Faults:

The transmission went out at around 150,000. Couple of engine belts went out around 155,000. Replaced several sensors. Broke down on me a couple of weeks ago. Took it to the shop and they cannot figure out what is wrong with the car.

General Comments:

This was my first car and I really enjoyed it. Despite the repairs, which I think are expected on a car with 150,000+ miles on it, the car ran very well. The handling was great, the car had get up and go, and for a sedan was very sporty. I got the car when I was 16 in 1997 with 90,000 miles on it and it ran near perfect until around the 150,000 mark. It lasted until I graduated college.

However, after this last break down I opted not to repair the car (especially since no one could figure out what was wrong) and decided to buy a newer used car. My Contour has now gone on to a better place (the junk yard) after giving me seven years of quality driving.

I would recommend the Contour as a great first car for primarily city driving. Gets excellent gas mileage and has nice interior.

Faults:

Water pump impeller broke.

IRMC runner linkage clip broke.

Wiring harness recalled.

Catalytic converters replaced.

Interior fan speed low & medium stopped.

Interior leak from around cabin air filter.

Front brake rotors love to warp.

General Comments:

The problems I mentioned above were almost all covered by recall, service bulletin, or fixed by myself. Overall the car has worn well over the 8 years I've had it. Things break over time, but it's not been too much to keep it on the road.

It definitely handles well, is very comfortable and still stylish today.

Make sure it's well maintained if you wish to buy one. Get a report on its service history!

Faults:

Head Gasket blown at 110,000 miles.

Known problem with cup holders (already broken when I got it)

Paint chips easily around the bumpers.

Electrical system problem at 120,000 miles. This is the problem that caused me to junk the car. It seems that a wire harness problem is common in this year and model and it's an expensive problem to fix.

The temperature guage is constantly a sliver away from the red.

General Comments:

This was my first car and I was in a hurry to get it before I went back up to college, but it's true what they say about first year model cars. Wait until the problems have been fixed. On the '95 Contour, the problems are numerous.

As for the ride and handling, when the car was working, it was more than I expected. Originally designed for the European market, it feels like it. It handles very tightly and acceleration is acceptable, even with my automatic trans and 4 cylinder model. The shifting is not as smooth, but is also not as muddled as Japanese imports. There are various aftermarket part for this as well. Check out the Ford Contour forums on the Internet. It will give you a good sampling for what you should expect in terms of performance and problems.

Faults:

Had to buy a new transmission, but then the new transmission went out days later.

Had to buy a new timing belt.

Had to buy new tires.

Had to fix many other smaller problems that seem to be adding on every day.

The doors creak badly.

The paint chips easily.

Drivers side door broke.

General Comments:

It is fun one minute, until the next as it breaks.

The interior is alright, not really much to complain about.

Have put as much money into it as I bought it for.

It is o.k. on gas, small gas tank.

Wish I would have spent my money on a nicer car and that would have saved me a lot more money.