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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  1999 Ford Contour 4 Dr SE Sedan - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Marshall - October 4 - 8:23 pm

  I have had this car since 2001 and despite it not being the best looking car on the road, it has been a great car and I cant justify replacing it. Since purchase I have only put about $1200 into it which are thing I consider normal replacements (timing belt and front control arms) after nearly 10 years. One thing I would like to note is that after 118000 miles, my last fill up I averaged 30.73 miles per gallon. I consider this excellent considering the mileage on the car and the fact that I usually drive between 70 and 75 on the highway. Overall, this has been a great car. Not a chick magnet but a darn good car worth keeping.

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  99 Ford Contour se comfort sport - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Snowman - September 25 - 10:31 pm

  Well for what I can say is that its only a good car for a few years but after 100,000 miles you better just hang it up problem after problems and it drives and performs at a milaseconds and havent drove any other ford better but the enignes fail badley after 100,000 miles and the transmission begins to have major problems only after 80,000 miles and that in my book is very poorly and I think ford should replace the engines and transmission including the malfunctioning computer systems at fords cost because why should we pay 15 to 20000 dollars for a car that wont last for more than 115000 miles when the car has always been worked on by a pro and then having to another 8 grand to fix it.

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  222,000 miles and still going! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By newbie - September 25 - 2:45 pm

  Yes, can you believe it! 222,000 miles on this thing, and I am still driving it! I bought this car in 2000 with about 30,000 miles on it, and have had to replace NOTHING under the hood except spark plugs, spark wires, filters - just regular tune-up stuff! I had also purchased a 2005 Focus - but I like my Contour much better. Comfort and interior style were lacking in my Focus. Love this car - I would definitely buy another if they were only still made...

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  Frustrated - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Frustrated in Iowa - July 27 - 1:25 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 2005 with only 23,000 miles on it. One-owner who passed away, sold by the children to me. At about 50k miles a number of things began to go wrong with it. Every 5k miles I was repairing something (and very expensive). Finally traded it in at 70,000 miles when the parking gear started to stick. I got alot of use out of it for what I paid for it, however repairing this sucker cost me a pretty penny. It was a beautiful looking car and many people just assumed it was newer. The body style is very nice. It was great on mileage (26mpg for me), but it was terrible in the snow. Timing chain busted.

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  1998 ford contour cng - 1998 Ford Contour
  By josh - July 21 - 10:29 pm

  i own a 1998 contour gl it has been great to me 123,000 miles on it original tranny , motor it has been very well takin care of maintanice wise.its my work car it also runs off natural gas it is the cng equipped model. so i can use natural gas and 87 unleaded fuel.I love this car never been to the shop for nothing serious just oil changes and brakes, tires routine stuff.great gas milage for one. even better with the bi fuel when gas prices are ski high i use the natural gas cant beat that only 1 percent come with that on this vechile. if i got rid of it only because i got offered alot for it for mthe natural gas set up on it.i rate this car a overrall 8.all around good vechile.

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  Doesnt get more reliable than this car! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Ken - July 13 - 7:02 pm

  Bought my SE in 1998 with 15K. Has not let me down once since I bought it. With only regular maintaince it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. 27MPG in town, and a best of 34MPG on the highway cant be beat. Currently has 112,000 miles and still starts and drives like it did when I bought it. Ride is probably a little stiff to most people, but very well controlled and makes me want to take the curves and turns faster than I really need to. Excellent cornering manners. Very comfortable in town and downright perfect for road trips. Mine has the 2.0 Zetec engine and it delivers more than enough power for commuting, but could use a little more for driving in the mountains.

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  Good Reliable Car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Pro19Nova67 - July 3 - 11:16 pm

  I bought the car used with 57,000 miles. The car now has over 129,000 and its been one of the most reliable cars Ive ever owned. Its had few problems here and there but what car with that mileage doesnt? Ive done all my own repairs and none have cost me over $200. Its never left me stranded, gets great gas mileage for a V6 and after all these years it still shines like new. Ive never been big Ford fan until I owned this car. I highly recommend the Ford Contour.

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  My contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By tibbylover89 - June 21 - 9:34 pm

  This car was my first car. The first year there was nothing wrong with it. But ever since I got it inspected in 01/09, it has been stalling a lot, the a/c clutch went (500$), the fuel flapper went (500$), and I have spent about $450 having mechanics try to figure out why it keeps stalling. It still needs a transmission switch, and an O2 sensor. At only 90k miles, I never thought I would be going through so much trouble. So I got another car. The car had a decent preformance for a sedan, nothing compared to my 03 Tiburon. I drove it fast a lot, because it my first car. I was learniing to drive. It has no RPM gauge. So that may be why I am having a few issues. Overall, it was an ok car.

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  My 98 contour is not a quality vehicle - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Aaron - June 12 - 11:14 am

  Transmission went out 11 weeks after purchase. Its broken down on me 3 times and now the torque converter has gone out. Power windows have a mind of their own. They work off and on. Already spent more on repairs than what I paid for it back in 2004. $2999 Not at all reliable and a waste of much needed money for college. I will never purchase another lower end car from ford.

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  150000+ miles and still running! - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Res - June 10 - 7:59 am

  Car has been great so far. Replaced timing belt twice. Replace more parts other than the timing belt such as idler pulley, and you will not have the same problem. Other than that, front end suspension parts have been replaced as rust and worn out busings have taken their toll. If I am lucky, the car will rust out before the car mechanically dies (Heres hoping!)