1996 Ford Contour GL 2.0 liter 16v 4 cylinder

Summary:

Worth the money. Too bad the model is no longer made

Faults:

The beverage holder breaks easily, but the replacement from the manufacturer has been modified for better durability.

The light bulb behind the dash mounted clock has needed replacement three times since purchase.

The factory installed battery was replaced only two years after purchase.

General Comments:

The Contour is very quick for a four cylinder and handles very well.

The company I work for bought six of these models and five have over 200k with the sixth having over 300k miles.

All have had similar problems with the beverage holder and the clock light.

One has had the alternator replaced at the 150k miles range.

These cars have given minimal trouble with maximum dependability.

The car is comfortable, roomy, spunky and overall a very good car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th December, 2001

2nd Apr 2017, 18:11

Hello, I have been a Ford Contour GL owner, for over twenty years. I bought my Contour in 1997 and it had approximately 22000 km. It now has approximately 126000 km. Still quite low mileage. In this time I've had my mechanic replace the heater switch as it fried behind the dash. Apparently it was faulty. The next thing was a switch for the transmission. And, two batteries over this time.

I love my Contour GL, the only issues I have at the moment is, the cup holders, the sleeve for the emergency brake handle and a hole about 2 inches in the back seat from a disgusting stinky rat that got into my car when I sent it to be repainted. It still looks almost new. Only dated. LOL

If anyone can give me an idea on how to remedy a year of my standing issues, I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks in advance and have a FABULOUS DAY.

Anne

1996 Ford Contour SE 2.5L

Summary:

Good performance, poor dealer support

Faults:

Many recalls. Minor, but required loss of the car one day per recall.

Tires wore out after 7,000 miles. No dealer help. Firestone no help.

Condensate in headlamp assembly. Warranty replacement after two trips.

Flimsy cupholder broke. $95 for replacement.

Repeated false coolant light - Made repairs, but with no resolution.

Transmission speed sensor failed at 52,000 miles. At dealer for two days without it being looked at yet (yes, I'm angry).

General Comments:

My wife's car.

Dealer service is slow, not good, and with poor communications.

I really like the way the car handles. Too bad Ford service is so poor.

I'll never buy another one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th July, 2001

27th Jan 2003, 08:10

I have so much problem with the Ford Contour. I own a 1998 Ford Contour and a lot of things went wrong with it. First it was a noise coming from the left front tire assembly, which I had fixed and cost me a bundle. Then the engine light came on and had that fixed and a week or two later it came back on. Next there was a noise coming from the engine bay area when I turn on the air-conditioner, which I had it fixed. Then the water pump and the radiator sensor went out on me. After that the I had to replace the two front rotors because they were too thin and worn. Now my transmission just went out on me and my speed sensor don't work. I want to let everyone know of all the problems I've had with this car within a 1 to 2 year span. I don't think I'll ever buy anything Ford anymore. I should have stuck to Japanese cars which last a lot longer then them Fords.

Phou.

1996 Ford Contour GL 2.0 4 cylinder

Summary:

Inexpensive transportation (used purchase)

Faults:

Power steering hose blew at 65,000 miles.

Door speaker wiring shorting at 80,000 miles.

Fast front brake wear and warping - average 25,000 miles per set.

Rear defroster wires broken.

Idler pulley noisy

General Comments:

Overall a good basic sedan. 30 mpg, Good pep. So far much less problems than I expected. I just wish it had better brakes.

Only thing is that the base GL's really need the 15 inch wheels. The 14" tires don't have a stiff enough sidewall for good handling.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2001