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 341 through 350 of 410.00-
Good car - 1995 Ford Contour
By suzi - August 30 - 2:00 amBought this car 3 years old for my 18- year old daughter. Now have 70,000 and with hardly any problems. I questioned whether I should buy it due to what consumer reports said, but it turned out to be a good car for her.
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The Fun Ends - 1995 Ford Contour
By mpb - August 27 - 2:00 amVery fun car to drive. Unfortunately, starting at about 85,000 miles, the problems begin. Everything from the usual Ford repairs (wheel bearings, recalls, etc) to more expensive engine repairs, which surprised me given Fords lauding of the V6 engine. Two years ago a Ford service manager told me the Countour was not mechanically sound. Now I know what he was talking about.
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Lesson Learned - 1995 Ford Contour
By Toolbox - August 27 - 2:00 amI have been a Ford owner for over 45 years and have been totally turned off by this lemon. I replaced the trans. at 89000 miles. The factory rebuilt lasted just over 30000 and is not repairable. The car has had an overheating problem for most of its life,The timing belt has been replaced twice and the timing belt idler pulley exploded causing another replacement. I am now the proud owner of a car worth just over $3,000 needing over $3,000 worth of transmission work. Will I repair it "NO" will I buy another Ford "NO". Ford should apologize and make restitution to owners of these lemons. By the way I now own a Saturn and I love it!
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Great for price - 1997 Ford Contour
By med01e - August 19 - 2:00 amGreat low cost car - Thousands Saved over Taurus.
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Dont Make the Same Mistake! - 1995 Ford Contour
By zippy78 - August 19 - 2:00 amOverall, a terrible, TERRIBLE car...in only 2 years/24,000 miles of ownership, it had a plethora of problems...mostly suspension related. Then the auotmatic tranny blew at 65K...1K miles after the extended warranty expired. Wound up doing battle with Ford on this repair. Ford didnt want to budge, but with the help of my states attorney generals office, I managed to get a $1,000 settlement. Three weeks after it was fixed this lemon was gone...traded it in 99 and havent looked back since.
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Guess I am lucky! - 1995 Ford Contour
By HappyContour - August 18 - 2:00 amMy 95 GL 4-cyl. auto trans car has been quite trouble-free for over 7 years and 104,000 miles. The only repairs have been maintenance items, except timing chain replaced at about 80k miles for $185. Cant complain, the car still looks, smells, and drives like new. This is the longest Ive ever kept a car, and my wife really likes it, too.
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Great Car, Poor Reliability - 1999 Ford Contour
By Love to Drive - August 16 - 2:00 amThis is our second Contour. Our first Contour was 2 years old when we bought it and found that it had some reliabiltiy problems. We loved the car so decided to buy a brand new Contour thinking that proper maintenance and care would eliminate the reliability problems. It didnt. Our new car has been in the shop many times since we bought it. The starter went out after 5 months, the engine blew at 22k miles, the dash warped, the emergency brake mechanism has had to be replaced, and the trunk developed a major leak that required 5 visits to the dealership to fix. Still, this car looks great and is a lot of fun to drive as a family car.
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Good car for the $$$ - 1999 Ford Contour
By ContourDave - August 13 - 2:00 amIve had this car for 10 months now and havent had any major problems. The dashboard has warped (covered under a recall) and the fan switch only works on the "high" setting. Will both be fixed soon. The dealer I bought it from also services it and is GREAT! Very customer oriented and accomodating.
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Too bad I cant buy another one - 1996 Ford Contour
By PAMA - August 6 - 2:00 amI love my contour! It now has over 100K miles and is still going strong. It has always started and besides minor irritations like the cup holder and recurring problems with turn signal I have enjoyed this car. Amount of mileage has me shopping for another car - I hate the focus too bad I cant get another contour.
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Dans Review - 1995 Ford Contour
By dannation - July 31 - 2:00 amThe Vehicle has been very reliable. Its great to drive and looks nice. Ive had very few problems with the car, and yes, I know it IS a Ford.
