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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First, last & only Ford I will ever buy - 1996 Ford Contour
By CouldaBeenBetter - July 5 - 2:00 am1996 V6 LX. Bought mine with the Ford 100,000 mile warranty and I am sure glad that I did. I estimate that I had about 12 to $15,000 worth of repairs under that warranty. Hood, roof & trunk painted twice. 4 Catalytic Converters. A/C, Power Seats & Right Power Window all failed. Just about every sensor in engine has been replaced at least once. Constant thump from rear suspension that was never fixed. Persistent stalling problem. Finally at 110,000, I dumped $2500 into it to try to fix the stalling problem to no avail. Traded it in for $1500 and bought a Camry.
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Worst car I ever owned - 1996 Ford Contour
By veryunhappy - July 3 - 2:00 amThis vehicle has had too many problems to mention. It has had the electrical system replaced twice. All the A/C vents inside are broken. All the cup holders are too flimsy. The A/C fan components have been replaced at least once.
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My Ford Contour - 1995 Ford Contour
By Lady Firecracker - July 2 - 2:00 amI have a 95 Ford Contour with 201,000 miles on it. Just discontinued driving it because it was trying to run hot with the AC on and I decided not to put any more money into it. Never had any major problems with it, just lots of minor ones. Sometimes the car was a royal pain, let me standing by the side of the road more than one time but once everything short of the engine & transmission was replaced, it seemed to get better. Lots of recalls on this car. Even though I got all the goody out of this one, I wouldnt buy another one.
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Sad - 1995 Ford Contour
By cag - June 28 - 2:00 amThe problems with all the recalls and having your wiring system burn up in the car and having to have it rewired three times has been a nightmare. The first two wirings were done in town and I finally had to take it to a dealership in another town to get any satisfaction. I was told that the transmission needed replacing around 80k miles. I have managed to put on around 24k at this time without replacing it. I made a point of having the car serviced, but I guess it didnt matter. The trunk has leaked from day one and never been able to fix it. I have almost decided at this writing to never buy another American made car again.
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Lots of zip too many recalls - 1998 Ford Contour
By Buckshot - June 23 - 2:00 amContour Sport with 2.5liter, 175 hp is a poor mans sports car. Lots of zip when getting on the freeway. Gets up to 80 mph before you know it. Hey, Ford!!! Whats with all the recalls????? I lost count at 12, and for really stupid stuff. Air conditioner accumulator rusted through at 45,000 and cost me plenty to cold air flowing again. Wifes car. Its getting traded in later this week for a new Jeep Wrangler.
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I can drive for miles and miles...... - 1998 Ford Contour
By Ross69 - June 16 - 2:00 amI have a 65,000 square mile sales territory in the southwest and have had excellent service from this vehicle. It has no rattles or squeaks. It has never let me down, I change the oil every 3- 4,000 miles and it does not burn any oil. The timing belt ( give me a steel chain please) was replaced at 90,000 miles. The spark plugs have never been replaced. I have been looking for a replacement vehicle but am very reluctant to give up this reliable workhorse.
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Good dependability even with annoyances - 1996 Ford Contour
By Carter - June 14 - 2:00 amWe purchased our Contour used in 1997. It has been dependable overall. The feel and performance is good. Even with 110,000 mile the 4 cyl engine has some pep. Majority of problems have been electrical in light switch (recall), heater blower switch (recall) and bad door light switches (on third one so far) to name a few. Other items was broken front coil springs (again a recall) and annoying belt squeal that wont go away even when replaced. Ford has been very good at identifying and replacing recall items. Ford needs to establish a better electrical design team to eliminate the vast electrical problems. They fester as small but annoying items.
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Buy One! I did! - 1999 Ford Contour
By tom02 - June 3 - 2:00 amGreat Value. Looks runs great.
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Ford lost it in the details - 1997 Ford Contour
By jedame - May 29 - 2:00 amFun to drive car with great interior & dash layout. Tiny backseat-parents stay away. Rattles and squeaks multiply readily.
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Good Run-Around Car - 1998 Ford Contour
By h25p - May 28 - 2:00 amThe engine light comes on occassionally. Ive had it checked and nothing and supposedly nothing is wrong.
