Faults:

No major problems.

Costs for normal maintenance have been typical.

The car has had several recalls, which is annoying, but they were handled without problem.

Replaced intake manifold runner control solenoid (this is common failure on the V6). Dealer part, $35, installed myself. This isn't a huge deal; the car was drivable without it, though high-rpm power is gone.

After reading about problems with failed water pumps, I decided to replace it as a preventive measure (the pump's plastic impeller is noted for failure). My old pump looked fine; I installed the new pump myself, cost about $60.

General Comments:

My GL (lowest trim available) is surprisingly well equipped (power locks and windows, AM/FM cassette, air conditioning, two airbags).

The V6 surprises many people by how quick it is. Many imports that whip in the lane next to me at stop lights, seem shocked to be left behind. Engine smooth and quick up to automatic transmission shift points (about 6200 RPM at wide-open throttle).

Brakes are a awesome (4 wheel disk brakes; the rear rotors are even vented; few high-performance cars have this feature). I have replaced brake pads once; still on the original rotors.

Traction control is simply too much fun. Leaves most everyone behind at stop lights in the rain (just floor it; let the computer figure out how to control wheel spin and find traction). Traction control also helps in snow.

I wish adjustable steering wheel was available in 1995 (not offered until 1997 models).

Stereo speakers disappointing; clearly from the cheapest parts bin.

I've found www.contour.org to be an excellent resource for Contour info.

Ford clearly did their homework on this car; I've had excellent results with it. I've heard about enough problems from other people that I suspect Ford needed to do some more work to really refine the model. I believe I've had few problems because I take good care of the car (change fluids and filters on time, etc.). The car probably doesn't hold up well as a Toyota or Honda if ignored or abused. That said, I can't get a medium-size sedan with V6 power, traction control and 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS) from Honda or Toyota for about $16,000 (what we paid new, as an end-of-model-year leftover on the lot).

Faults:

Let me start by saying this car has never used a drop of oil and has been reliable for the past 64,000 miles. Now she is at roughly 96,000 miles and I currently, in the last 2 months, have spent over $1,500 on the following items. $1,500 is more than whole sale value on a '95 Contour, 5 speed, GL.

I have replaced the water pump.

Since the mechanic had to take the timing belt assembly apart, the timing belt was also replaced.

Since the serpentine belt had to come off for the previous two items, and the belt showed wear, it was replaced.

Within a month after the above repairs, the car starting spewing out coolant through the head gasket.

So..I had the head gasket replaced. The mechanic said the head bolts had not been properly torqued when he went to take them out. The bolts loosened much too easy.

The head was also checked for cracks, but was fine. I had it resurfaced.

During the same operation, I had the valve guides replaced.

I also had to replace the timing belt again. The tensioner and pulleys were replaced.

While the mechanic was in there, I had him replace the lower radiator hose. It was original.

Now the car will start, idles fine until you push down on the gas. Now it either starts missing badly or when you let off the gas it dies. So.. I had it hooked up to check the codes. Nothing coded.

I put a throttle positioning sensor on. No change.

I replaced crank and cam sensors. No change.

Of course the inexpensive parts were changed. (plug wires and plugs)

Next is the mass airflow sensor.

The car ran fine, except for the coolant leak when I took it to the mechanic. He is at his wits end.

Oh, the mechanic also fixed a vacuum line leak. I wasn't able to get any vent or air at my feet, only up at the windshield. It had been a cold winter for my feet in the car.

Again the car was fine for 64,000 miles, but is now becoming a money pit. I keep thinking once it is finally fixed, I might have a decent car again. She still looks nice.

I have to call Monday and see if the mass flow air sensor fixed the problem. If it doesn't, it's only another $175 bucks out of my pocket.

I've had better luck with some high mileage T-birds (3 '89 T-birds) and Probes (1 '90 LX to 219,000 miles and '90 GL with 141,000).

I also bought an '88 Topaz/Tempo and drove it until 210,000 with only a fuel pump going out on it while it was under warranty.

Good Luck Contour owners!