Price, looks, handles well and generally a comfortable ride.

The CD4E transmission in a piece of crap. I am now in the process of trying to decide if I should put the second Ford re-built transmission in. The first failed at approximately 63,000 miles and the second 21,000 mile later. In addition at 30,000 miles the radio died and had to be replaced. There is a noise coming from the engine during cold weather that no one can find. I admit I put alot of miles on a car, but they are highway miles, using the cruise control. The Contour replaced the Tempo, I loved that model when I traded my 1988 5-speed it had 180,000 miles and other than the bad paint Ford had in 1988 was a solid car.

I love this car, but the transmission design is flawed and Ford will not admit it. Just check out the number of Service Bulletins Ford has issued on this vehicle and it's automatic transmission and you'll see that if you need a dependable car and want it to last this one is not for you unless you buy the extended warrenty (which I didn't). I think I'll go back to a 5-speed.

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1988 Tempo; 1995 Mazda 626

power, handling, Recaro-styled racing seats, eye candy, an engine rumble that does justice to the torquiness of the engine, the price you pay for a handbuilt engine and all of the fine aftermarket workings

cheap feel of interior components (materials), poor fit and finish (quality control), Ford dealership service, reliability, cruddy resale value, interior noise especially at highway speeds, factory stereo system, rear seat space!

Well, I love the car, despite the gripes, most unbearable being the harsh ride and noise. Although these are largely associated with the performance attributes of the car, I must admit, it's hard not to notice them, especially with these lousy Chicago roads. As this is an SVT, I ought to expect a pronouncedly harsher ride and intrusion of road/wind noise due to the firmer suspension and wide, high-pressure Z-rated tires. So first and foremost, do not expect this car to replace a sedan, as these do not make for very qualities when touring.

At best, this is an enthusiast's car with some slight kind of practicality. This car does offer the convenience of a deep trunk and four doors, albeit they must be prudently used. For example, a person 5'11" tall might have a very uncomfortable ride in the backseat, as head and leg room space is much less than competing cars in this category. Additionally, competitive cars offer heated seats and mirrors, especially during these cold Chicago winters, could be a very convenient option.

Design issues aside, I have also found some cosmetic gripes with the workmanship involved. Now, this is not a car which exhibits the rattles typical of something that has been largely taken-apart and reassembled. However, the first day I drove the car off of the lot, the left overhead map light fell-off. Within a week of driving, pulling on the reverse-gear interlock device caused the leather shifter cover to come apart. Also noticeable was a vibration from the bactseat area, which turned-out to be a missing plastic binder which is supposed to hold the interior molding to the subframe. As of yesterday, my power antennae motor died, and all things considered, namely that there is less than 3,000 miles on this car, these are unacceptable quality control issues that will have me giving Ford a double take in the future. Other little things I've noticed is that there is no light in the glove compartment, and nor is there a light for the rear seats as there is in the Mercury Mystique.

The perks of owning this car is, of course, its uniqueness in that it is a limited-run production model, top-notch handling, exceptional power and performance for this kind of sedan, a good number of proven performance components for the price (especially the seats), and along the same thread, a good number of amenities (i.e. ABS, CD-player (what little of it one can enjoy)). If looks are the thing, then this car sells itself - while you won't command the respect of driving a Porsche or even a Saab (with its eccentricities), people will notice the Jaguar-isc lines.

Really, you get what you pay for. My experience with the Accord and Passat, which happen to be my parents' and sister's rides, is that, although they may seem overpriced, you are getting better quality material (at least in the Passat) and solid engineering practices. The Ford is the least expensive out of the bunch, but as such, it carries with it various shortcomings in technical design, material, refinement, and, from what I've read, reliability over the long run.

