Good on Gas
Good first Car

Check engine light comes and brakes down
Struts go easily

This car has given me many problems. The check engine ligh comes on and it just stops. First I blmaed it on the rain but then it doesnt sometimes in the rain?? Very confusing..Im sorry i bought it :(

sporty look for 4 door SE

- Engine
- Tranny
- Sensors
- Expensive Parts

BUYING THIS CAR WAS A BIGGEST MISTAKE... nice sporty shape but do not fall for that. Engine and tranny are just crap.RAD Fan sounds louder then a desil engine on some car. Check Engine Light will never go off. so many electric probs, Would stall any time, esp first thing in the morning...wud stall on stop signs, prklot, intersaction.... so embarassing...

Similar Products Used:

never...

FWD, Sedan, Trunk, Trans.

Motor, Clutch, Synchromesh in the MTX-75

Love the performance, reliability leaves something to be desired. Had the motor go out after 1 month (and 2400 Miles) and had to spend 3900 to get it replaced. Fun to drive and great in terms of usability (Sedan and huge trunk).

Similar Products Used:

1999 BMW M3, 2001 Audi S4, 2006 Audi RS4, 1997 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, the SVT was closest in performance to the E36 M3 Sedan.

Not many

Engine
Cupholders
Clock light
Acceleration
Rear-space

Currently own a 4-cylinder Contour GL. Not a bad car...but engine is very weak. Just don't feel the power when I floor it. Rear space is horrible, and cannot fit passengers comfortably.

Very comfortable front seats especially for long drives. Easy controls, steering,
Interior style, trunk space, gas milage

Brakes, horsepower in 4-cylinder, emission sensors and poorly designed cupholders.

1999 Ford Contour SE, 4-cylinder, automatic. Car is driven 500 plus miles/week and for the most part is pretty reliable. Has 90,000 miles on it.
The only real problems so far and more recently have been the rear brakes. They squeal terribly when approaching stop signs, red lights and stop/go traffic. I replaced them twice and still they squeal. The mechanics are stumped even at the Ford dealer. The other recent problem is the infamous "Check Engine" light keeps coming on. Had the O2 sensor, MAF sensor and fuel pump replaced and it still comes on. The Cat convertor must be the culprit and that is expensive to replace.

The Contour, as I have been told by several mechanics, is just not a great car to begin with. The weak 4-cylinder engine just does not provide enough power for it's size especially going uphill. It's an economy car plain and simple.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Taurus, Ford Explorer

good handling, braking, gas mileage

breaks down ridiculously often

I love this car. It handles well is good on gas among other things. However it is prone to break down reguarly. I've had the care for 3 years and allready replaced half the car. Everything from the powersteering to the engine transmition and exhaust system. I'd say I put at least 10 grand in the car allready and still more things continue to break. If I could do it over I would have sold it when I first got it.

Comfortable driving Good mileage (2.5 V6 Engine)

Breaks (definitely) Cupholders

I bought this car from an old lady near my house, the car was in good shape even though it had some problems. Like mentioned in other reviews, the cupholders are worthless, and the breaks are poor, they seemed not to be able to stop the car, I have had to change the breaks for new ones and the AC is not working by now. The plastics in the interior aren't the best out there. Despite this, I really like the way it feels when driving, it's pretty soft and fast and the V6 engine is powerful. I'll recommend the 5-speed Manual transmition.

It has 150,000 miles on it and hasn't had to have TOO much work done... mostly because the mechanics can't find what's wrong with it!

Cupholders broken Temperature gauge broken Steering wheel locks up Brakes VERY spongy; seem to almost not work sometimes Motor of driver's side seat overheated and had to be unplugged to avoid catching on FIRE Panels inside the car coming apart

This car is AWFUL! I feel like driving it is the most unsafe thing in the world! It stalls at lights occasionally, makes strange noises in the winter, the steering wheel will lock up when there is a lot of water on the road (as well as for NO apparent reason as well), the brakes - let me tell you - they feel as if they will not stop the car sometimes, they are EXTREMELY spongy (especially going down hills) and yet I take it in to be looked at and they say that nothing's wrong (and that's after just replacing the brakes)! Did I mention I had to pull to the side of the road once because the motor for the driver's side power seat overheated and was smoking and almost caught fire in my car? I can see why there are so many recalls on the '95-'96 Contour!! (I, a college student, am unfortunetly stuck with this car until I get out of college). Stay away unless you enjoy getting out of your car thankful for your life!

Very strong clutch, great MPG, smooth ride

Some interior controls are poorly positioned and have some faults but come on the car was free.

This car has been in my wifes family since it rolled of the line. We were given this car by my brother in law with 115,000 miles. It now has 170,000 and has no major problems at all. I have only replaced the normal wear and tear parts. Clutch is very strong in these cars, mine grabs as if were new. The 2.0 4 bangger connected to the 5 speed gives me consistant 33 MPG on the highway. In the past 5 years since I have owned it I replaced the water pump, and AC compressor thats it. I take very good care of this car and so did my brother in-law and that makes a big difference, however that only goes so far. This car is very reliable and I am curious to see how long it will last.

Duratec SVT Engine MTX-75 5-speed transmission

Catalytic converter Wiring harness

This is the car to top all other cars. Anyone who has hated on Contours for their flukey problems (and yes they exist, i dealt with them in my 96) should seek out an SVT. The Ford Co. did an excellent job with this car. The 200 hp V6 Duratec SVT engine is the best bang for the buck. The 5 speed trans is silky smooth. The reverse color speed/tachometer give it a sweet interior look. The only bad thing about this car is that (like in all contours) the Catalytic Converter and wiring harness are pretty shotty. However they're covered by Ford if you can pull some strings. Even though I've had this car for a month, I had researched it extensively and everything I read is true. It's a shame they don't make them anymore.

Similar Products Used:

1996 Contour LX