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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  Another FORD Glitch - 1997 Ford Contour
  By gprabaka - February 19 - 2:00 am

  The biggest problem I have with this car is the Check Engine Light. Every other year it comes on and I have to go and spend about $500-600 to get it fixed. That is why I give it a 2 on reliability.

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  2000 contour - 2000 Ford Contour
  By Tony1 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This car hasnt left me stranded have almost 53K miles. The 4cy w/ auto is good but the MPG could be better. The A/C sucks, I live in Phoenix, and during the summer the A/C has a hard time cooling the inside of the car down.

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  its ok - 1999 Ford Contour
  By mya - November 4 - 2:00 am

  this car had 1500 miles on it when i bought it so was not very used i do not like the placements of the cupholder, the arm rest is often in the way of the backseat cup holder, if the armrest is down it cramps drivers space (and i am not very big, hard to imagine a larger person in this car)..handling is substandard on anything other than dry pavement, even with new tires, gas mileage poor for this size car..headlights always shift so that they are beaming upward, techs fix this as well couple times and problem cont. to happen, dashboard is warping ford service very very poor in my area, would never buy a ford again

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  Always something - 1999 Ford Contour
  By JULIET - October 27 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst car. I will never buy another ford. Flywheel was going 2 weeks after purchase. Took 2 years 5 times in shop before it was repaired. Blower switch went out/air intake system always has a problem/poor shocks/wind noise.. Something always. Dealership is does not care and same with ford. Dash board replaced and engine light is always on. Does not accelerate well when taking off almost causing accidents

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  Regrettful - 1998 Ford Contour
  By sucker - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a couple years and have had nothing but problems. Now the Check Engine light stays on, despite a few dealerships checking it inside and out. It occasionally smells like gas, dies from time to time, and feels like its jumping when you are stopped. The worst part about all these problems is that nobody can find anything wrong! They tell me there is nothing to fix!

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  Not Bad - 2000 Ford Contour
  By ALS - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a company owned vehicle, which I got new in 2000. Its up to 110,000 hard driven miles and still going strong. Only problem has been replacement of fuel pump (2 so far), winshield wipers broke, and several bad pieces of interior and exterior trim have come loose/broke/fallen off. There is now alot of squeaking/moaning/groaning coming from its underside, despite recent replacement of all struts and and misc other suspension components. It did have serious handling problems in heavy rain and snow util I went with Aqua- Treads, now its glued to the road. The v-6 still has its bite despite the high mileage.

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  96 contour - 1996 Ford Contour
  By ptemplin7 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  To many repairs plus the dealership is as bad as they come. Way to many warrenty repairs. Selling tires and others had to be replaced only 30K miles in. As someone once rated this this is a poor quality car. Hopefully they have corrected in later models.

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  should be named "Contortion"... - 1995 Ford Contour
  By Contortionist - July 13 - 2:00 am

  ...since this is what you do when working on it. Engine/transaxle/accessories extremely mechanic-unfriendly to service. Automatic transaxle failure at 120k (an expensive part and labor to replace.)

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  for the money, not a bad choice - 1999 Ford Contour
  By dee par - May 6 - 2:00 am

  First of all, there is this annoying "moosing" noise that the car makes which supposedly comes from the air intake. Its a horrible sound which causes the car to stall out at times. Also, my dash has warped to the point where its peeled back so far that it almost touches the windshield. Lastly, when you try to accelerate hard with this car, it sort of "bogs down" before it catches and goes. When it does catch though, it goes like gang busters. Other than that, the car is great. It handles very well and I do find the car appealing to the eye. Oh, I almost forgot....... its quite rough on the pavement.

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  Biggest piece of crap I ever owned - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Dani J - April 22 - 2:00 am

  In 1 year I had to replace the onboard computer, replace the timing belt (miantenance), rebuild the transmission, and have had to replace the rotors 3 times. They cant fix a short it the electrical system. It has lost almost all of its value, which has left me upside down in my loan.