Originally posted by 98 SE:
I'm a big fan of Wikipedia ... too bad it's not always reliable. 
As for problems ... they mentioned headlight hazing but forgot major mechanical ones like waterpumps, alternators, the CD4E transmission .. ?!
I'd edit that part but I'm being lazy right now.
You either missed it or someone edited it in (like you maybe?)
The Contour (particuraly later models) had problems with the plastic lens on the headlight assemblies. In some instances, the clear lens of the headlight assembly would develop micro-cracks and would fog and opaque over time. The end result would be diminished headlight brightness, requiring replacement of the assembly. The exact cause of this is unknown, but UV damage to the plastic may be a factor.
waterpumps, alternators, the CD4E transmission
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