Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General FAQ: Contour Reliability/Issues/Pros/Cons

I've got 203,000 miles on the original (assume white plastic) waterpump on my '99. My hunch is the water pump will outlive the rest of the car.

Idle Air Control, car tries to die while in reverse and shops get embarrassed about it because they kill an Automatic.
In the past three years I have owned my car, I have had the following problems...

I have replaced the motor because of dropped rod due to water in oil.

Hydraulic lifters on the zetec need to be revved above 4000 RPM to keep from sticking.

I have heard nightmare stories involving the Duratecs in general.
A/C compressor locking up, need to replace it.
Other than that, reg maint...

Pros,
Really fun to drive, Love the handling, but can't wait until I get the new shocks and struts put on, the set I have right now are 140,xxx miles old...
Sounds awsome for a four banger...
pretty reliable IMHO for the age.

The IAC is definitely my nemesis...I replaced the IAC on my '95 twice, and the one on my '97 is not great but not intolerable.

But as far as pros go, I simply don't think you can get a sedan with a V6, manual transmission, and the handling at anywhere near the price point that you get with the Contour. The interior is well laid out and logical, the size of the car is a nice balance between reasonable utility, comfort, and compactness. The body looks good in full-on SVT dress, but also without any add-ons except a decent set of 16"+ rims.

I'd add the accumulator being wrapped in foam which causes it to rot out in high humidity areas. I'm on my third Contique now that has the same problem.

For PRO'S we definitely need 'low insurance' and 'great bang for buck' due to the pricing!

Common issues -
Fuel pump (dirty sock)
Moosing
Rear sway bar brackets(?)

Not so common -
Tire rub with larger tires

Pro:
I-4 only:
non-interference engine
Long timing belt change intervals
generally reliable

I-4 cons:
VCT on exhaust cam - makes extensive mods difficult
timing belt idler pully - not generally an issue if you get the Gates kit when belt needs changing

V-6 pros:
Cam timing chains - not belts
fairly solid performance
generally reliable except for CELs

V-6 cons:
precats
agressive maintenance required to keep top performance and to avoid CELS

Platform pros:
Capable of nearly everything. It's a sport sedan with available fold down rear seats.
Dead sexy looks. The 98+ cars especially.
Generally quite reliable and will usually not leave you stranded
Can be had cheap
SVT performance parts are available for V-6 cars
SVT aesthetic parts will fit all 98+ cars

Platform cons:
straight line traction
freakin' CELs up the wazoo!
fuel mileage seems to be sub-par in ATX equipped cars.

i guess this would be the place to post this but i dont have a contour but plan on getting an svt, now for those of you that have had or do have an svt how hard is it to work on? would you say harder than another car you have had or easier...etc.


also if this is posted wrong please let me know...just thought that may be a pro or con...i also own a zx2 escort if that helps with anyones decision because im coming out of working on a 4cyl going into a v6 and never owning anything but my current car

Harder than an escort yes, but you get used to it. The 2 extra cylinders are worth it.

To sorta add to Jim's post...

VCT is only on 98+, if getting a zetec get a pre98 if possible.

Platform pros:
Upgrade parts available from Ford such as Roush stuff (well, back in the day, springs/sway bar/wheels), 3L engine, Torsen diff,etc.

Fuel mileage subpar in atx equipped cars may only apply to duratecs, my zetec gets awesome gas mileage. Because of gearing, it's real good at higher speeds.