Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (175 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2000
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific model and powertrain.
6 problems reported · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Automatic transmission failures
Very frequent in standard models, cited as a primary reason for negative sentiment.
- Electrical problems / Check Engine Lights
Recurrent issues causing various malfunctions.
- Third gear synchro wear/grinding (manual transmissions)
Recurrent issue, especially in SVT models, indicating aggressive driving or poor shifting technique.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- Oil starvation during high-G right turns
Isolated but noted concern for SVT models during aggressive or track driving, potentially leading to spun bearings.
- Timing chain and water pump
The water pump impeller is noted as a plastic component that can fail; recommended to replace with a metal unit during service.
- General reliability (non-SVT, automatic models)
Very frequent complaints encompassing multiple systems leading to poor owner experiences.
The version owners recommend
Contour SVT (1998-2000): The high-performance variant is overwhelmingly recommended by enthusiasts. It is praised for its complete treatment as a sport sedan, with a more powerful and refined version of the 2.5L V6, significantly upgraded suspension, and a 5-speed manual transmission. The 1999 and 2000 model years are specifically noted as receiving beneficial tweaks to the engine and suspension over the initial 1998 model. A clean, low-mileage, stock example is considered the most desirable.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Volkswagen Jetta, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Honda Civic and Toyota Camry.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific model and powertrain. The standard models, particularly those with automatic transmissions, are associated with recurrent reliability issues including transmission failures, electrical problems, and check engine light concerns. These models are generally viewed unfavorably in long-term owner reports. In stark contrast, the SVT performance variant is consistently praised as a fun, engaging, and well-rounded sport sedan. Owners of manual-transmission V6 models, including the SVT, report significantly more positive experiences, highlighting smooth, powerful engines, excellent handling, and a rewarding driving character that competes favorably with European rivals of the era. The vehicle is noted for its European-derived dynamics but suffered from a market positioning that was neither a true compact nor a mid-size sedan, leading to what some describe as "Ford Contour syndrome."
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a European-inspired compact sedan, it was frequently compared to contemporary Volkswagen Jettas and Audi A4s for its driving dynamics. The SVT model is considered by its owners to be easily on par with the A4 and 3-Series of its generation in terms of driving engagement. Against mainstream Japanese competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Sentra, it was often seen as more driver-focused but less reliable, particularly in automatic guise. Its size placed it in an awkward segment, being too large to compete directly with compacts like the Civic but too small to challenge the Camry/Accord, a positioning flaw later echoed in discussions about the Suzuki Kizashi.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is strongly recommended over the automatic due to the latter's poor reliability reputation. The 2.5L V6 engine is preferred for its smoothness and power. For the SVT model, premium fuel (91+ octane) is required. A pre-purchase inspection should prioritize checking the condition of the clutch, timing chain/water pump, and transmission synchros (particularly for 3rd gear grind). Owners recommend sourcing parts from specialty vendors like British-American Transfer (BAT) for upgrades and maintenance.
General recommendations
Suitable for driving enthusiasts seeking an affordable, engaging 1990s sport sedan with European driving characteristics. Ideal for owners who are mechanically inclined or have access to a specialist, as parts are generally available but some issues require specific knowledge. NOT recommended for buyers seeking a low-maintenance, appliance-like transportation; standard automatic models have a very poor reliability reputation. A thorough inspection by a knowledgeable mechanic is essential, focusing on the transmission, electrical system, and engine. For SVT models, budget for higher operating costs including premium fuel and potentially more frequent maintenance. The cleanest, lowest-mileage, and most stock example is always the best value, even at a higher initial price.
Remarks
Owner feedback is distinctly bifurcated between the standard/automatic models and the SVT/manual models, creating two very different ownership profiles. The problematic reputation is largely attached to the more common automatic transmission variants. The SVT model enjoys a cult following and is considered a "complete" performance package from Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT). The 4x108 lug pattern limits wheel options primarily to Ford models. Analysis is based on historical owner discussions covering vehicles that are now 25+ years old, so current condition and prior maintenance are the ultimate determinants of reliability.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 4 | 0 | structure |
| 2000 | 252 | 7 | structure |
| 1999 | 459 | 5 | structure |
| 1998 | 968 | 12 | engine and engine cooling |
| 1997 | 252 | 8 | electrical system |
| 1996 | 640 | 11 | engine and engine cooling |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices43 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2000 · suspensioncampaign 08E033000
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
2000 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 06E022000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
2000 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 99V361000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN INCORRECT LABEL WAS INSTALLED ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR. THIS LABEL CONTAINS INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ACTIVATION OF THE CHILDPROOF SAFETY LOCKS.
2000 · fuel system, other:storage:tank assemblycampaign 00V350000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
2000 · seat beltscampaign 00V228001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
2000 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation componentscampaign 00V075000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
2000 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumcampaign 01V045000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH AN INCORRECT POWER BRAKE BOOSTER AND MASTER CYLINDER ASSEMBLY.
1999 · suspensioncampaign 08E033000
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
1999 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 06E022000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
1999 · fuel system, other:storage:tank assemblycampaign 00V350000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE BI-FUEL SYSTEM. IF THE GROMMET IS DAMAGED, FUEL COULD LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE GROMMET.
1999 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation componentscampaign 00V075000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
1999 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 99V060000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WHICH UTILIZE A PARK/LOCK SOLENOID. IT IS POSSIBLE TO ROTATE THE IGNITION KEY TO THE LOCK POSITION AND REMOVE THE KEY WITHOUT THE SHIFT LEVER AND TRANSMISSION BEING IN PARK. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."
1998 · suspensioncampaign 08E033000
FEDERAL MOGUL IS RECALLING 6,903 AFTERMARKET BALL JOINT ASSEMBLIES SHIPPED BETWEEN NOVEMBER 9, 2007 AND MARCH 26, 2008, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS. THE PART NUMBERS PACKAGED WITH INCORRECT NUTS ARE: K7147, K7329, K8683, AND 104353. THESE PARTS WERE MADE FOR USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
1998 · service brakes, hydrauliccampaign 06E022000
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
1998 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation componentscampaign 00V075000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). A PRESSURE CONSCIOUS REDUCING VALVE (PCRV) IN THE REAR BRAKES MAY BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION AND RESULT IN MALFUNCTION, WHEN OPERATED IN AREAS THAT USE SALT COMPOUNDS ON THE ROADWAY FOR DE-ICING OR DUST CONTROL.
28 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
2.5i V6 24V LX
2.5L 6-cylinder · 170 hp · FWD · manual
Built 1996–2002