Faults:

My fuel pump went the first week I purchased the car and it had to be replaced twice since then.

Platinum plugs on the gasket have to be replaced every two years.

Sensors were replaced in 2004, I just replaced them again (2006)

The door came without manual locks, so I have to use the car remote to lock and unlock doors. Of course I didn't find this out until 2005 when my remote broke and I noticed the locks weren't turning. The dealership didn't help, saying I'm the one that could have taken the locks out of the car doors.

General Comments:

The contour sport is a fast car, but it's a gas guzzler.

I wish I purchased a Toyota or Honda.

Ford's sales people aren't very nice.

Faults:

The car has been reliable for me for the most part.

At around 50,000 miles the fuel pump went bad, but I had heard about that problem with the later model Contours. I took it to my local Ford dealership (HUGE MISTAKE) after they attempted to charge me $1000 to install a fuel pump (and I told them they are crazy). I took it to my normal mechanic and they did it for $500.

At around 58,000 miles the brake cables froze (I live in MD where last winter the temperature dropped to 15 degrees at one point). I got them replaced for around about $150.

General Comments:

I really love how this car performs. It has pretty good acceleration off the line and has a great top end rush of power.

The car really flies around the curves, especially since I added the 17 wheels and Toyo high performance tires.

I really wish it had more power and a little more compliant ride.

Faults:

Fuel pump - since the car is a 1999 and newer model, it is a returnless fuel system - In other words, have fun dropping the gas tank to get at the pump.

Brakes - Good for 20k of spirited driving, but again have fun finding the right replacement parts - I had luck through Ford of Europe.

DPFE sensor and EGR valve - replacement at 50k should be mandatory - parts for that are cheap at Autozone :)

Don't forget the "moose" - air intake noise that is attributable to the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve. Contour.org has a great list of fixes.

General Comments:

I've owned a number of muscle cars and sports cars, and this is by far, the most comfortable one and easiest to work on (once you track down the parts) of the bunch.

It isn't a "rocket sled" by any means, but it holds its own merging into traffic from a dead stop. Especially with an aftermarket intake system, and a stainless mandrel bent custom exhaust system (best modification for the money).

The interior was designed by a hyperactive five year old, however; there is a persistent squeak from the trunk and the dashboard that I can't find, and when it's below freezing, the squeaking can get pretty bad until the interior warms up. The tires are pricey, and, for some reason 215 50-16's are almost impossible to find for under 180$... I used 215 55-16's, and it does make the car handle differently (marginally).