Good to see someone from SVT here. I can only speak to my own ownership experience so far. Other than a sticking throttle and a noisy rear suspension, I've had zero problems with the 99 SVT after 47500 miles and climbing daily. Yes, the interior certainly doesn't match up with some of it's competitors and road noise stinks compared to the German/Jap rivals, but I enjoy the exclusivity of the SVT products, so I guess for me the exclusivity was more important than the potential quality issues.
I also recognize the the SVT Contour was SVT's first foray into the FWD performance sedan segment. So to a certain extent I would imagine that the SVT Contour was a "live and learn" experience for SVT just as much as it was for the CEG'ers here on this board.
I for one recognize that we cannot really compare the SVT Contour to the SVT Cobra in brand recognition or popularity. I completely understand why SVT jumped all over the 99 Cobra engine problema, the SVT Cobra is SVT's claim to fame, I would've done the same thing no doubt.
I see the SVT Focus and while it's not for me (have three kids/wife), I see that SVT has learned a thing or two from the Contour effort and I'm personally glad to see it. My only question is:
Is SVT considering an SVT version of any other Ford 4 door sedan at this point in the game?
I for one am trying to plan out what I'll be driving in a few years and I'd like to see SVT get another product offering in the high-po 4 door sedan market, especially since the SHO isn't around any more...
------------------ Regards,
Craig J. Baldwin 99 SVT Contour - Silver - #49/2760 - ES Front Motor Mount Inserts, Bosche +4's w/Magnecore 8.5mm Competition wires, RActive Racing Pedals, KKM/Pro-M 75mm MAF in the garage...
