What network did you watch Top Gear on? I think marketing may have been a problem, and lack of rear seat room. The Tempo/Topaz cars were not the biggest market segment for Ford, and the Contours replaced those (I was happy!) The car magazines did like the Contour if I recall, and Consumer Reports did as well (until repair data came in..). European needs were met more directly than American needs by the car. I do notice we are not overrun by BMW's or even VW's here in the states.