My advice to anybody who is thinking about getting the SVT is:

1) do not expect a replacement for a full-sized/family sedan - it's a low-cost, sporty enthusiast's/hobbyist ride with plenty of potential as such, but don't expect a real compromise between a sports car and sedan . . . the BMW and even Passat win here - it's a car that you should own while you can still get away with something "impractical" and "irrational";

2) do not expect a refined ride - as the Contour is essentially based on an European car, realize that many European cars are designed with driver dynamics in mind and as a car to be driven [performance], seldomly giving much attention to the back seat passengers or passenger comfort;

3) hedge on the fact that your car will suffer drivetrain problems, so buy an extended warranty plan (and be weary of the differences between the "wear and tear" clause, and the "part failure" clause - they'll get you every time)

4) develop a good relationship with your dealership . . continued bad dealer relations will perhaps be the sole reason I may never buy a Ford again . . . VW corporation is heavily involved with its dealership so consequently, the level of service is much better . . . it took 6 weeks for my Ford dealership to tell me that they did not have a replacement plastic binder for one that never existed, and when I finally got one, Ford did not acknowledge culpability, so I ended-up paying for it.

5) finally, get them now, as rumor has it that the Focus will fully replace them in 1 year.

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1992 Ford Taurus GL, Honda Accord EX V6, VW Passat (1.8T)

Super pickup and handling.

3 recalls for minor items

The model is the Contour SVT (special vehicle team). Should be listed under a sports model, but no option to do so. A five speed that has an engine that growls. Super pickup and suspension. Handles great! Love this car. A steal at under $25K. Can outrun a BMW 323 or 328.

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BMW 318C

Power, handling, style, comfort, price, and just about everything else. Exclusitivity- only 10,000 built in 3 model years (98, 99, and 2000). Production of the SVT version stops 12-1999.

Lacks a little on features for some people and the stereo system could be better (should have Ford's Mach 460 stereo system) but for the price- I can't complain. I'll trade a few creature comforts for this kind of performance anyday.

I have the SVT version of the Contour. I paid $22,450 for it in Sept 97 as a 98 model. 1998 was first production year for SVT version and I got one of the first 250 built. This car is an abslute steal for the price. Love it so much that I bought it after leasing it for 2 years. I live at an elevation of 6,200 feet, but even at this altitude the car pulls like a freight-train. The engine is incredibly smooth and responsive and really packs a punch. 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds and top speed of 143 mph. The car sticks like glue to the road yet has a civilized ride on the highway. I love the midnight blue leather interior and power sunroof and of course- the white guages. Later models only come with tan leather interior and there are a few exterior and interior cosmetic changes. The exhaust sounds like a toned down Formula 1 car. Even when driven hard, I get 19 mpg in town and 27 mpg on the highway. I drove the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra before deciding to purchase the Contour. Yes, there was a little more power but the SVT Contour handles better and is more comfortable. Didn't like the looks of the new Mustang either and I really needed the convenience of a sedan since I now have a baby girl. In my opinion, and in the opinion of all the car magazines and most SVT Contour owners as well, there is not a more rounded performance sedan on the market this side of $35k. This car doesn't have to apologize to any other car on the road regardless of price. It is an incredible value and if you have a chance to be lucky enough to own one...do so. It should be listed in the sports car category. I would give it 6 stars if I could because it is the best performance sedan offered by an American auto company and the equal to most imports..period.

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Pontiac Grand Prix (GTP Supercharged), Pontiac Grand Am GT (V-6), BMW 328i, Audi A4, Ford Mustang SVT Cobra, Chrysler 300M

Engine, transmission, handling, ergonomics.

Stereo, power seats, styling, the odd squeak from the dash.

I bought this car on the stregnth of reviews by Automobile Magazine and Car and Driver, who both rated the V-6 5 speed SE very highly.

The drivetrain has been wonderful. The car corners like a camaro and does 0-60 in less than 8 seconds. The 4 wheel disc brakes make a little noise now and then, but stop the car like a champ. Unlike the SVT, which has too much power going to the front wheels, I don't miss the traction control option at all.

The "premium" sound system is fisher price... save the bux and buy something aftermarket instead. My recommendation for non-audiophiles would be to go with Pioneer TS-P682s or Pioneer co-axial 6x8s in the factory locations, along with a reciever that had built in EQ.

