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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Contour skeptic (at first) - 1997 Ford Contour
By Brandon Hawkins - October 8 - 2:00 amI am young at an age of 18 and i was given this family sedan and was not very happy with it at first. I drove it around one week at the beach after i graduated from High School and fell in love with it. The acceleration alowed me to beat those japanese cars who had all the accesories. I dropped 17 by 7s on it and improved the already perfect handling. I love my car, it is a blast to drive.
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Everything is falling apart - 1995 Ford Contour
By dannnn - October 5 - 2:00 amI have owned this car for about two years. I got it at about 80k miles. I drove it from Ohio to California. I am at 126k now and aside from a few recalls everything has turned out ok. At this point though, everything is falling apart. The gas door wont open, then vents dont work, and the cup holder sucks.
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Better buy GAP insurance - 2000 Ford Contour
By lynb - September 30 - 2:00 amAlway in shop..never know whats wrong paid more to get fix then to but
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Zippy - 1995 Ford Contour
By bquiner - September 23 - 2:00 amThis car has almost always performed superbly. It still has all of its zip after 85,000+ miles. The leather interior is very nice. No major mechanical repairs have been required.
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The performance in this car is great - 2000 Ford Contour
By Irfan Rahim - September 20 - 2:00 amI purchased my 2000 Contour Se Sport on April 27, 2002. I traded in my 96 Old Cutlass Supreme for it. I have have the 2.5 24 valve Duratec V-6 (which is standard for that year). Im surprised that it has a lot of standard features including power, windows, lock, mirrors, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, 15 inch alloy wheels, and premium am/fm cd player. I like the way the car handles. It can go from 0-60 in about 8.5 seconds. It responds a hell of a lot better than my oldsmobile.
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a love-hate relationship - 1998 Ford Contour
By ContourMan - September 20 - 2:00 amI have a 98 SE with the 2.5L six and the sport package. I love driving the car because of its steering response and handling, and Im pretty satisfied with its power (everyone wants a faster 0-60 time, right?). Despite all of this, I cant forget that the tranny burned up at 30k miles. It didnt help matters that the dealers service department misdiagnosed the problem as something else the first time I took it to them. I like my Contour, but Im not sure Ill ever buy another Ford.
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Ford didnt market this gem very well - 1995 Ford Contour
By calhykr - September 13 - 2:00 amMy grandparents bought a 95 SE with most of the goodies and let the car sit. I bought it at five years old with only 11,000 "grandparent" miles. To date, I have only had to tighten a coupling in the EGR system. The accompanying clicking-when-accelerating noise and check engine light no longer happen. The cup holder is now broken, but the important things still function as they should now that the car is a ripe 7 years old with 24K miles.
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My Contour - 1996 Ford Contour
By tjimler - September 12 - 2:00 amI bought this car several months ago and have enjoyed it immensely. It has had no serious problems, just regular maintenance. It is a joy to drive and I get a lot of comments on how nice it looks. The 5-speed takes a little getting used to, but makes the ride much more enjoyable than an auto. Overall I would give this car 5 stars for a cheap, fun, good looking ride.
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Couldnt Wait to Get Rid of It - 1996 Ford Contour
By JoyP - September 6 - 2:00 amI had a lot of problems with the car. The first day I owned it the check engine light went on, that should have been a sign that the car was a piece of junk. By the time I got rid of it I didnt even want to sell it to anyone, I traded it in to the dealer so they could deal with it.
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This is why I dont buy Ford - 1995 Ford Contour
By fordcritic - September 4 - 2:00 amI was critical of Fords before but decided to give one a chance. My contour has 91,700 miles on it and is currently in the shop for the transmission that just went out. What is wrong with Ford and being able to make a decent transmission??? My vents no longer work either and Im sure thats going to cost me a pretty penny to fix too!
