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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  A lot of fan, I love it. - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Vivi - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my contour for about 2 years, and it has 69k miles, now it have 90K and I never have any problem. It needed + market. The design is from England. That is the reason whay is a "diferent Ford".

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  NICE CAR - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Dave Paris - November 13 - 2:00 am

  It is a nice car at a great price

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  Good car but too many minor troubles... - 1998 Ford Contour
  By cqbiho - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I think this car is nice to drive. Good handling, acceleration and even abraking system. However, the reliability of this car is far from perfect. Normally, cars from Ford is in the same situation.

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  Contour Owner - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Skittlzz17 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I just recently got the contour and so far i love the performance with it. The check engine light is on but not sure why. It does great on the highway and is very comfy!

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  Contour (Recallour) - 1998 Ford Contour
  By zx2 - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Our contour is a gl v6 sport. This car is the king of recalls and is very unreliable. Check engine light is always comming on. Transmission shifts to abruptly. Sunroof most of the time does not work. Ride is to harsh and too much engine noise. Engine is always making growling sounds especially at low speeds. Duratech does not feel as powerful as its 170 hp rating. Paint scratches easily, flimsy car. Drinks alot of gas. Really glad they dont make this troublesome model anymore, think early 80s american car. If yours runs good you probably have a 4 cylinder or hardly drive.

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  Family Transportation - 1997 Ford Contour
  By fordman - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Great $15K car. Zero problems in almost 5-years. Good small family car! The used price on these cars are cheap, cheap, cheap. Good value at $3-5K.

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  TYPICAL FORD - 1999 Ford Contour
  By MC2775 - October 26 - 2:00 am

  The only good thing about this car is the V6 power. Other than that its a typical Ford, 7 alternators in the last three years, squeaky doors, faulty fan/ac switch, and terrible night vision with headlights. Its obviously a another cheap disposable car except for the good reliable V6 engine. I wont buy another Ford car ever again, a truck maybe.

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  not again! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By steve64 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  It was a beautiful car. basically reliable, but many minor problems. Chrome bumper strips peeled off, low coolant light came on, water leaks inside car, power window kept going out and back on. Rode too hard for my tastes, especially impact harshness. V6 good on gas at 28 mpg, but short gearing kept the car revvy while accelerating. seetled down at cruise though. Handling seemed pretty good though and the car was quiet enough. Oh, it had the a/c go out and the intake plenum went bad causing an oil leak, both fixed under warranty or before purchase, great service from dealer, if a little inconvenient, but for $4000 what can i expect?

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  Problem Car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By realmc - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Contour SE with the sport package thinking that it was going to last me a while. Unfortunately, the trunk developed a major leak which the dealership couldnt fix after 4 tries. The leak was so bad, mildew began appearing in the car and the metal parts inside the trunk began rusting. Ford Motor Co. was no help, the dealership had poor service, so I had to get my state attorney generals office involved. Sold the Contour within a year and took a huge hit on resale. Will not buy a new Ford again.

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  Love to Drive - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Chasjaz - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with the engine/transmission in this car. 2.5L V6 with 5sp is a blast to drive. A real sleeper that surprises a lot of sports cars. Unfortunately it rides worse than most sport cars. It really beats you up. Leather interior looks nice but its cramped inside and not very well laid out. Ive had electrical problems from day one. Emergency break sticks when it freezes and cannot be released.