1997 Ford Contour LX review from North America

List of repairs-

2 trannys, rack and pinnions, water pump, pulleys, alternator, ball joints, tie rods, link bars, brakes.

First transmission replace at 80000, installed brand new by dealer - $1700.

Transmission started slipped as soon as I took it off the lot.

Dealer delayed installing a new second tranny for a full year waiting for the warranty to run out. I demanded a new tranny on the last week before the warranty ran out.

The next year it was rack and pinnion at $1500.

I got tired of extra high dealer cost so I started to do repairs myself; thats when I learn how poor the construction of this car was.

I replaced the water pump and found it all corroded at 120000.

Pulleys were raddling - the bearings were shot. The tensioner shoulder bolt was warped so I called the dealer to get a new one and was quoted $110. I had to get the bolt for the scrap yard.

To remove the alternator is a nightmare. The dealer wanted almost $400 for the part - I got mine for $150, nice dealer markup!!

Ball joints, tie rods and linkage were garbage. The grease inside had hardend and the rubber crack. These parts should have be equipped with grease nipples.

Beware of fords - never goto the dealer for repairs - please trust me.

MAJOR money in repairs. Major inconveniences.