1996 Ford Contour GL 2.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

A wolf in sheep's clothing

Faults:

2 of 3 catalytic converters had to be replaced at ~100,000km's.

Hand brake seized, easily fixed.

Other than that, nothing and this car has been driven hard.

General Comments:

Excellent car. Stunning performance for a sedan in this category. The V6 fitted with a 5 speed manual transmission is the only way to go with this car.

Great car to own/drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd April, 2001

1996 Ford Contour LS 2.0L EFI from North America

Summary:

A lemon of a car which is costing me more than a BMW

Faults:

Transmission split at 60,000 miles.

Brake pads and rotors had to be replaced twice in a three week period.

Wheel bearings are being replaced for the third time in one month.

Sway bar keeps sliding to the right and rubbing on the vehicle body.

Lugs have fallen off and become loosened on the front tires twice.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th March, 2001

21st Jun 2001, 09:11

First there is no such car as a Contour LS, second lugs fall off because they were not torqued properly. All cars require regular maintance, BMWs are just as expensive in that dept.

1996 Ford Contour SE 2.5 Duratec V6 from North America

Summary:

A great sporty car that leaves you with money to spare

Faults:

Driver's power window failure.

Water pump.

CD player.

General Comments:

We bought the car in a rush decision and have really enjoyed it. It handles great, has a strong engine and is good on gas. Our contour is sporty and looks good. I would definitely recomend the SE model, it looks a lot better and the V6 is a lot of fun.

The only complaints are Ford service departments and the fit and finish of the car could be a little better.

Our SE has every option offered in the year it was made, the leather seats are extremely comfortable on long trips.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2001

1996 Ford Contour GL 2.5l V6 from North America

Faults:

Vacuum leak - $100.

MAF sensor - $250.

Both non warranty items within 3 mos.

General Comments:

I tried an American car and it let me down. As I write this I am looking for another Camry. The biggest let down is a total lack of dealer support. I stated to the dealer that two repairs of defects (out of warranty) in 3 months was poor, but two separate dealers didn't seem to care. They seemed to have the attitude that it happens to them all. I am used to getting over 150,000 miles from Toyotas with no problems. I enjoy driving the car, but not taking it to the dealer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th February, 2000

3rd Apr 2001, 12:22

When I read this, I thought that maybe I submitted it without remembering it. This is exactly what happen to my car. I will never buy another Ford as long as I live. The service from the dealership has been terrible. I took it in 3 times for these same issues and nothing was fixed but I had paid a total of $350. Finally the fourth time was a charm and for only $141. What a bargain.

I sold a Toyota Camery for this car. My old Camery hasn't had any problems and the person I sold it to drives over 100 miles a day. I drive 10.

1996 Ford Contour SE 2.5L Duratec V-6 from North America

Faults:

1. Blown engine/"spun rod bearing"/oil starvation on extended high-speed right turn.

2. Oxygen sensor.

3. Power window on driver's side (cable).

4. Disc rotors wear quickly.

General Comments:

Car is a joy to drive, especially the handling in turns. Decent gas mileage (25-30 mpg) considering type of car and my driving habits. Ford quality may be better but still has a way to go in terms of things going "wrong"; OTOH, car is still solid as a rock, no rattles, etc. at 76000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th September, 1999

21st May 2001, 20:31

I love my 95 contour se, but the brakes all the way around the car are junk.

1996 Ford Contour Se 2.5 V6 from North America

Faults:

Warped Rotors in 48,000km. LF Wheel bearing was replaced after 43,000km. Rear sway bar bushings replaced after 40,000km. All these were done under the warranty.

General Comments:

Amazingly nimble highway car. The best compact sedan value around!!!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 1998