Faults:

1. Front and rear O2 (Oxygen Sensor) died at 92,000 miles. Cost of replacement and installation was $150.

2. IAT (Intake Air Temperature) Sensor died at 100,000 miles; replaced restrictive air-filter box with an S&B ProFlow Cone Filter. Cost of replacement and installation was $70.

3. Replaced all four ABS brake pads at 105,000 miles. Cost of replacement and installation was $190.

General Comments:

I enjoy driving my Contour because of its overall performance and appearance within its class; the European characteristics are noteworthy.

I replaced my stock intake equipment with a Cold Air Intake System which included a 75mm ProFlow MAF Adaptor, Cold Air Pipe, and a 6 inch long and 3.5 inch wide diameter S&B Cone Air Filter.

Replace spark plugs and ignition wires with BOSCH +4.

Replace battery with Duralast.

I added a custom Exhaust with Y-Pipe that was provided by BAT Inc.

Removed muffler.

Window Tints at 20%.

Faults:

The day I brought the car the "Temperature Gauge" has been broken, it will read hot right away, even though three different shops have said it isn't running hot.

At 48,001 the "Gear shift Indicator" broke, so I had no idea what gear I was in until I lifted my foot off the brake pedal. That cost $147 to fix.

At 48,193 the "Check Engine" light came on, the Oxygen Sensor went out and cost $250 to replace.

At 50,009 the radiator was leaking and cost just over $500 to have replaced.

I have also had one license plate light go out, and the back blinker on the right, and one of the center brake lights.

Currently the water pump makes a weird sound until the car heats up, in the summer it isn't bad because it does quickly, but in cooler weather, in the 50s, it will go on for 8 miles and drives me nuts.

I'm waiting for it fail before I replace it though.

That will cost $350 to replace.

Besides that I had just had to do maintenance, oil changes, transmission fluid, and new coolant, I had that done when the radiator was replaced.

General Comments:

This is a very nice car.

The seats are extremely comfortable, I drove for 3 hours non-stop to Chicago and was comfortable the whole way there.

The controls are nicely designed, and easy to find and use.

It handles very nice, on any road, and the shocks and struts are made strong.

Faults:

Dash vents stuck at defrost, no A/C available. (3 times, finally fixed)

Poor gas filler cover fit. (fixed)

Driver's door weather seal started to wear out. (replaced)

The horn developed a short and started blowing fuses. (fixed)

General Comments:

I've had cars that were bigger, smaller, faster, and slower. But there's something about this car I really love. It's been generally a pleasure to own, except for the persistent problems with the dash vents.

Power is adequate and handling is exceptional (it has the largest wheels/tires Ford sold), so it's not only fun to drive, but also economical.

When all I want to do is get from point A to point B, the automatic transmission with overdrive is effortless. When I want to enjoy a twisty road, it's still up to the task.

Unlike some with V6 models, the Zetec 4-cyl. engine has proved quite reliable.

I hope to keep this one until the wheels fall off. I only wish I could buy a new one.

Faults:

9076 miles I purchased the car with new car warranty and extended warranty to 75,000 miles.

15,000 miles struts and sway bar were replaced.

20,000 miles the engine light came on. No more problems with that.

25,000 first belt tensioner went bad.

35,000 miles second belt tensioer went bad.

45,800 miles third belt tensioner went bad.

50,000 alternator and wire harness was replaced.

60,000 fourth belt tensioner went bad.

65,000 ABS light came on. dealer had the car for a month trying to locate the reason why. Electrical problem found.

72,000 miles fifth belt tensioner went bad.

85,000 miles water pump and thermostat went bad. While repairing it was found to have a problem with the transmission. It made a humming noise whenever I turned the wheel to the right.

90,350 miles I was told the transmission would need replacing soon. Sadly I couldn't afford a new transmission after spending almost $2000 in repairs in 3 months so I traded my Contour in for a new car.

General Comments:

I loved this car and if I ever get the oppertunity I would buy a used one that is in good mechanical shape. This car was comfortable to drive and handled well especially in the snow. The seats were comfortable and the interior was easy to keep clean. The trunk was also very spacious. It was a 4 cylinder engine, but this car had a lot of power. I never had a problem with the way the car handled or the pick up speed. I never really put any money into it until the warranty went off at 75,000 miles and with the exception of the problems I had with the belt tensioners I have no complaints with this car at all. I did trade it in for a 2003 Ford Escape, but I think if I taken more time and really thought about it I would Not have traded my Contour. I am now sorry I did. I like my new SUV, but my heart belongs to my Contour. I have a picture of my Contour hanging from the rear view mirror of my new Escape. To all Contour owners who are reading this review, don't make any hasty decsions like I did or you may be sorry.