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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  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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  Wish i would have bought a Chevy - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Dave - June 22 - 7:58 am

  I loved this car when I first bought it and I didnt have any problems with it other than the seemed like hundreds of recalls on it. After a year at 98,000 miles i had to put a new engine in it, Ive had problems with the brakes which seem to always have a problem, i dont know what they were thinking with those cup holders, and the head rest, which were all broke within the first month, then at 160,000 miles I had to put another new engine in it, and now I need to put rear brake lines on it and you have drop the gas tank and take rear suspension parts out of the way just to get to them. If it wasnt for the price of gas or a new car I would have junked it a long time ago.

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  Money pit - 1998 Ford Contour
  By John - June 16 - 4:18 pm

  We purchased this car with 98,000 miles on the odometer from a reliable individual wed dealt with before. Heres a short list of whats gone wrong with the car: 1st year: The fuse block had a meltdown and had to be replaced ($500). 3rd year: At appx. 120,000 miles the transmission failed ($1,000). 4th year: Battery coupling ($100) Theres other numerous repairs that have added up to over $5,000.These are not normal wear and tear items, just poor design. The worst thing is that we paid $4800 for the car and after all the repairs we couldve actually bought a good car.

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  Shanes Nightmare - 1996 Ford Contour
  By Shane - June 1 - 2:01 pm

  When this car was purchased, I had just gotten rid of an 1990 Ford Taurus (never had a problem, just died). Since Ive bought this car Ive suffered through a blown head gasket, 2 alternators, a water pump, wheel bearings, tie rod ends, alignments, tires, brakes, rotors, battery, gas cap opening problems, check engine light that wont go out, brake fluid & oil that leaks from nowhere (mechanics cant find the source of leak), headlights, lights burning out inside vehicle, along with various electrical problems. Yesterday the speedometer finally went for the long goodbye. Ive never spent so much money for car repairs & maintenance in my years of driving. This car completely stinks!

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  You may not believe this one! - 1996 Ford Contour
  By the looker - April 11 - 8:41 pm

  First I will list the problems I have had with this vehicle, which Im sure is no suprise to you the readers. Engine stalls cold. Battery discharges after a couple of days. Window fell of track (drivers side). Engine Idle RPM varies while stopped in traffic. Overheating came because Ford had used a plastic not metal impeller for the water pump. The whole engine wiring had to be replaced because it was falling apart (the plastic insulation). Fan not working light comes on despite you actually seeing the fans working. Now brake pedal is intermittently hard to push during stop. Happens without warning. Now for the interesting part..This vehicle of my original ownership only has 17780. Presently

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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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  Good car with lots of miles - 1997 Ford Contour
  By Beth - December 4 - 1:23 pm

  I got my Contour in high school and I have been out of school now for five years and I still have my car. It has a lot of miles on it but my Contour has got me where I needed to go and back. I have always been able to count on it.

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  Its OK - 1999 Ford Contour
  By Rachel - August 19 - 10:52 pm

  Sunroof motor went out right after Igot the car, brakes were bad, shocks are really bad, and it took 3 tries to get a good A/Ccompressor. Other than that it was a good first car

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  Dont Buy This Car! - 1996 Ford Contour
  By hiker78 - January 24 - 9:06 pm

  Im at 128,000k and its sitting at a repair shop right now waiting for the auto salvage guys to pick it up...tranny finally blew and Im done dealing with this hunk of junk, multiple and frequent problems beginning 3 months from purchase date alternator, blower motor, brakes, sway bar links, outside window trims, temp gauge that burns out every 6k miles, serpentine belt, wheel bearings, broken cup holders, gas cap cover had to be pried open every time, various inside lights constantly burned out, paint peeling off front end, heat slow to warm up, weak A/C and the fuel pump wiring was at the point where I had to lean back and hold the plug down while turning the key to get the thing to start.

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  Fun car but not reliable - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Julie - September 2 - 10:45 am

  I bought my Contour in 2002 because it was a great deal. I enjoy the V6 engine and the low end torque, but thats where the fun stops. The car has had so many problems over the years - if it werent for my handy father, I would have sold it years ago. The major problem that the car had was that the wiring harness got fried because it was placed too close to the engine without heat protection so the wires overheated and fried. Then, shortly after that, the power windows stopped working and dad jerry-rigged the wires and now they work sporadically. The car has also recently started to "eat" oil and I need to put almost one quart of oil in every two weeks.