Faults:

Seats squeaked uncontrollably.

Windows barely rolled up and down (fixed with new motors).

Dash warped in some places.

Speedometer quit due to failed transmission speed sensor.

Tires were good, although needed alignment (which was repaired).

3rd gear synchro went out at 120K.

Engine exploded at 120,500 and that was the end.

General Comments:

This car is just nothing but a complete piece of crap that Ford thought would sell good. I had high hopes when I bought this car, only to discover that it was just that, hopes! I loved the way this car looked in its deep candy apple red-ish color. It was in good condition and I got it for only $2000 from a desperate kid. But all good things must end right?

I had it checked by a Ford Certified mechanic, and was given the thumbs up. Although after a week of driving it, and I had been driving it normally, my 3rd gear synchro went out. It was barely shiftable. But then the real problem came in. It must have had an unknown problem or something, because after I had the synchro repaired, which the dealer refused to repair, and I had to pay an arm and a leg to fix, the engine developed a slight knock. I discovered that one of the lifters was loose, but before I could even think about repairing it again, the engine exploded on me IN A BIG WAY! I was driving on the freeway at 70 MPH when the car shuddered, the knock got real bad, then with a sound like a cannon, it let go, and I mean, it didn't just die, it completely BLEW UP! I'm talking fluids coming out like a waterfall, smoke everywhere, and a smell I will certainly never forget. I was stranded on the side of the highway with a busted car, and no money to repair it. I got it towed home and actually was able to sell it to an enthusiast who went to my same school, and he ended up doing a 3.0L swap in it. Although it was somewhat fun, I WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN..EVER!!

My 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 was soooo much more reliable than this thing, before it was crushed in a 4 car accident!

Faults:

Rack and pinion steering replacement around 90K.

General Comments:

I am very pleased with this car. My family has owned Ford Taurus/Mercury Sables for years and they have all been very reliable.

The car is comfortable for the most part, but the suspension is a little too stiff for my taste. The seats are very comfortable though.

The car preforms pretty well too, the 24V could use a few more horsepower, but it's pretty adequate. The turning circle is rather wide for a car of this size though.

I am very pleased with my MPG as well, about 22/28, which really is not bad for a car of the size and with a V6 engine.

Reliability has never been much of an issue, the rack and pinion went out earlier than I hoped, but nothing else besides that failed except things like battery, tires, etc.

Overall, I am very pleased.

Faults:

Resistor pack - $20 DIY fix.

Alternator - Use Ford part, only $130 DIY.

Control arms - $75 each DIY.

General Comments:

FANTASTIC driver's car. Handles very well, is very comfortable, reasonably roomy. A joy to drive. The SVT version that is available is even BETTER!

You must be aggressive with maintenance, and the repairs can be expensive if hired out. If you do your own repairs, consider this great car in a V-6. Contour.org is a great information resource on all things Contour.

I have 165,000 miles on my original engine & auto tranny. They're both running fine with no leaks or fluid loss. I would not hesitate to drive this car across the country.