1998 - 2000 Ford Contour

The Ford Contour is a compact sedan that was produced by Ford from 1995 to 2000. It was a successor to the Ford Tempo and was designed to compete with other compact sedans in the market.

The Ford Contour featured a sleek and aerodynamic design, with a curved hood and rounded edges. It had a spacious interior with comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The trunk had ample cargo space for a compact sedan.

Under the hood, the Contour offered a range of engine options. The base model came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while higher trims had the option of a 2.5-liter V6 engine. The engines were mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of performance, the Contour had a reputation for being sporty and agile. It had responsive handling and a smooth ride, making it a fun car to drive. The V6 engine offered more power and acceleration compared to the base four-cylinder engine.

The Ford Contour was also known for its safety features. It came equipped with dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, and optional traction control. In crash tests, it received good ratings for occupant protection.

However, the Contour was not without its drawbacks. Some owners reported issues with reliability and durability, particularly with the automatic transmission. It also had a relatively high cost of ownership in terms of maintenance and repairs.

Despite its flaws, the Ford Contour was popular among buyers looking for a compact sedan with a sporty feel. It offered a comfortable ride, ample interior space, and decent fuel efficiency. Today, it is considered a classic car and is appreciated by enthusiasts for its unique design and performance.

The Ford Contour underwent several changes and redesigns throughout its production years. Here are some of the main models and generations of the Ford Contour:

First Generation (1995-1997):

• The first generation of the Ford Contour was introduced in 1995 as a compact sedan.
• It was available in three trim levels: base, GL, and LX.
• The base engine was a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, while the GL and LX trims offered a 2.5L V6 engine as an option.
• The first generation Contour featured a sleek and aerodynamic exterior design.

Second Generation (1998-2000):

• In 1998, the Ford Contour received a facelift and a few changes for its second generation.
• The exterior design was updated, featuring a more rounded and modern look.
• The engine options remained the same, with the base engine being a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and the optional engine being a 2.5L V6.
• The second generation Contour also introduced new safety features such as dual front airbags and ABS brakes.

Redesign to Ford Focus (2000):

• In 2000, Ford discontinued the Contour model and replaced it with the Ford Focus.
• The decision to discontinue the Contour was due to declining sales and the desire to focus on the more popular compact car segment.
• The Ford Focus became the successor to the Contour, offering a more modern and versatile compact car option.

Overall, the Ford Contour went through two generations, with the second generation receiving a facelift before being replaced by the Ford Focus. The Contour offered a stylish and compact sedan option for consumers in the mid-1990s and early 2000s.

The Ford Contour was available with a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter inline-four, a 2.5-liter V6, and a high-performance 2.5-liter SVT V6.

The base engine in the Contour was a 2.0-liter inline-four, which produced 125 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. This engine was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, with a 4-speed automatic transmission available as an option. This engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, but it was not particularly quick.

For those seeking more performance, the Contour was also available with a 2.5-liter V6 engine, which produced 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. This engine was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. The V6 engine provided significantly better acceleration and performance than the base inline-four, making the Contour a sportier option in the midsize sedan segment.

The most powerful and performance-oriented version of the Contour was the SVT model, which featured a 2.5-liter SVT V6 engine. This engine produced 195 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, and it was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The SVT Contour featured sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a limited-slip differential, making it a true performance sedan.

Overall, the Contour offered a range of engine options to suit different driving preferences, from the efficient base inline-four to the powerful SVT V6. The available manual transmission options added to the sporty and engaging driving experience of the Contour. However, the automatic transmission option on the base engine was not as refined or responsive.

The fuel economy of a Ford Contour depends on various factors, including the model year, engine type, and driving conditions.

For example, the 1999 Ford Contour with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine has an average fuel economy of around 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.

On the other hand, the 1999 Ford Contour with a 2.5L V6 engine has an average fuel economy of around 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.

Newer models of the Ford Contour, such as the 2000-2004 models, may have slightly different fuel economy ratings, but they are generally similar to the figures mentioned above.

