I had a w/p (stressed out after being stuck in snow), front control arm bushings, side trans. mount, alternator, CV boot, RF end link, left tie rod end, blower switch, fuel neck flapper, power brake booster vacuum line and rear end links all go out in the year I've owned my 'tour. My old boss panned my car every time I would have a problem, and my response was always: at least it's not a HUNN-dai (he has a '99 Accent 3-door). Ford had wanted a Euopean-styled car when they built the Contour. Unfortunately, they got the quality-control problems along for the ride (maybe they'll get lucky with the Mazda6 clone next time). I just take it in stride, tho': I've had less downtime on this car than I ever did with my Pontiac Grand Prix. If someone doesn't like my car... SCREW 'EM! It's MY car! They just show their ignorance, anyway.
BTW, a bodyman once complained that Contours are horrible to work on. I don't think so; Last week I had to replace my bumper, lights and header panel that a nasty blonde you-know-what destroyed with a borrowed Navigator. I didn't even have to transfer screw clips! Lovely!
