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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  2nd worst car ever owned 1st ford tempo - 1995 Ford Contour
  By bobpez - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Crapy from the start. Power steering failed at 20k, both cv joints 40k, first trans went at 70k, dash caught on fire from recalled wiring at 80k, timing belt at 100k snapped, at 120k trans went out again, and sent the car to the junk yard

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  NICE LOOKING PIECE OF CRAP - 1995 Ford Contour
  By MEGSNEGS - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 6 MONTHS, HOWEVER, IT WAS ONLY DRIVEABLE FOR 2 MONTHS. TRANSMISSION SENSORS WENT OUT- BOTH OF THEM, BELTS BROKE. CUPHOLDERS BROKE OFF,RADIO STOPPED WOR

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  Do not buy this or any Ford Vehicle - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Don Smith - November 23 - 2:00 am

  At 22 years of age I purchased my first new car, a Ford Contour. Since then I have had nothing but problems both with the car and dealing with Ford. A quick summary of problems with the car: constant wind noise on the front passenger door, water leaks into the trunk, air conditioner went after 1 year, rattling noise while accelerating, clogged catalytic converter causing my damage to my exhaust manifold. In addition, dealing with Ford and any Ford Service dealer that I have brought my car to has been a nightmare.

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  not again! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By steve64 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  It was a beautiful car. basically reliable, but many minor problems. Chrome bumper strips peeled off, low coolant light came on, water leaks inside car, power window kept going out and back on. Rode too hard for my tastes, especially impact harshness. V6 good on gas at 28 mpg, but short gearing kept the car revvy while accelerating. seetled down at cruise though. Handling seemed pretty good though and the car was quiet enough. Oh, it had the a/c go out and the intake plenum went bad causing an oil leak, both fixed under warranty or before purchase, great service from dealer, if a little inconvenient, but for $4000 what can i expect?

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  Better buy GAP insurance - 2000 Ford Contour
  By lynb - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Alway in shop..never know whats wrong paid more to get fix then to but

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  Couldnt Wait to Get Rid of It - 1996 Ford Contour
  By JoyP - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I had a lot of problems with the car. The first day I owned it the check engine light went on, that should have been a sign that the car was a piece of junk. By the time I got rid of it I didnt even want to sell it to anyone, I traded it in to the dealer so they could deal with it.

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  Dont Make the Same Mistake! - 1995 Ford Contour
  By zippy78 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a terrible, TERRIBLE car...in only 2 years/24,000 miles of ownership, it had a plethora of problems...mostly suspension related. Then the auotmatic tranny blew at 65K...1K miles after the extended warranty expired. Wound up doing battle with Ford on this repair. Ford didnt want to budge, but with the help of my states attorney generals office, I managed to get a $1,000 settlement. Three weeks after it was fixed this lemon was gone...traded it in 99 and havent looked back since.

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  My Ford Contour - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Lady Firecracker - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I have a 95 Ford Contour with 201,000 miles on it. Just discontinued driving it because it was trying to run hot with the AC on and I decided not to put any more money into it. Never had any major problems with it, just lots of minor ones. Sometimes the car was a royal pain, let me standing by the side of the road more than one time but once everything short of the engine & transmission was replaced, it seemed to get better. Lots of recalls on this car. Even though I got all the goody out of this one, I wouldnt buy another one.

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  Sad - 1995 Ford Contour
  By cag - June 28 - 2:00 am

  The problems with all the recalls and having your wiring system burn up in the car and having to have it rewired three times has been a nightmare. The first two wirings were done in town and I finally had to take it to a dealership in another town to get any satisfaction. I was told that the transmission needed replacing around 80k miles. I have managed to put on around 24k at this time without replacing it. I made a point of having the car serviced, but I guess it didnt matter. The trunk has leaked from day one and never been able to fix it. I have almost decided at this writing to never buy another American made car again.

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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.