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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  Dependable Contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Mao - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Ford Contour. We purchased a 1995 and traded in on teh 1998 model. Both were very dependable, comfortable and responsive. My only regret is that I did not find a 24 valve model (they are rare). Still the standard 4 cylinder performs well and is basically maintenance free. This Ford model is what has taken me away from the Chevrolet models I had previously owned.

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  Safety Matters Most - 1999 Ford Contour
  By jjmeans - May 25 - 2:00 am

  My wife was sitting at a stop light and was rear ended the vehicle that hit her was traveling between 40-45 MPH. My wife and two young children walked away. My only concern was that it is estimated she struck the vehicle in front of her at about 15-20 MPH causing severe front end damage and the airbags did not deploy.

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  A good car if well maintained - 1995 Ford Contour
  By ddd - May 21 - 2:00 am

  The car has always run well. After 86000 miles the water pump failed and needed to be replaced. Around the same mileage the antilock brake system needed to be rebuilt. May have been avoided if the brake fluid was changed more often.

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  Still acts and looks like $30,000+ - 1997 Ford Contour
  By DGray - May 20 - 2:00 am

  I ordered this black SE in 1996 and have been completely impressed for the $19,000 I paid. It has all the features you a "semi-picky" person would want and more. The styling and the handling are right on target. The price is incredibly low and a testimony to the lack of "cache" American cars have...even if they were developed in Europe. I think the first review score of 1 was a mistake by the reviewer...thus the low over-all rating.

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  Lemon they missed - 1995 Ford Contour
  By ray man - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Owned vehicle 3 months. The service interval was up did the maint. The trans filter is a JOKE.The speedo cable was snapped. On vacation, the timing "system" broke. Yes everything had to be replaced. Dealer noted this to be a common problem. The car was great for a month. Now it runs when it wants. It will run great, turn it off lucky if it will restart. Other hand, run like garbage and die when you pull out from a lite crank 20X it starts. (If it does)I dont trust my family in it any more. The dealer says "It seems perfectly fine to me, drove great" As we leave the lot, we almost get killed the great car died. $1400 parts replaced with no improvement. Its got to go.

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  Left of Side of Road - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Willie - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This car has been major problems. We had to replace the timing belt which has not been right since. It has left me stranded twice in the last 3 months. And now the mechanic says, "It has a major engine problem. It we cant get it started without a major investment in a new engine. I think you should maybe get something different." FORD - Found On Road Dead. We have owned 5 different ford cars, and will never own another one. Buyer Beware!!!

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  good car great value - 1995 Ford Contour
  By heggsmoney - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The 4 cyl has ample power with the 5 speed and amazing gas milage (over 41 mpg highway). Had to have an engine mount replaced but other than that it has been perfect. For $5000 loaded with otions and only 61 K miles it was a heck of a deal.

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  Great car, excellent value! - 1996 Ford Contour
  By cobraal - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Our 1996 Contour SE Sport, bought in 1998 with 28K miles, was my wifes car until 6 months ago. She now has a new Mazda Tribute and I get to drive the Contour everyday, which I love! This car is FUN TO DRIVE! Its tight, handles and brakes great and the exhaust note makes you think you are going faster than you are. If it had the 5-speed trans (wife cant drive a stick), I would replace the front seats, add 17 wheels/tires, add 30-40 hp, and I would keep it until the wheels fell off.

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  dependable - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Hunt - April 29 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought our 96 contour with 45k and drove it to 98k in 2 years. The car was dependable but seemed to have a ghost, blinker blinked fast occasionally, interior lights sometimes worked, died if went in reverse and braked quickly sometimes, the front wheel popped when turning all the way a direction, rear made a rubbing noise over bumps, med/hi worked on blower if turned slowly. Shifter coming out of drive into park was rough. No major problems just routine things.

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  124,000 miles/4cyc. - 1996 Ford Contour
  By jbarker46 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Only repairs have been wiring harness, coil, o2 sensors and R front power window motor replacement.