1998 Ford Contour SE 2.5
Summary:
It is very poor quality at any price
Faults:
Transmission failed at 141 miles.
Several recalls.
Brakes and rotors had to be replaced at 23000 miles.
Exhaust system fell off at 23000 miles.
Alternator went bad at 23000 miles.
Now dealer claims there is a short in the circuit for the radio speakers and the door locks. Because this circuit runs through the whole car, after spending 8 hours with no success, they claim it may take another 8 hours to locate.
We are presently waiting on parts to come in for a recall on the blower fan resistor, which could catch fire. Our dealer said this would probably doing us a favor, if it did then Ford would be responsible.
General Comments:
I am tired of hearing the service center say we don't build the Contour, we just have to fix them.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 20th September, 2001
29th Jan 2005, 12:24
Sorry you all were victims of a lemon. Every manufacturer produces a few pieces of junk. My 98 Contour runs like a dream. I went through the recalls mentioned above while under warranty. The free repairs were gladly appreciated.
I am NOT mechanically inclined. Gas, oil and car washes are and have been my only expenses.
I was devastated when Ford decided not to continue to build the Contour and gave its design features to the Taurus.
It would have been the only car I would have driven for LIFE!!!
31st Aug 2004, 14:10
I have a 1998 Ford contour that was built on 4/29/1997 that also has the same defective wiring harness. Ford will not fix this vehicle, eventhough the harness used has the same defects as in the earlier production models. Does anyone know of a database that can be accessed to locate other owners of early model year 1998 Contours? I expect that all of these owners are also having problems.