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:
Showing 271 through 280 of 410.00-
Contour - 1998 Ford Contour
By Spisak - April 22 - 2:00 amLeaks oil, reacalls, recalls, recalls lights come on. Ford should be ashamed
-
Ford Contour - 1995 Ford Contour
By kleinjo - April 18 - 2:00 amPersistant engine/electrical problems, however I wasnt disappointed witht the performance capabilities of the V-6.
-
Buy a Honda - 2000 Ford Contour
By nicke - April 16 - 2:00 amSave a few more dollars and buy a Honda, or Toyota instead. This is one cheaply built and unrealiable car.
-
never misses a beat - 1997 Ford Contour
By HelenFelice - April 15 - 2:00 amI purchased 97 GL sport 5 speed. this car is excellent in the snow, climbs mountains with ease and is definitely fun to drive. I average 28/30 mpg which makes my compute of 120 miles a day a breeze. I just replaced the clutch at 120,000....it starts without a problem and has been very reliable. I love being able to keep up with the "big dogs"
-
good car - 1998 Ford Contour
By Double0man - April 12 - 2:00 amI have owned this car since buying it new. No problems except the stupid engine light comes on, but thats a known bug. Just buy the cupholder option from ford to make the cupholders useful (~$15)
-
Good Car - 2000 Ford Contour
By Joe17fl - March 30 - 2:00 amIve had mine a month now and no major problems yet.
-
Car with many problems - 1995 Ford Contour
By Carfreak189 - March 28 - 2:00 amI owned it from March 1995-March2000. It was terribole computer went out, seats squeked, wires broke, gas ran out. Car broke down, at the dealer every month recalls. Dont by this junk. Its a good thing Ford stopped this car.
-
electical nightmare - 1995 Ford Contour
By ranger - March 26 - 2:00 amIf you love a permanent "check-engine" light, this is the car for you. The entire wiring harness was replaced on a recall and after six months the check- engine light came back but only when you went 62 to 64 mph. Now it is once again on forever. Other problems brakes, ABS lights, grinding sound in right rear wheel area, motor mounts, engine self-revs at idle, plastic parts break, vibrates like crazy. Quality was Job 297.
-
Fun car as long as its running - 1996 Ford Contour
By Charles Derdiarian - March 25 - 2:00 amI have owned this car for two years now and have thoroughly enjoyed its handling and power. The V6 provides strong accelaration despite its low horsepower rating. The build quality and cars reliability is terrible, though. I have gone through 3 water pumps in the last year ($250-400/pump). My first blown pump almost cost me my engine, as there is no temperature warning light and blown pumps often dont trip the coolant warning light. I have also had frozen valves ($400), gone through 3 catalytic converters (luckily covered by CA emissions), and a busted dimmer switch that shorted out my dash ($150). I will never buy another Ford.
-
Dont Buy a Contour!!! - 2000 Ford Contour
By Leo888 - March 25 - 2:00 amI bought a 2000 ford contour with about 25,000 miles on it. It is in the shop about once a month for a number of problems, things inside the car such as the dashboard and the windows now rattle, and above the speed of 65 I hear an annoying whisteling noise. My brother also owns one and reports the same problem with a little variation in the small annoying things. I am dumping money into this car.
