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:
Showing 61 through 70 of 410.00-
The Fun Ends - 1995 Ford Contour
By mpb - August 27 - 2:00 amVery fun car to drive. Unfortunately, starting at about 85,000 miles, the problems begin. Everything from the usual Ford repairs (wheel bearings, recalls, etc) to more expensive engine repairs, which surprised me given Fords lauding of the V6 engine. Two years ago a Ford service manager told me the Countour was not mechanically sound. Now I know what he was talking about.
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A nightmare brought to life! - 1995 Ford Contour
By EJA - July 22 - 2:00 amWhat would possess a manufacturer to produce such a lousy car??? To elaborate........ THE DOWN SIDES: No tilt steering (WHY?) cup holders that only accomodate a 12oz can of pop or a small size coffee manual seat slide lever is placed next to the center console, while the seat tilt lever is on the door side (very difficult to adjust without being seated) Gas compartment that cannot be opened from the outside, and seldom from the release lever on the inside (release latch sticks, leaving no way to fill your tank) ON THE UP SIDE: Has a peppy 2.5l DOHC engine (VERY responsive) has 78,000 miles now, and we are in the process of replacing it.
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Run, dont walk, away from this - 1995 Ford Contour
By fogjr - July 18 - 2:00 amIm with several others - this car is a pleasure to drive but has drained my wallet for the past 2 years - transmission, motor mounts, A/C, lower control arm bushings (or whatever), power steering pump, cooling fan, and a 500 alternator - I will never own another Ford and curse the day I bought this junk
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Good for the first 86,000 miles... - 1996 Ford Contour
By schumah1019 - July 8 - 2:00 amMy wife and I have had the Contour for 3 years now and have had no major problems. Oil changes every 3,000 miles, and a tuneup and injector cleaning about a year ago. It has been quite dependable, and my wife often puts on 300 miles a week of highway driving. But now its getting to the point where it seems like things will start to go wrong. Its losing power, dies occasionally after starting it up first thing in the morning, and the shifts from the automatic transmission are not nearly as smooth as they used to be.
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First, last & only Ford I will ever buy - 1996 Ford Contour
By CouldaBeenBetter - July 5 - 2:00 am1996 V6 LX. Bought mine with the Ford 100,000 mile warranty and I am sure glad that I did. I estimate that I had about 12 to $15,000 worth of repairs under that warranty. Hood, roof & trunk painted twice. 4 Catalytic Converters. A/C, Power Seats & Right Power Window all failed. Just about every sensor in engine has been replaced at least once. Constant thump from rear suspension that was never fixed. Persistent stalling problem. Finally at 110,000, I dumped $2500 into it to try to fix the stalling problem to no avail. Traded it in for $1500 and bought a Camry.
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Life of a V6 Automatic - 1996 Ford Contour
By Ryan M. - March 27 - 2:00 amThe ride comfort is the best part. I work 63 miles away from home and when I get out of the car after the trip I feel like Ive been sitting on a couch for an hour and a half. Ford mechanics are poor on the V6 design. Oil changes will leave your exhaust covered in oil, the catalytics plug up after 40k miles, the waterpump uses a plastic propeller that breaks after 30k miles, the rotors warp easily, the plastic components including door handles (inside and out) came loose at 75k, other little things like a melted alternator, wires shorting out, wheel bearings, automatic transmission take away a lot of V6 power.
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Transmission problems - 1995 Ford Contour
By brimar - March 22 - 2:00 amAutomatic transmission needed rebuild after 180k
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EXPENSIVE - 1999 Ford Contour
By dawgut - March 13 - 12:49 amGreat spunk but has fallen apart. I had a faulty hood latch, it flew off on the express way at 70 MPH needed new hood, windshield and roof. $3000.00! Recently, replaced Ball Jonts $300. This week a new transmission, flywheel, starter, horn, another ball joint and bearings replaced. $3800.00. And all this is a result of someone that takes great pride in the upkeep and maintenance of there vehicle. Could you imagine if I didnt!
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Nickel and Dime - 1998 Ford Contour
By Disssatisfied - March 3 - 6:55 pmI had bought my 1998 Contour SE in August of 2001 with 31000 miles and currently has 40000 miles. In six months Ive had to replace the fuel sensor and PCV valve, Catalytic converter, Alternator, (totalling ~$550)and about another $200+ counting other mechanics fees for just identifing other problems. In addition, I was not notified by Ford about recalls on my car. These repairs should not occur at this mileage and why am I left in the dark about recalls? I am very unimpressed by Ford.
