10th Feb 2006, 20:15
I have a 98 Ford contour SVT. It is junk. It shuts itself off while I am driving it at high speeds, when I sit at a light or turn corners. I have had it in the Ford shop repeatedly where they have sold me a bunch of unneeded service including, but not limited to replacing fuel injectors, blow out pipes and replace air filters. I spent a small fortune tying to get it to stop shutting off. I even wrote to Mr. Ford twice with no help. The mechanics at ford even had the audacity to say that I was a girl and didn't know how to shift. I have been driving standard shift for over 30 years. My sunroof will not open, the battery light and air bag lights come on and off at will and the check engine light comes on about 20 miles after resetting and stays always on. I am surprised that Ford ever sells anyone a second car.
5th Nov 2007, 19:47
I had a 98 SVT, and you guys don't know how lucky you are to still own one. I miss my car so much I'd do anything to have it back. It was black. I had to sell it; kids come first. If you're ever in the Delpi In. area, look me up. I'd love to go for one last ride in the only car Ford ever made.
Matt Jenkins.
31st Mar 2008, 22:54
I bought a 98 Contour SVT and fixed it up. The car is a beast, I'm only 17 but I leave my friends in the dust. The car is fun and affordable, it's my dream and I'm never letting her go. I have street raced many times against foreign cars and only lost to a Toyota Supra.
1st Jul 2008, 14:38
Seriously impressed with this car, by the time I shifted into second gear I knew there was something special about this car. From the outside you wouldn't think it's a world class car. Sure its not perfect, but what car is.
You have enough grunt, point and go handling, and enough room to haul friends. The most impressive part are the intangibles, the way it makes you feel. This car is for the driving enthusiast.
13th Jan 2009, 13:33
The bit about only having "high" on the blower... that's (almost certainly) a bad blower resistor unit. It's just a printed circuit board, and it's a really simple fix (assuming it's accessible... I've done it on my Toyota and Nissan, but never a Ford).
12th Oct 2010, 20:38
Bought my 1998 SVT from a friend of the family. One owner who took great care of it.
It drives and runs great even for 177,000 miles. Rebuilt the wiring harness that powers the fuel injectors. For some reason Ford decided to skimp on wire quality that year. Took about 12-14 hours total work time and a lot of cussing, but was fun for the most part.
The tach quit working, but other than that, it's a great little car. Handles well. "Sticks corners."
David, Central Texas.
19th Mar 2004, 14:54
I own an SVT and even though I have had some problems, it is a dream to drive. I always have a smile on my face when the rubber meets the pavement. Most of my friends drive souped up hondas and the like and all of them drool over the SVT when I bring it around, and yes the engine seems to be much stronger than 200 hp. It hugs corners takes off in any gear at any speed, and you are in total comfort in super snug bucket seats the whole time.