder - November 24 - 2:00 amI have loved my Contour. I have not had to have any work done on the car with the exception of reconditioning the air conditioning unit. After almost 150,000 miles, I am amazed at how well the car runs and performs. The 2.5 liter V6 Duratec engine provides the perfect blend of horsepower and fuel economy.
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Great Car!!! - 2000 Ford Contour
By karilyn1982 - November 12 - 2:00 amI recently bought a used 2000 Ford Contour SE Sport. V6 2.4 liter Duratec engine. Very nice ride so far...have had NO problems. Rides like a dream.
