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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  Life of a V6 Automatic - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Ryan M. - March 27 - 2:00 am

  The ride comfort is the best part. I work 63 miles away from home and when I get out of the car after the trip I feel like Ive been sitting on a couch for an hour and a half. Ford mechanics are poor on the V6 design. Oil changes will leave your exhaust covered in oil, the catalytics plug up after 40k miles, the waterpump uses a plastic propeller that breaks after 30k miles, the rotors warp easily, the plastic components including door handles (inside and out) came loose at 75k, other little things like a melted alternator, wires shorting out, wheel bearings, automatic transmission take away a lot of V6 power.

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  my tours - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Jetmech - March 27 - 2:00 am

  As the owner of two Contours, I can say that they are great cars, which went out of production too soon. My GL and SE are loads of fun, but require you to be patient with their shortcomings. Get the V-6 and a stick, or if you like it a bit firmer, an SVT is the best. Check out Contour.org for more info on this great car!

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  Ok car - has a lot of little problems - 1996 Ford Contour
  By RELLA - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I got my contour back in 98, it had 30,000 miles on it. Within the first month I had to take it in for the recall on the heat blower switch. Then I had to have new rotors put on it a couple months after that. It seemed to run good for a while. Now the latest is that I have no dash lights, the right hand blinker doesnt work, the heater switch doesnt work again and it runs loud. But it is pretty reliable as I havent had any major things go on it.

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  GOOD CAR IF YOU HAVE SIMPLE TASTES - 1995 Ford Contour
  By RPM - March 23 - 8:17 pm

  I PURCHASED MY 95 CONTOUR LX IN OCTOBER 01 WITH 60,000 MILES ON IT. BEST CAR IN THE NEVER LET YOU DOWN CATERGORY, I HAVE SINCE JUST CHANGED THE OIL, TIRES,BRAKES,YOU KNOW NORMAL THINGS. THE CAR NOW HAS 81,000 MILES ON IT AND STARTED IN SUB-ZERO TEMPS WHEN OUR 95 ACCORD WITH THE SAME MILES JUST CRANKED I FOUND THAT TO BE FUNNY, (NOT MY WIFE THOUGH). VERY SMOOOOOOTH ENGIN ITS A V6.

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  The worst of the American Car - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Saman - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This has been the most frustrating car ownerhsip experience. I am talking about both the car and Ford. Due to Fords service own incompetent I have replaced the entire transmission (and it still give me problems) which indicates a computer issue that Ford service cannot identify. I have other service companies who will refuse to touch the care. Overall I have sunk $5,000 in just repairs! Stay away.

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  Transmission problems - 1995 Ford Contour
  By brimar - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Automatic transmission needed rebuild after 180k

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  I got a good one - 1996 Ford Contour
  By CaliSE - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Contour SE MTX w/80,000 mi. The car has been great fun, I have been pleased with the reliability. The car has had 5 dealer visits in 6 years wor recalls or non-warranty repairs. It gets 27 mpg on the highway. I found the OEM Firestone Firehawks sub-standard in every possible way and replaced them with Dunlop SP4000s and have been very happy.

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  Not Idiot Proof But a Ton of Fun - 1995 Ford Contour
  By dlf - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive got about 60,000 miles on the car and have only had one problem--inlet manifold runner control had to be replaced for about $250. One replacement of tires and brake pads. Bought a dealer demo car (5000 miles) for cheap. I love the performance of the V6 engine and the handling--it feels like a European car. I think people who hate the Contour either havent gotten the SE model or are in need of an idiot-proof car.

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  My Car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By None - March 17 - 5:53 am

  I recently purchased a 98 contour with 80,000 miles. It was running great until recently when it just randomly shut off when I was driving, when I went to restart it the check engine light turned on in stead. The result was I needed to put a new engine in it. Besides that I have had only one other complaint about the car, the cup holders. they are completely useless, everything just falls out of them.

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  No problems - 1996 Ford Contour
  By StillLikeMyCar - March 13 - 11:32 pm

  I bought my Ford Contour GL (4 door) brand new at the end of 1995. It is a 1996 model. Today I have over 87,000 miles on it and have been very pleased with the performance and overall quality of the car. It handles well, has plenty of get up and go, and I have had relatively few problems with it. The worst thing Ive had fixed were worn rotors and a gas tank cover that continues to have difficulty opening. Other than that, I have been very pleased and would recommend it to someone who is looking to by a used car. We are now looking for a new car simply because my husband wrecked his, but we will be keeping the Contour in the family for several more years Im sure.