Soft brakes are usually caused by:
- air in the brake lines
- bad brake master cylinder
- not enough brake fluid
- old brake fluid
- filler cap vent holes are clogged or dirty
- sometimes an incorrect installation of the brake pad spring retaining clip

Check the following:
http://www.contour.org/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=004841
http://www.contour.org/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=007213

1996 Contour SE Sedan 4D (Royal Blue)
Duratec V6 2.5L 24-valve DOHC
Automatic
75,000 miles
No Mods (unless you call the DMD a mod)
Replaced EGR valve (gunked up), EVR (EGR VR), PCV valve, and evaporative emissions hose (cracked).