1997 Ford Contour SE review from North America
"A high performance bargain"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My head gasket blew at 50,000 miles.
Poor dealer service.
Parking brake stuck partially disconnected
Check engine light is always on.
Super bad headlights.
General comments?
This car is a super fun car. If I didn't have the luxury of upgrading I would not be adverse to keeping it. It amazes many of my passengers who once inside for a bit question what kind of car it is. Leather interior and a sickeningly fast v6 will do that. The downside is that the Ford dealerships are so bad I doubt I'd get a Ford again. Ever. The sad thing is that I would love to keep buying American. I do like seeing the KC sticker on the inside and I do appreciate this vehicle. I do not like the Focus that has replaced it and am going with a Saab 9-5 oddly enough because it reminds me of the Contour. I would recommend this car to anyone especially since they are so affordable used and though mine is not can be tricked out just enough.
Recommended reviews
  | Garbage - Major $$$ for repairs |
| 1996 - Contour GL Sport Zetec 2.0L DOHC 16v I-4 Extremely fine driving POS |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 24v DOHC Manual |
| Performance marks | 10/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 42000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 63000 miles |
| Previous car | Sterling SLi 87 |
| Date of Entry | 2nd September, 2003 |