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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  its ok - 1999 Ford Contour
  By mya - November 4 - 2:00 am

  this car had 1500 miles on it when i bought it so was not very used i do not like the placements of the cupholder, the arm rest is often in the way of the backseat cup holder, if the armrest is down it cramps drivers space (and i am not very big, hard to imagine a larger person in this car)..handling is substandard on anything other than dry pavement, even with new tires, gas mileage poor for this size car..headlights always shift so that they are beaming upward, techs fix this as well couple times and problem cont. to happen, dashboard is warping ford service very very poor in my area, would never buy a ford again

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  Overall satisfaction - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Jeff Moon - November 3 - 2:00 am

  1999 purchase at 45k miles. Drove an average of 500 miles per week first 2 years and only work needed was oil and tire rotation. Hugs the corners well and has great acceleration. Biggest major repair came a month ago when the water pump was replaced at 115k miles. Not much to look at from the outside but very comfortable inside, especially up front. Also impressed with the trunk space for weekend trips and grocery shopping. As mentioned by other reviewers, the check engine light comes on especially at highway speeds, but twice the dealer has looked at with no diagnosis. Also have had the cable release for the hood replaced twice!

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  Hardly a problem - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Daveeeee - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This car gets about 25 or 26 mpg and has been very reliable.

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  Excellent - 4 years running - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Aric - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have read a lot of reviews about Contours either people love them or hate them. Mine has been great - I love it. No problems to complain about. Sure the dashboard warped, whose didnt. The shop took care of it - problem solved. It is a great performer, very sporty, good gas mileage, all for a super price. I have over 60k in 4 years and nothing out of the ordinary has gone wrong. It is too bad they stopped making them. The Focus is inadequate as a replacement.

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  Always something - 1999 Ford Contour
  By JULIET - October 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst car. I will never buy another ford. Flywheel was going 2 weeks after purchase. Took 2 years 5 times in shop before it was repaired. Blower switch went out/air intake system always has a problem/poor shocks/wind noise.. Something always. Dealership is does not care and same with ford. Dash board replaced and engine light is always on. Does not accelerate well when taking off almost causing accidents

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  Contour - Drivers Gem - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Nolie73 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Contour is a Great Drivers car. With a V-6 & manual transmission it is extremly well balanced. They are very forgiving (neutral) if you go too fast into a corner. The 4-wheel disk brakes are very controllable,even without ABS (opt). My other car is a Corvette.. My motto "Its more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow".

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  Nothing But A Problem! - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Glenn & Pamela Bates - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new in 1996. The gas mileage was awful from the start, and the car has been in the shop so many times Ive lost count! We kept it serviced regular,and tried to give it the best of care, and still gad to have a new motor at 60,000 miles. We contacted the local ford dealers as well as the Ford headquarters and recieved absolutely no cooperation, so needless to say we never want another Ford!!!! We had the new motor put in and it has still given us nothing but trouble! Noone can seem to fix the hunk of junk! We really believe the old ford joke now, "fix or repair daily!"

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  Super Car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By AV Duncan - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I have been totally amazed by this car. The front seats are unbelievably comfortable the gas mileage is out of sight and absolutely no mechanical problems in 6 years - not a single one at 94,000 miles. An unbelievable buy - I would buy another one if they still made them (oh, they still do only now they are known as the Jaguar X-Type). I knew there was a reason why it just took me awhile to find out.

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  Not bad for a Ford - 1998 Ford Contour
  By cpk-se - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned the car for a year now. I bought it used with 56k and now have 76k on it. It has been very reliable. I have only replaced brake pads and the battery. Its fun to drive and gets decent gas mileage.

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  2000 Ford Contour - 2000 Ford Contour
  By JamieC588 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This is my second car, so far it has been very reliable for me. It gets good gas mileage, it rides good.