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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  good experience with ford vehicles - 1999 Ford Contour
  By cris - May 29 - 2:00 am

  its my 2nd ford. 1st was a 1994 escort wagon, 5-speed. i got it at 100K, drove it for another 40K, not a problem, except wear-and-tear stuff. the contour: i love its 6-cylinder engine + 5-speed transmission. its alos sport tuned. i got it at 46k, now has 62k and did not have any major problems. my oppinion: if you drive and maintain them right, ford cars are OK for the price you pay. sure, honda and toyota are more reliable, but guess what: thats why you pay almost twice as much on a used japanese car. so before buying a used car, do your research and decide what you want: a more reliable car for a lot of money,or a ford for less.

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  Great car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By FordContourOwner - May 28 - 2:00 am

  With the V6 and 5 speed it was more fun to drive than any other car Ive owned. No major problems, other than the plastic water pump impeller wore out at 165,000 miles and the heater/air conditioner switch at 170,000. Sadly, the cars life was brought to a premature end at 175,000 miles when an oncoming motorist ventured in to my lane.

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  Recommended. - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Zaphod - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with my car, I have had 0 major problems (just a 7$ part and regular maintenance) and that is after 63K miles! Car is a blast to drive as well, great handling, and a beautifully revving V6. Great college car!

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  We like the Contour SE Sport - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Dave in Michigan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We love the moon roof, the 32 valve V6 in a light car gives good fuel economy and acceleration. Handling is OK, fairly quick steering, firm but not harsh suspension. Body seems solid, but there is a bad dash rattle. Size is just right for city traffic, not too small. Good visibility on lane changes and cruises well on interstate.

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  Worth the Money - 1996 Ford Contour
  By BobMac - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I think that if Ford stuck with this car for as long as Japanese Co. usaully do, then they would have a winner. It takes time to work out gremlins. If the driver follows the owner manual checkups and replaces the timing belt at 60,000, then you may get a good car for the money. Before you buy: check heater switch, battery life, AC life, headlight connectors.

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  Blast to drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By continuity - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car since it was about 15k miles old. Beautiful, no problems that couldnt be fixed under warranty. Dont bother with the automatic... why bother handicapping such a wonderful machine that deserves the 5 speed?

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  for the money, not a bad choice - 1999 Ford Contour
  By dee par - May 6 - 2:00 am

  First of all, there is this annoying "moosing" noise that the car makes which supposedly comes from the air intake. Its a horrible sound which causes the car to stall out at times. Also, my dash has warped to the point where its peeled back so far that it almost touches the windshield. Lastly, when you try to accelerate hard with this car, it sort of "bogs down" before it catches and goes. When it does catch though, it goes like gang busters. Other than that, the car is great. It handles very well and I do find the car appealing to the eye. Oh, I almost forgot....... its quite rough on the pavement.

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  Teens outlook - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Teenager2 - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Overall a fun car to drive. A few lil ford problems here and there but a great value. Very nice perfromance on the road. Nice brakes. For a teen, its a great car.

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  A lemon needing too many repairs - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Fed Up - April 28 - 2:00 am

  WHEN it runs, its great. V6 with 5 speed manual is responsive and fun. The ride is nice, seats are comfy, and it holds cruise speed in the mountains. But it is simply unreliable. In the past 5 months, it has broken down 5 times. Starting at 36K miles (when we should have seen "the signs" and dumped it), countless trips to the shop include catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, wiring harness, EGR something-or-another, etc. The part is NEVER in stock at my Ford dealership, adding to the inconvenience. I inherited this car when I married my husband. My husband is great, but the car is a lemon.

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  Biggest piece of crap I ever owned - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Dani J - April 22 - 2:00 am

  In 1 year I had to replace the onboard computer, replace the timing belt (miantenance), rebuild the transmission, and have had to replace the rotors 3 times. They cant fix a short it the electrical system. It has lost almost all of its value, which has left me upside down in my loan.