1998 Ford Contour SVT Review
1998 Ford Contour SVT Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Energetic performance in the spirit of more expensive German sedans.
Cons
- Small-lettered stereo which is hard to tune without taking your eyes off the road, back seat is inadequate for most full-size adults.
What’s new
Ford's SVT gurus turn their attention to the Contour, and the end result is this thoroughly enjoyable, near 200-horsepower sport sedan. As with all Contour models for this year, the SVT has the new face that gives this Ford more character (though the new taillight treatment is almost identical to the Contour's cousin, the Mercury Mystique). Halfway through the model year, the SVT got new wheels and tires, a slightly revised suspension and depowered airbags.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Ford Contour SVT 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$200/mo for Contour SVT Base
Contour SVT Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
In the last two years, the Contour has won plenty of awards and has received great press from automotive critics, but still hasn't caught on with the public at large. For 1998, exterior enhancements are designed to attract attention to this oft-forgotten compact car, while interior improvements are supposed to make it even more inviting to drive. The good news for enthusiasts is that Ford has sent the already-competent Contour to its Special Vehicle Team for some high-performance tuning. The result is the Contour SVT, and it promises to embarrass more than a few sport coupe owners in the stoplight drags or in a run through the twisties.
Headlining the SVT's list of goodies is the sweet V6 under the new hood. The engine, a massaged 2.5-liter Duratec V6 that benefits from Extrude Hone Powerflow technology (a process that polishes the upper intake manifold plenum, intake runners and secondary intake ports with a gritty putty-like substance to improve airflow), still makes 195 horsepower at 6,625 rpm and 165 pound-feet of torque at 5,625 rpm. This translates to a somewhat unimpressive Ford-tested 0-60 time of 7.9 seconds, but the fun in running the Contour SVT to redline is in the mellifluous engine note, not sheer acceleration. The braking system is still sourced from the Europe-only Ford Mondeo, and it features 10.9-inch vented front discs that help the Contour SVT slam to a stop from 60 mph in 134 feet, according to Ford testing. Antilock brakes are standard.
In terms of driving dynamics, the Contour SVT is one hell of a car. Grip is extraordinary, and the ride is sensational. Impact harshness is not a term one can associate with a Contour SVT. This car filters out road imperfections without disrupting the finer points of communication between car and driver. The engine revs freely, accompanied by a throaty growl that pastes a big grin on the driver's face. Watch that rev limiter though, because the Contour SVT never feels like it's ready to give up as you rip through the gears on your way to a top speed of 143 mph.
There are few items that we can complain about. The cupholders are no good at holding drinks when driving anywhere near as quickly as the Contour SVT wants to go. Also, we wish there was a center armrest for Interstate cruising. The stereo buttons are too small and require too much concentration to operate, and the rear seat lacks legroom, though it's quite hospitable for kids, and adults won't mind a short trip riding back there.
Apart from these minor gripes, the Contour SVT is a fine little sport sedan that we recommend heartily.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Ford Contour SVT.
5 star(60%)
4 star(33%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
43 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
1998 Contour SVT
Tony n Astoria, 06/30/2008
1998 Ford Contour SVT 4dr Sedan
I bought my 10 year old C-SVT two weeks ago and every time I pull out of first gear that gitty grin on my face appears. Talk about cheap thrills! For around 3,000 bucks and the performance you get, it has to be one of the most overlooked cars around, albeit you can find one. Imagine if a Mustang GT and a Miata had a kid, the result would be a Contour SVT. It begs to be redlined, and … you'll be there before you know it. The growl out of the Duratec engine is the sweetest sound I ever heard in a V6 and the best handling FWD I've ever drove. I know it's not perfect, but what car is? I know I'll spend money for a water pump, 02 sensor, fuel pump, etc. but it's well worth the price of admission.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Fun simple car
Contour SVT Lover, 07/15/2006
1998 Ford Contour SVT 4dr Sedan
Bought the car with 84,000 miles and love it. Fun, quick & fast. Can't beat this car for the value and what it offers in the area of performance. Very simple interior and controls, leather is nice, fold down seat a plus. I bought this car to have a simple and fun sports sedan. I would recommend the Contour SVT to any one who wants a fun car to drive without the troubles of long … import repair issues. All part are in stock and get to the mechanic that day. The lug pattern is obscure and hard to find wheels for it.
4.5 out of 5 stars
If you can find one get one
SVTbeliever, 04/14/2006
1998 Ford Contour SVT 4dr Sedan
I found this car looking for a used vehicle in the 2-3k range. This car was listed for $2999 on a used Honda lot. The manager thought it was a regular Contour model and I snatched it up after the test drive. It had over 160k miles on it when I bought it, but ran like a new car. I wasn't sure when looking at it from the outside, but when I say in the driver's seat I felt at home. I … have never had as much fun driving any other car. This isn't the fastest car, or prettiest car. This is a car that will give you extreme value and enjoyment no matter what type of driving you do. Not built as a speed machine, but can accelerate easily through winding roads. Great tires are a MUST!
4.25 out of 5 stars
Everything I Wanted and More
Mr.Jinks, 10/19/2005
1998 Ford Contour SVT 4dr Sedan
You can't beat the burble this engine produces! Between the intake and the exhaust, this has to be the sweetest sounding stock engine around. With the addition of a SuperChip and a K&N filter, it's almost perfect. It's not the quickest off the line due to it's front drive configuration, but this car isn't about drag racing - it's about driving. It handles like it's on rails and stops on … a nickel (not quite a dime!). I couldn't be happier. Especially considering I got it 4 years old with 14k miles on it!
1998 Contour SVT Highlights
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $200/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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