1996 Ford Contour GL review from North America
"As well cared for as it is, it's still falling apart"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Needed replacement of entire A/c system at 65K.
Rear doors creak badly when opened and shut. I don't even use the left rear one anymore.
Gas cap release broken at 50K. I have to open the trunk and use the auxiluary release for fillups.
Harsh 1-2 upshift especially when cold. Have resorted to starting in 2 during warm-up.
Very smooth idle when cold. Very rough idle once warmed up. I Sometimes put it in neutral at stoplights.
At highway speeds this car has Noise, Vibration, Harshness problem that could be a worn motor mount.
Temp gauge reads zero all the time.
Broken backlight on clock.
All the wheelcovers have fallen off.
Noisy timing belt when cold.
Belt tensioner failed at 56K.
Transmission has small leak.
General comments?
Car has nice styling.
The car handles well.
This car has shabby construction in many places.
Glad I don't have a family that depends on this car or I'd have to replace it.
The interior is modern and stylish.
I know I didn't buy it new... but as clean and well cared for as it was by its first owner, it is still falling apart prematurely. Especially considering the very low yearly mileage. (8,000/yr.)
Recommended reviews
| 1996 - Contour GL 2.0L Zetec DOHC 16v Good handling car that's cheap to run, and a great gas sipping commuter car |
|
| Great road manners, great performance, expensive to maintain, and in the end, not worth repairing |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Zetec Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 44000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 89500 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Am |
| Date of Entry | 8th April, 2006 |