Overview & Reviews

A redesigned face gives this Ford more character, but the new taillight treatment is almost identical to the Contour's sibling, the Mercury Mystique. New alloy wheels and a slightly more commodious rear seat debut. Midyear changes included a model consolidation, the addition of depowered airbags, as well as improved handling and new wheels for the SVT.

• Energetic performance in the spirit of more expensive German sedans.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 99.00

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  Solid Ford Countour SE Coupe - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Mercy Casanova - November 23 - 3:44 pm

  This vehicle has proven to be solid and reliable. Ive enjoyed it and have had minimal problems with it for the 6 years Ive driven it.

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  Taught Kids to Drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Marco - April 29 - 3:24 pm

  Specifically purchased a Contour with 60K to teach my 2 teenagers how to drive. Im tall and needed something with 4 doors. Not as pricey as other used cars of similar size, with 4 doors. Not too fast, but handles great. Both teenagers have licenses and have moved on to other vehicles. Sort of expected that one of them would wreck the car, so I didnt expect to own it for long. Have had it almost 3 years, and am pretty pleased. Get close to 30mpg in regular driving. Had to pay a bit to get the timing belt, gear, etc. replaced at 90K, but have just had maintenance (battery, brake pads) since. Wore out a set of tires in 40K, but expected as much with 2 teenagers pushing the envelope.

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  scared to drive it - 1998 Ford Contour
  By mamma - July 27 - 2:00 am

  other than 2 alternators in less than 1 year (350.00), the timing belt & pulley (450.00), and waiting for the co2 sensor to go nothing but problems, and wondering where you are going to break down next. i have a little girl, and have been stranded now on the highway, and city streets. i dont feel safe driving it anymore, because i am soooo scared it is going to break down again. that is sad, considering it only has 82k miles on it. oh well, im shopping foreign now!! my husband has an 83 f150 that runs like a dream. what happened ford? ya just dont make em like ya used to, do ya?? im am still wondering if one is an ashtray

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  Good handling but under-powered sedan - 1998 Ford Contour
  By grtgrfx - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought used as an end-of-lease car from dealer, and it had high mileage. This car was the GL but with the Sport package (tach, leather wheel, 15" aluminum wheels, sunroof, fog lights, better suspension, etc.). I put 17" wheels and performance tires on, and handling increased dramatically. Its always been comfortable inside but lacks the power that the V6 engine provides. If I did it again, Id go for the SE or SVT models. The sunroof had a $10 plastic gear break, resulting in a $2,500 repair bill (warrantee, thank God). Warning lights do come on intermittently and theyre hard to diagnose (check engine and air bag on mine).

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  98 Contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By smedley007 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Car runs great... is flawless performer.

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  98 contour GL 4cylinder - 1998 Ford Contour
  By ron1234567 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  bought it at 72,000 runs STRONG! turning and suspension are great, gas mileage is ok, plenty of trunk space for subwoofers, drivers seats feel fine

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  Very safe - 1998 Ford Contour
  By loved it - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I 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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  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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  98 Contour SE V6 - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Alan_01 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  So far (67K miles) this has been a pretty good car. The power is wonderful and the transmission is smooth-shifting. The drivetrain has been reliable with no repairs to date. With regular fluid changes/maintenence these cars can go a long way. So far the only problems have been paint and power windows. The paint on the rocker panels flakes off, but that could be caused by driving through construction for much of its life. The rear power windows will temporarily quit working, then work again later. The interior could be better, but it isnt too bad. The plastics have a cheap feel and the stereo could be better.

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  1998 Contour SE Sport - 1998 Ford Contour
  By weaselbomb - June 10 - 2:00 am

  In my opinion, the Contour SE Sport is the second best car that one could buy for commuting as well as carry things as well as people. The only other car i would buy would be the SVT Contour, although the insurance is much higher than the SE Sport. Nearly all of the features of the SVT are included on the SE Sport, although the latter lacks the horsepower boost from the SVT labs. A GREAT car, Ford really shot themselves in the foot for discontinuing this model. Fuel economy could be better, although i do have a lot of weight in my car at one time. VERY fun to drive, and VERY VERY comfortable for all 4 (or even 5) passengers.