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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  What a waste - 1998 Ford Contour
  By JayCee - November 25 - 5:06 pm

  Bought the car in 2003 when I was 16 with about 60,000 miles on it. It was maintenance-free until 2007 at 100,000 miles when O2 sensors went out, followed by the transmission two weeks later. It was all downhill from there with broken belts, more O2 sensors, brakes completely failed, and now its been in the shop once a month for the past three months. I could have purchased a very nice car after more or less buying the car again via repairs in the past year. Loud cabin noise, dome light fell out of the ceiling, trunk doesnt open with the lever anymore, headlights are incredibly dim, defroster is more or less useless, three cupholders, and one is too shallow to even use.

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  1996 Ford Contour 4 dr SE - 1996 Ford Contour
  By JB - November 7 - 1:09 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 10 years now and I really love how it drives. Great styling, power and pretty good mpg. But the build quality and reliability are no so good. Ive replace the catalytic converter, rear strut, brakes 3 times (not too bad), 3 tune ups, radiator, water pump, and now the brakes are going again, clutch is going and there is a small oil leak. The car is worth less than a 1000 bucks so Im sending it to its grave. 145,000 its bad for a Ford but there are a lot of fixes

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  Best car ever owned - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Momasauras44 - November 7 - 9:59 am

  My Contour was bought for 2,500 with 97,000 miles. I really enjoy my car. I drive it all over town for my job. Ive been told its a cute little get around car. I agree. It now has 127,000 and needing some minor repairs. The timing belt, alternator and steering pulley. All in all, a really great little car.

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  Great Ford vehicle - 1999 Ford Contour
  By ozzie - October 21 - 10:40 am

  Purchased in Feb 2008 with 91,000 miles on it. Put in about $400 worth of work into her (oil change, power steering fluid, timing belt, fuel injection service, tranny oil change & fuel filter) Has run like I drove her off the lot brand spanking new! Now I know its only been about 7 months but I can tell you that I am very happy with this very, very well built car. Great handling & packs a punch under the hood.

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  Wish wed never bought it - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Atlanta - October 19 - 5:57 pm

  I never cared for the car from the first day my husband bought it (I was out of town). It was o.k. for the first few years except the speakers never worked right. Then the rear brakes started chattering and we have spent a lot of time and money trying to fix the problem. Took it to a Ford dealer and they couldnt fix it. Weve have tried to have it fixed several times at different places but the noise always returns within a few weeks. The front end is always going out of alignment and pulls to one side. Last year, all the seals blew and we spent $1,000 to fix it. Weve kept it for our teenagers to drive, but plan to get rid of it next year. It has about 90K miles. CR is right about it.

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  It just keeps on going - 1995 Ford Contour
  By DSpike - September 29 - 7:07 pm

  Bought my 95 Contour LX with the 4-cyl 5-speed manual transmission. Ive been trying to convince myself to buy another car for 6 years now - I have failed over and over again. This car certainly isnt flashy or super powerful, but believe or now it is fun to drive. The two big complaints with this car are ridiculous cup holders and not enough leg room in the back for adults. Mechanically I had issues with the OEM rear struts had them replaced at 20K mi under warranty, then again at 35K mi. At 60K mi I had Midas install non-Ford struts. Am now pushing 215K mi with those same struts. Other than the usual maintenance, this car has been fantastic.

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  Nice car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Carp - September 27 - 4:47 pm

  I bought my 1998 Contour used, have had the car about 5 months, Very nice little car eventhough it is 10 years old it is still tight, holds the road well. Replaced the 02 sensor because it would stall, also the fuel pump, extensive brake repair but then again I dont believe that the brakes were ever repaired. Nice car, worth keeping to me.

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  Fun Daily Driver - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Kevin S of NC - September 25 - 4:46 pm

  I purchased my 2.0L Zetec with automatic transmission at 26,000 miles. Now at 154,000 miles, I have experienced one major problem: lesson learned - change the idler pulleys with the timing belt since the OEM bearings are failure-prone. Small oil leaks from the valve cover were resolved with a new gasket and grommet set. I have really enjoyed this car and have kept it up with an excellent preventative maintenance program. Being a mechanical engineer may have something to do with it, too.

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  I love this car - 1997 Ford Contour
  By New Contour - August 14 - 1:58 am

  Bought this car new for my wife and it lasted 11 years and 140,000 miles and its still going. Great while the kids were young but too small now. Front seats are suprisingly comfortable for a small car. I wish they still made them because this would be great for my kids when they become new drivers.

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  Great Used Car - 1998 Ford Contour
  By vishal konnur - July 17 - 7:38 pm

  I got this car or $2200 with 103,000 miles. For the price, it was a great car. Spacious, enough power and great features .