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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  Doors Fall Off and Dash Peels - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Claire - March 30 - 5:17 pm

  I bought this as a program car. The door hinges have a clip on top. When the clip corrodes, the door falls off. It happened to me, you cant buy a clip or clip and hinge pin. The dash plastic is peeling up. I am a slow and cautious driver and the transmission had to be rebuilt before 60k miles. The trunk leaked from the beginning and the doors alway freeze shut in bad weather. Sealed beam headlights wont stay sealed. I would not buy another one.

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  Couldnt Buy a WORSE Car!!!! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By wvbabygirlsam - March 21 - 8:48 am

  I bought my car used first mistake there, it had 60,000 miles on it once it hit 65,000 or 70,000 miles everything started going wrong! My engine needed new parts, my gas gauge doesnt work, my fuel pump went bad, and the headlights fog up really bad. My car also has idling problem, its an automatic and it stalls out at stop lights, stop signs, or even when you hit the brakes a little hard! I will never own another older Ford ever! I paid 3,000 for it, and paid 8 months of repair bills = 6,000 dollars worth. Now Im looking at a trade in value of no more than 1,200 dollars! So if youre thinking about getting this car dont! For your wallets safety.

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  piece o junk - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Gene P. - March 18 - 8:23 am

  No wonder Ford is on the verge of bankruptcy. I have never owned a car so unreliable as this in my life. My daughter got rid of it for a Corolla as she was always having it repaired. Wheel bearings every 50k miles? I only bought it as the body had no rust and have regrets. Transmission torque converter, rear struts, a/c compressor, yellowed headlight lenses, wheel bearings, etc. Back to Honda / Toyota for me.

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  Ford Folly - 1997 Ford Contour
  By PimpinGT - March 15 - 11:15 pm

  This car seems to go through front tires at an unbelievable rate. The damn cup holders are junk, one broke and the other one is extremely hard to get up (cheap plastic interior). The next problem was that its battery light would come on whenever I accelerated. Then it died altogether. Finally, every time that I would stop at a stop sign or stoplight, the car sounded like it was going to stall. I wouldnt recommend a ford to anyone for any reason except to put it in a demo derby (hell, it may come out running better).

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  Inexpensive Wheels? - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Chauncey Townsend - February 10 - 3:17 pm

  Bought our Contour w/85k miles. Loved driving it. Good on gas, one of my favorite cars out of 15+ owned over the years. Only complaint was at 101k miles the head cracked and ended up costing a small bundle to repair notorious Ford 4 cyl. problem. Just be careful of used high mile Contours.

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  GOOD MILEAGE.....GOOD CAR? - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Tom - February 4 - 11:05 am

  Even though I bought this car when it was 8 years old, I never imagined I would have so many problems. I have repaired every single item and component on this car INCLUDING the IGNITION SWITCH! Good car? NOT! Good mileage? Only if you consider 22 mpg good mileage for a small car with a 4cyl engine. Now the heater stopped working! Remember, at Ford, quality goes in before the name goes on! NOT! NEVER BUY A USED FORD, the new ones are bad enough! I have NEVER had anything but problems from Ford, regardless of the model, T-Bird and Lincoln inclussive.

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  Oh the Contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Amanda - January 3 - 11:10 am

  I bought the Contour used in 2005 with 110,000 miles, as soon as we pulled off the lot, my power steering pump had a leak and we were unable to drive it home. It costed $350 to fix. Two months after I purchased the car, three window motors/regulators blew. It cost $150 to fix just the drivers side window. About 6 months later, my check engine light came on. O2 Sensor. Replaced it, $100. Came to find out that wasnt the problem, the wires connected to the 02 sensor were messed up, $300 to fix it. After owning the car for two years, I came across the worst problem. Computer was fried, wires to the computer were fried, Timing Belt, and tensioner. $2000 to fix, didnt do it. Just got rid of it.

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  Gets Better with Age - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Annelise - January 3 - 6:11 am

  My Contour hit 200,000 miles last night! Ive got the V6 5-speed. Though I had problems with it early on--water pumps, numerous recalls and that darn engine light that wont go off--its been great for the last 120,000 miles. I love the way it handles and it still has plenty of power. Im curious to see how long it will last!

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  Overall good car - 1999 Ford Contour
  By matt - January 1 - 2:43 pm

  I got this car with 84000 miles from buy here pay here. 5 weeks in, the seals blew out of the motor, but it had been sitting on the lot for a while. Since that repair it has ran like a champ. Very strong 2.0 5 spd man. Very surprising power and handling. Cupholders do stink. The dash is warped, and yes plastic pieces (ie air vents) do fall out. Trunk is big. I like the wraparound headlights. Gets about 24-28 city mpg and 34-38 hwy mpg. Since gas is priced so high this car is very economical. Very fun to drive too. I dont like the hubcaps though.

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  2000 Ford Contour Sport - 2000 Ford Contour
  By GB - December 24 - 7:08 am

  This vehicle has incredible performance for the price. Its fast and handles great and is comfortable inside. Most fun car Ive had since an 86 Mustang SVO. Drove it on a 2000 mile trip and it got 28 MPG as well. Im surprised there is not more of an enthusisasts aftermarket for these.