Ford Contour
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ford Contour | |
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1995–2000 |
| Assembly | Kansas City, Missouri Hermosillo, Mexico |
| Predecessor | Ford Tempo |
| Successor | Ford Fusion |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | Ford CDW27 platform |
| Engine | 2.0 L Zetec I4 2.5 L Duratec V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed MTX-75 manual 4-speed CD4E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in |
| Length | 185.3 in 183.9 in (SVT) |
| Width | 69.1 in |
| Height | 54.4 in 54.5 in (SVT) |
| Related | Ford/Mercury Cougar Ford Mondeo Mercury Mystique |
| Similar | Chevrolet Malibu Dodge Stratus Plymouth Breeze |
The Ford Contour was a North American variant of the European Ford Mondeo sedan sold by Ford Motor Company. It was sold in North America from 1995 through 2000. The platform also underpinned a Mercury version called Mystique and the 1999 to 2002 iteration of the Mercury Cougar. It was called the Contour in the US as Ford thought people would associate Mondeo with 'Rodeo'.
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[edit] Overview
Ford introduced the Contour to the North American market in late 1994 to replace the aging Tempo. Like its predecessor, the Contour remained a compact car, according to the EPA. Development of the Contour, the nearly identical Mercury Mystique and the Mondeo in Europe was a major project for Ford Motor Company; reportedly US$6 billion was invested in the development of the CDW27 platform. The Contour filled the market and size gap between the Escort and the larger Taurus. The Contour was slightly larger than the Tempo and was only available as a sedan. By contrast, the European Mondeo was also available as a hatchback and a wagon.
Initially, three trim levels were available; a base GL, a more luxurious LX and a sporty SE trim. A 125 hp, 2.0 L Zetec inline four-cylinder engine was standard on the GL and LX models, while a 170 hp 2.5 L Duratec V6, originally designed as a Porsche project before it was sold to Ford, was standard on SE models and optional on the LX model. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on all models, with a 4-speed automatic as an option. Prices ranged from about US$14,000 for base GL versions to just under US$20,000 for an SE with all available options.
However, in April 1996, Ford produced a "Sport" model in both the 2.0 L four-cylinder and 2.5 L V6. The "Sport" model was an option in both SE and GL series.
In 1998, Ford restyled the Contour and added the SVT version, which utilized a specially tuned and modified version of the 2.5 L V6 that produced 195 hp and was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission, making the Contour SVT one of the hottest numbers in its class. The restyle was based on the facelifted Mondeo which had been launched in Europe two years earlier. Also included with the SVT Contour was new bodywork, seats and trim, white-faced gauges, larger wheels with ultra high performance tires, upgraded brakes and a retuned suspension. Slowing sales in later model years prompted Ford to cut back production of the Contour, and by 2000 only the SE model and the SVT version remained. The Contour SVT was available primarily by special order by specially designated Ford dealerships.
[edit] End of the Contour
After the 2000 model year, the Contour was canceled because of decreasing sales, and the Kansas City plant was retooled to build the Ford Escape. Many editors remarked that the car, sized for Europe, had a small interior compared to peers such as the Dodge Stratus, though many praised the car for its European handling and V6 power. The Contour (alongside the Ford Escort) were replaced by the Focus as Ford's compact car. Mid-size car buyers were steered toward larger Taurus, while small car buyers purchased the smaller Focus. In reality, though, the departure of the Contour left a gap in Ford's lineup which wouldn't be filled till the 2006 introduction of the Fusion, one of the Taurus's successors.
[edit] Engines
- 2.0 L Zetec I4 125 hp (97 kW)
- 2.5 L Duratec 25 V6 170hp (125 kW)
- 2.5 L Duratec 25 V6 195 hp (145 kW) (1998-1999 SVT)
- 2.5 L Duratec 25 V6 200 hp (149 kW) (1999-2000 SVT)
[edit] Trims
- GL= base model (1995-1998 only)
- LX= Luxury (1995-1999 only)
- SE= Special Edition
- SVT= Sport Edition (1998-2000 only)
[edit] Year-to-year changes
[edit] 1996
- The backs of the front seats were recessed, improving rear seat leg room.
- Rear seat cushions were repositioned to increase room.
- Chrome bumper strips were dropped, resulting in bumpers that were solidly colored.
- Seven-spoke alloy wheels become standard for SE model.
- Split rear seats now available on all models.
[edit] 1997
- New value-priced base model introduced in late 1997.
- Traction control is dropped as an option.
- Added interior trunk light.
- Steering wheels now tilt.
- Power antenna added.
- Heated mirrors are dropped as an option.
- Remote fuel door release is dropped.
[edit] 1998
- New design for front and rear fascias, including a chrome grille and larger headlights.
- 5-speed manual transmission changed from rod shift to cable shift.
- High-performance SVT version debuts, available only in Silver Frost, Toreador Red, and Black Ebony with Midnight Blue interior.
- Roof line altered and the rear deck shortened for improved rear seat headroom.
- Seat recliner is changed from a knob to a lever.
- Seatbelt for rear center seat is improved from 2-point to 3-point.
- New center consoles.
- Glove box light, underhood light, and door handle lights are removed.
Note: In mid-production for the 1998 model, Ford decided to make several more changes to the SVT Contour. This resulted in a noticeable distinction between early and late 1998 SVT Contours. To differentiate between the two, many people refer to the late 1998 model as the "1998.5", or alternatively refer to the early 1998 model as the "E0" and the late 1998 model as the "E1". The mid-year changes are as listed below.
- Base and GL models are dropped, leaving the LX, SE, and SVT.
- Split rear seats are now available only on the SE model.
- In-dash clock is relocated to the stereo head unit display.
- New Cobra-style SVT aluminum alloy wheels.
- Different strut valving and tires raising skid pad numbers from .84g to .90g.
[edit] 1999
- SVT was upped 5 hp to 200 hp due to additional Extrude Honing of the primary and secondary intake ports.
- All models are equipped with a slightly larger fuel tank.
- SVT is offered in Tropic Green.
- Revised transmission syncros to address an issue in the 98 SVT's.
- Slight change in dash design. Plastic piece around front window was eliminated.
[edit] 2000
- LX model is dropped, leaving only the SE and SVT.
- Displacement on the Duratec V6 engine decreased slightly, but compression ratio is increased to compensate.
[edit] Awards
The Contour was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1995, 1996 and 1997. The Contour was also named as an Automobile Magazine All Star for 1995, 1996 and 1997. For the SVT trim, Edmunds.com named the Contour SVT the most wanted sedan under $25,000 for the year of 1999.
[edit] See also
[edit] References and source data
- [1] - ConsumerGuide.com Ford Contour 1995-2000 Prices & Review - (compares to Honda Accord)