The main problems I've had with this car lie in two areas: the power seat keeps coming loose on it's mounts and the dash sqeaks in cold weather. Both of these items I'm told are common to Contours, and the dealer has worked with me to the best of his ability to get things resolved.

Overall, you're not going to find a better value for under $20K in this segment, even if you have to get the power seats adjusted occasionally.

excellent powertrain (V6 with 5-speed), handles well, nice exterior styling

exterior and interior trim parts appear to be sub-par in quality. Awful back seat (cramped)

This car wins, hands down, in the performance category. If acceleration and cornering are a must and you are in the market for a mid-sized sedan under 20 grand, this is it! Many reviewers have eluded to this vehicle as Detriot's answer to the BMW 3-series. As far as the driver is concerned, I would agree (I have driven my sister's 325 and the Contour would give it a run for it's money on the course). That being said, there are some troubling aspects to the Contour. Ford cut corners on quality when it came to trimming this vehicle out. The molding outside the door windows fits poorly and the interior appointments appear cheap in quality. There's a mysterious squeak that becomes noticible in the chassis during cold temperatures. My 93 Altima can't hold a candle to the Contour in performance, BUT, with 114,000 miles on the Altima, the body is as tight as the day I bought it. No rattles, squeaks or missing body molding. I dare say, the Contour will probably not fare so well 5 years from now. If interior space is a concern, look elsewhere, although, I must note that the trunk is huge for a mid-sized sedan. I suppose that may be part of the reason why the rear seat is so cramped.

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1993 Nissan Altima

Durable engine. I bought the car used and have been pleasantly surprised by the fact that the car doesn't lose any fluid that's in it. I've only had to add a small amount of AntiFreeze and get the oil changed. Nothing had to be added.

Very sensitive to road noise. You can hear everything in the car. Just about every nice-to-have feature on the car has gone wrong since I got it. I have had both the passenger and drivers side power windows die on me. The same is true for the power mirrors. Both have had to be replaced. The carpeting on the floor is pulling away from the walls as well.

The Contour is a very reliable car, but don't get it (at least an older model) if you are looking for luxury. The seats could use some help. The nice-to-haves become the wish-I-hadn'ts. There is a surprising amount of head room, though. I am 6'4" and have no problem with leg and head room. I can't say the same for anyone sitting behind me, but I am rather comfortable.

smooth enginge, very best american 5-speed trany on the market

nothing, as long as you own a manual trany... Automatic takes away all the fun. Back seat head room alittle cramped, so if you buy one, make sure you are driving, and turn the radio up loud if someone is in the back seat

I cant believe this is a ford. It really is a fun comfortable car. And it is a blast to drive. I speak of the 5-speed trany. Automatic is to dull, but if you like auto's, you will still like the crisp handling and smooth ride. 6cyl engine definatly is the only way to go.

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Malibu, stratus

6cyl manual stacked...unbelievable zip and fun to drive. Love the quickness of this car and the sharp cornering and turns. My soon-to-be-driving teenager can't wait to get his hands on this car.

3 Safety recalls in the last 4 months--has me concerned about the lack of quality that went into the parts used...makes me wonder what I'm looking at down the line when the warranty runs out.

I really like the car and the price was right...but I'm really concerned about the overall quality of the parts considering the 3 safety recalls and the faulty ac/heat blower problem that Ford is extending the warranty on -- that makes 4 problems with quality on a car I've only had for 1-1/2 years.....I had an Escort for 8 years and only changed the oil, battery, and tires!!

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None.

handles well, good gas mileage, zippy with 5-speed and 4 cylinder engine, durable

rear seat very cramped, weak sound system, ugly rear styling, non-descript styling in general, some cheap parts

Get the 4 cylinder with a stick. The handling will pleasantly surprise you.Somewhat cramped in the rear unless you are small or a child. Sometimes reviewed as a poor man's BMW (Automobile Magazine). They are not far off. Beats the pants off GM or Chrysler equivalents.

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Honda Accord, Mazda 626