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 291 through 300 of 410.00-
contour - 1995 Ford Contour
By steph33 - February 13 - 2:00 ami found it fun to drive and very fuel efficient and very comfortable
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Good for kid - 1999 Ford Contour
By Teen - February 13 - 2:00 amJust got car from Grandparent and love it! Drives wonderfully (I have drove a BMW X5 Acura 2.3CL and Audi A6) and handles like a german car.) Very Sporty ride.
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A Great Vehicle - 2000 Ford Contour
By IInfinity - February 12 - 2:00 amI love my contour sport - it is fun, yet classy! It most certainly feels sporty, and hugs corners quite well, it also handles WNY winters with ease (which is saying something). Contrary to other reviews, the vehicle has more than enough passenger space. The lunch crew(3 tall, broad-shouldered men fit comfortably). I also use the vehicle for carting around Girl Scout supplies and helpers without trouble. If you really want a family car, buy a Taurus, which is also a wonderful vehicle and will give you even more passenger space if thats what youre looking for.
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Most Comfort, Great Drive, ...only... - 1999 Ford Contour
By jbreeze - February 3 - 2:00 amI never thought that I would ever buy a ford (being raised on Toyotas and Hondas). However, when I sat in this car, I was in love. Hands down the most comfortable to sit in car EVER! I love the power my 6cyl has, it feels sporty and Luxurious at the same time, BUT.. I hate the gas mileage and my trunk pop never works, even after being fixed. Still ... Its great!
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Horrible Nightmare of a Car! - 1995 Ford Contour
By harlou - January 31 - 2:00 amThis was the first car I have ever purchased and has been a nightmare from day one! I have owned the car for a year and 3 months and I have put around $2000 into it and I am currently battling with a possible wiring problems that I cant seem to get pinpointed! It has been a huge disappontment to own and I am hoping to get rid of it as soon as I can get it running for longer than 10 minutes!!! These cars are junk and have NO resale value! Stay away!
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Ford No More - 1999 Ford Contour
By Brian O - January 31 - 2:00 amI have spent $2600+ in repairs in 11 months outside of the regularly scheduled maintenace visits. Problems with transmission, radiator, alternator, distributor, rotors, brakes, bearings, tie-rods and axels and stereo components. I have practically had this car rebuilt at my own expense. I thought I got a great deal on a good car. Ive had Fords before so I expected to do some maintenance but this car has proven to by an astonomical financial burden. If youre looking at a Contour, please allow me to recommend a Honda.
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Great Car - 1997 Ford Contour
By Contour Lover - January 27 - 2:00 amIve had this car for about 6 months now and its great. I have leather seats, a sporty V6 with a 5 speed transmition, sunroof, mags....etc This is a great car which is fun to drive and has a very large amount of features. Ford did a good job on this car.
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A mechanical nightmare! - 1995 Ford Contour
By i hate this car - January 27 - 2:00 amThis car is a decent car to drive, especially for the money paid, but its a disaster on wheels. The engine revs itself at idle, and I cant start it without keeping my foot on the gas or it stalls. The brake pedal will only depress half-way (new pads and rotors turned 6 mo. ago). This car also jerks and shakes when in drive gear below speeds of 20 MPH, causing me to hit a car in front of me while I was parallel parking. I like Fords, but this car seems to be poorly designed (ie. cupholder, lack of rear legroom, locking gas cap wont open etc).
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Great car - 1998 Ford Contour
By Michel ouellette - January 20 - 2:00 amI cant beleive that this car was replaced by the champions of recalls (the Focus). This car looks great, has loads of power, a very reliable engine/transmission (My first priority) AND outstanding handling. I will conceade that it is not the ideal familly vehicle as was intended by Ford due to restricted (even after improvement in 98)rear seat. A child seat is very difficult to use. But this was not a conscen for me. The Duratec is the only All aluminium, dual overhead cam north american engine. And no this is not a Mazda Engine , this is Fords. And in a 3.o Liter( I wish) the standard engine in base Jaguar S type, Lincon LS, and Jaguar X-type.
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Good Car - Great Handling - 2000 Ford Contour
By JE - January 19 - 2:00 amI had this car for about 6 months. I never had any problems with it and liked it. I got in an accident and was hit on the front passenger side door. Fortunately, everyone was perfectly fine (including the front passenger) - maybe that is a testament to the safetiness (the car was considered totalled - yet still drivable).
