Ford Contour
The
Ford Contour was a
North American variant of the
European
Ford Mondeo sedan sold by
Ford Motor Company. It was sold in North America from 1995 through 2000. The platform also underpinned a
Mercury version called
Mystique and the 1999 to 2002 iteration of the
Mercury Cougar.
Ford introduced the Contour to the North American market in late 1994 to replace the aging
Tempo. Development of the Contour, the nearly identical Mercury Mystique and the Mondeo in Europe was a major project for Ford Motor Company; reportedly US$6 billion was invested in the development of the
CDW27 platform. The Contour filled the market and size gap between the
Escort and the larger
Taurus. The Contour was slightly larger than the Tempo and was only available as a sedan. By contrast, the European Mondeo was also available as a hatchback and a wagon.
Initially, three trim levels were available; a base
GL, a more luxurious
LX and a sporty
SE trim. A 125 hp, 2.0 L
Zetec inline four-cylinder engine was standard on the GL and LX models, while a 170 hp 2.5 L
Duratec V6, originally designed as a Porsche project before it was sold to Ford, was standard on SE models and optional on the LX model. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on all models, with a 4-speed automatic as an option. Prices ranged from about
US$14,000 for base GL versions to just under
US$20,000 for an SE with all available options.
However, in April 1996, Ford produced a "Sport" model in both the 2.0L four cylinder and 2.5L V6. The "Sport" model was an option in both SE and GL series.
In 1998, Ford restyled the Contour and added the
SVT version, which utilized a specially tuned and modified version of the 2.5 L V6 that produced 195 hp and was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. The restyle was based on the facelifted Mondeo which had been launched in Europe two years earlier. Also included with the SVT Contour was new bodywork, seats and trim, white-faced gauges, larger wheels with ultra high performance tires, upgraded brakes and a retuned suspension. Slowing sales in later model years prompted Ford to cut back production of the Contour, and by 2000 only the SE model and the SVT version remained. The SVT Contour was available primarily by special order by specially designated Ford dealerships.
After the 2000 model year, the Contour was cancelled because of decreasing sales. Many editors remarked that the car, sized for Europe, had a small interior compared to peers such as the
Dodge Stratus, though many praised the car for its European handling and V6 power. Japanese carmakers Toyota and Honda offered each only one compact and midsize sedan. In the Ford lineup, the Contour was replaced by the Ford Taurus SE (a Taurus trim line, which was introduced in
1998). Those looking for a mid-sized car tended to purchase the larger Ford Taurus, while those looking for a small sedan tended to purchase the new Focus. The Kansas City plant was then retooled to build the
Ford Escape. Despite the car's relative unpopularity in terms of sales, it has obtained a cult following in the US, the SVT versions in particular.
Ford upgraded the Taurus for the 2004 model year to attract more of the entry-level midsize market in the Contour class. The Taurus will be cancelled in August 2006 for the 2007 model year, following the release of the full-size 2005
Ford Five Hundred. A smaller sedan, the
Ford Fusion was introduced for the 2006 model year as a proper replacement for the Contour.
1996
*To address customer complaints, the backs of the front seats were recessed, improving rear seat leg room.
*Rear seat cushions were repositioned to increase room.
*Chrome bumper strips were dropped, resulting in bumpers that were solidly colored.
*Seven-spoke alloy wheels become standard for SE model.
*Split rear seats now available.
1997
*New value-priced base model introduced in late 1997.
*Traction control is dropped as an option.
*Added interior trunk light.
*Steering wheels now tilt.
*Power antenna added.
*Heated mirrors are dropped as an option.
*Remote fuel door release is dropped.
1998
*New design for front and rear fascias, including a chrome grille and larger headlights.
*5-speed manual transmission changed from rod shift to cable shift.
*High-performance SVT version debuts, available only in Silver Frost, Toreador Red, and Black Ebony with Midnight Blue interior.
*Roof line altered and the rear deck shortened for improved rear seat headroom.
*Seat recliner is changed from a knob to a lever.
*Seatbelt for rear center seat is improved from 2-point to 3-point.
*New center consoles.
*Glove box light, underhood light, and door handle lights are removed.
Note: In mid-production for the 1998 model, Ford decided to make several more changes to the Contour. This resulted in a noticeable distinction between early and late 1998 Contours. To differentiate between the two, many people refer to the late 1998 model as the "1998.5", or alternatively refer to the early 1998 model as the "E0" and the late 1998 model as the "E1". The mid-year changes are as listed below.
*SVT was upped 5hp to 200hp due to additional Extrude Honing of the primary and secondary intake ports.
*Base and GL models are dropped, leaving the LX, SE, and SVT.
*Split rear seats are now available only on the SE model.
*In-dash clock is relocated to the stereo head unit display.
*New Cobra-style SVT aluminum alloy wheels.
*Different strut valving and tires raising skid pad numbers from .84g to .90g.
1999
*All models are equipped with a slightly larger fuel tank.
*SVT is offered in Tropic Green.
2000
*LX model is dropped, leaving only the SE and SVT.
*Displacement on the Duratec V6 engine decreased slightly, but compression ratio is increased to compensate.
The Contour was on
Car and Driver magazine's
Ten Best list for 1995, 1996 and 1997. The Contour was also named as an Automobile Magazine All Star for 1995, 1996 and 1997.
*
List of Ford vehicles*
Ford SVT Contour* [
1] - ConsumerGuide.com Ford Contour 1995-2000 Prices & Review
- (compares to Honda Accord)*
FordContour.Org: Non-profit organization A website / forum site dedicated to Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique vehicles. Vast knowledgebase including on-site technical assistance from a semi-retired engineer of the car itself. An invaluable asset to any owner looking for help or fellow enthusiasts of this model.
*
Ford Contour Enthusiast Group: Non-profit organization with information on the origins of the Contour, as well as specifications, model-specific details, and information targeted at owners of the vehicle.
