1998 Ford Contour SVT review from North America

Only 3 problems to date (19,000 miles), that all happened in the first 3000 miles.

1) Bad faceplate laminate on heater control panel, looked like trapped air pockets as delivered from factory. Control panel replaced under warranty.

2) Paint peeled off of a small section of lower, driver's side skirt at 200 miles. Side skirt replaced under warranty.

3) Fuel filler neck anti-siphon/splashback valve stuck in closed position resulting in 30 minute fill-ups at about 2000 miles. Entire fuel filler tube assembly replaced under warranty via TSB (technical service bulletin).

Excellent car, for a sedan platform. Highly recommend it if anyone is looking for something that has 2-door performance but needs 4 doors. Build quality is good, but could use some improvement. Great touring and around town manners that don't rattle your teeth out. It is too bad they are discontinuing the model lineup in the US.

Only real complaint is that the dealer network needs to realize that they have the ability generate repeat business for an automaker and that they are there to service the customer and not the other way around. Good dealers are hard to find, luckily I have found one that is willing to work with me, not against me.