Well, Yes there are people that have problems with the cars, but I would say that it is more a question of the cars condition and how it was cared for than the fact that it's a Contour. The only real problems or defects that we as a community have found with the are the Waterpumps, Front Control Arm Bushings, and premature engine failure.
The first can be solved with a Metal Impelar water pump you can purchase for 70 bucks + the labor to replace it.
The second is being worked on so that we can have aftermarket bushings when the originals fail.
The third is much debated but right now it is beleived to be fixed with a Dual Mode Dampener off the European Mondeo and an Extra quart of oil.
I would say more than anythign find an adult owned car that was maintianed well. Tehn you should have very few problems. Also there are still some out there under warrenty.
