Overview & Reviews

A redesigned face gives this Ford more character, but the new taillight treatment is almost identical to the Contour's sibling, the Mercury Mystique. New alloy wheels and a slightly more commodious rear seat debut. Midyear changes included a model consolidation, the addition of depowered airbags, as well as improved handling and new wheels for the SVT.

• Energetic performance in the spirit of more expensive German sedans.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 99.00

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  Solid Ford Countour SE Coupe - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Mercy Casanova - November 23 - 3:44 pm

  This vehicle has proven to be solid and reliable. Ive enjoyed it and have had minimal problems with it for the 6 years Ive driven it.

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  The Money Pit! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Mark Charlebois - October 1 - 12:15 pm

  This car is an awesome car to drive, but is plagued with serious tranny problems between 70-80k, seriously considered dumping the vehicle. Rack and pinion is garbage, alternators, heat blower, various sensors, hard on tires and brake rotors. To top it all off, the value of the car is disappointing its a complete loss because the headaches and wallet aches are endless. Never again Ford!

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  putt-putt - 1998 Ford Contour
  By niriana - August 5 - 4:46 pm

  Awesome first car. Easy and smooth driving. Not too old and not too new. Excellent for first time driver.

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  Taught Kids to Drive - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Marco - April 29 - 3:24 pm

  Specifically purchased a Contour with 60K to teach my 2 teenagers how to drive. Im tall and needed something with 4 doors. Not as pricey as other used cars of similar size, with 4 doors. Not too fast, but handles great. Both teenagers have licenses and have moved on to other vehicles. Sort of expected that one of them would wreck the car, so I didnt expect to own it for long. Have had it almost 3 years, and am pretty pleased. Get close to 30mpg in regular driving. Had to pay a bit to get the timing belt, gear, etc. replaced at 90K, but have just had maintenance (battery, brake pads) since. Wore out a set of tires in 40K, but expected as much with 2 teenagers pushing the envelope.

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  Its not a Mustang but it comes close - 1998 Ford Contour
  By stratus rt30 - March 14 - 12:05 am

  Im a teenaged driver and i got the car from my father in 2003. Most teens want sports cars or street racers. But when i first saw the Contour i thought it was weak. Then i got into the Contour. This car is a Mustang in 4-door form. I love this car its got the performance yet it also has the utility. The car has only required routine maintainance. I know Im a teen and I dont know cars too much . But I am a mechanic and my dad owns a dealership. If you keep the car in good shape this car will not disappoint

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  HOW MUCH? - 1998 Ford Contour
  By B Alb - January 9 - 5:17 pm

  Bought car used with 40K on the odometer. Good price. Drove fine for about a year. Recall city, couldnt put gas in it, recall heater blower went out recall. Cankshaft positioning sensor went out, transmission went, eats front tires like the Cookie Monster does chocolate chips. Service engine light on repeatedly. Loose connection with front O2 sensor. Has a funny surge problem when accelerating. Replaced water pump. Brake rotors and wheels front end very difficult to remove, They stick to the hub. I have not had any of the alternator charging system problems that others have reported. Although the garage that did the transmission said they will never do another Contour.

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  My Contour - 1998 Ford Contour
  By Vinnie Saigh - January 2 - 1:53 pm

  When I purchased this car a year ago, it looked to be in good shape, and it was. I took it home, had the front bumper and fenders repainted because of multiple highway chips in the paint. Then Iwashed and waxed it, making it shine like new, and it really does look great. I replaced the starter and a fuel solenoid, and now my Contour runs excellent. The gas mileage is outstanding, which is perfect for a low-income high school student, like myself. Its very reliable, but being a 6 year old car, youre bound to have a few things to fix. Ive put about a total of $300 in replacement parts into this car, most parts being quite expensive. This car has done nothing but good for me this past year.

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  Trouble Free @ 81k - 1998 Ford Contour
  By David - December 15 - 9:08 pm

  Bought used at a bargain price. I use this car daily for my business. At 81k miles, I have only replaced the front brakes. No other expenses whatsoever. Excellent heat and a/c. Best I have had. Handling is super with the SE package. I have the 2.0 motor. A little sluggish off the line but picks up nicely ( without the a/c running). I averaged 28 mpg last summer in combined driving. Ride can be firm for some and road noise can be an issue, but this is one well made car IMHO. Best buy I ever made.

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  Be afraid, be very afraid - 1998 Ford Contour
  By oubobcat - October 31 - 1:00 am

  Bought it used in 99 and was reasonably pleased for a couple years, except for the endless list of recalls. Its always eaten tires because it wont stay aligned (no, it was never in a wreck). To date Ive spent $200+ to replace the o2 sensor, $350+ to replace a melted fuze box(heater fuze didnt blow like it was supposed to), dipstick replacement(yep, the dipstick broke), 2 alternators in < 18 months, and the transmission went out this week. Perhaps the buyer of this pile of scrap metal Im about to sell will do OK, since Ive already replaced most moving parts, but I wouldnt bet on it.

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  Alright Ford! - 1998 Ford Contour
  By gothikrok - October 31 - 1:00 am

  Well, lets see, lately, I havent had too much luck in cars but thats another story... In 96 my parents bought a brand new contour, lets just say that I was less than impressed. However, when I bought this fairly exhausted six-year-old car, my sences were thoroughly indulged. May I just begin my praise by anotating that this car rides on rails, not to mention its extreme acceleration(with five speed/2.5L of course), and yet it some how manages to have a rather decent ride. If you have ever been thrown off by the "family sedan" tittle, or, driven one that wasnt quite as exhillerating as mine, then you have my pitty...