It's important to note that these figures are just average estimates, and actual fuel economy can vary based on driving habits, maintenance, and other factors.

The interior of the Ford Contour is relatively spacious, with plenty of head and legroom for both driver and passengers. The seats are comfortable, providing adequate support for long journeys. The cabin is well-designed, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly layout. The materials used are of good quality, giving the interior a premium feel. However, some may find that the rear seats lack sufficient comfort and padding.

On the outside, the Ford Contour has a sleek and stylish design, with clean lines and a modern look. The exterior dimensions are compact, making it easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces. The body is well-built and sturdy, with good build quality and durability.

In terms of comfort, the Ford Contour offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The suspension system is well-tuned, absorbing bumps and road imperfections effectively. The cabin is also well-insulated from outside noise and vibrations, further enhancing the comfort of the ride. The air conditioning system provides efficient cooling and heating, ensuring a pleasant temperature inside the vehicle. However, some may find that the seats lack sufficient cushioning and lumbar support for extended periods of driving.

The Ford Contour is a compact sedan that was produced by Ford from 1995 to 2000. While it may not have all the modern infotainment and connectivity features found in today's cars, there are still some options available to enhance the entertainment and connectivity capabilities of the Contour.

One option for upgrading the infotainment system in the Contour is to install an aftermarket head unit. This can provide features such as Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB and auxiliary inputs for connecting smartphones and other devices, and even Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility for accessing certain smartphone apps and features on the car's display.

Another option is to add a portable Bluetooth speaker or audio adapter. This can allow you to wirelessly stream music from your phone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to the car's speakers, without the need for a new head unit installation.

In terms of connectivity, there are also options to add USB charging ports or power outlets to the vehicle. This can provide convenient charging points for smartphones, tablets, or other devices while on the go.

Additionally, there are accessories available that can provide connectivity for navigation and internet access. For example, there are portable GPS devices that can be mounted on the dashboard or windshield for navigation assistance. There are also portable Wi-Fi hotspots that can be connected to the car's power outlet or USB port to provide internet access for passengers.

Overall, while the Ford Contour may not have all the advanced infotainment and connectivity features found in modern cars, there are still options available to enhance its capabilities and provide a more enjoyable and connected driving experience.

The Ford Contour is a compact sedan that was produced by Ford Motor Company from 1995 to 2000. During its production years, the Contour offered a range of safety and driver-assistance features designed to enhance the overall safety and comfort of the vehicle.

1. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): The Contour was equipped with ABS, which helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking and allows the driver to maintain steering control.

2. Dual Front Airbags: The Contour had dual front airbags as standard equipment, providing protection for both the driver and front passenger in the event of a collision.

3. Side-Impact Protection: The Contour featured side-impact door beams and reinforced pillars to provide additional protection in the event of a side collision.

4. 3-Point Seatbelts: The Contour came with 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions, ensuring that occupants are properly restrained in the event of a crash.

5. Child Safety Features: The Contour had child safety locks on the rear doors, preventing young passengers from opening the doors while the vehicle is in motion. It also had lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) to secure child seats.

6. Traction Control: Some models of the Contour were equipped with traction control, which helps to improve grip and prevent wheel spin on slippery surfaces.

7. Power-Assisted Steering: The Contour had power-assisted steering, which made it easier to maneuver the vehicle at low speeds and provided a more stable steering feel at higher speeds.

8. Remote Keyless Entry: The Contour offered remote keyless entry, allowing the driver to lock or unlock the vehicle from a distance, enhancing convenience and safety.

9. Rear-View Mirror with Auto-Dimming: The rear-view mirror in the Contour had an auto-dimming feature, which automatically adjusts the mirror's brightness to reduce glare from headlights of vehicles behind.

10. Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers: The Contour featured variable intermittent windshield wipers, allowing the driver to adjust the speed of the wipers according to the intensity of rain, ensuring clear visibility.

Overall, the Ford Contour offered a range of safety and driver-assistance features for its time, providing occupants with protection and convenience on the road.