Used 1996 Ford Contour Sedan Consumer Reviews
Ok car - has a lot of little problems
I got my contour back in 98, it had 30,000 miles on it. Within the first month I had to take it in for the recall on the heat blower switch. Then I had to have new rotors put on it a couple months after that. It seemed to run good for a while. Now the latest is that I have no dash lights, the right hand blinker doesn't work, the heater switch doesn't work again and it runs loud. But it is pretty reliable as I haven't had any major things go on it.
I miss my contour
This is a fun car to drive. I have not really had any major problems with it, just a few recalls that had to be taken care of (headlight connector and heating switch or something like that.) I have the 4 cyl engine and it still has kick after 7 years, just make sure you keep up the maintanance. It is in the shop now getting the timing belt replaced, can't wait to get it back :-)
dependable
My wife and I bought our 96 contour with 45k and drove it to 98k in 2 years. The car was dependable but seemed to have a ghost, blinker blinked fast occasionally, interior lights sometimes worked, died if went in reverse and braked quickly sometimes, the front wheel popped when turning all the way a direction, rear made a rubbing noise over bumps, med/hi worked on blower if turned slowly. Shifter coming out of drive into park was rough. No major problems just routine things.
Worst car I ever owned
This vehicle has had too many problems to mention. It has had the electrical system replaced twice. All the A/C vents inside are broken. All the cup holders are too flimsy. The A/C fan components have been replaced at least once.
Many miles, still running
I have 173,000 miles on the contour and it still runs very well. No loss in compression or fuel mileage. Had to replace 2 power window motors, timing belt tensioner, and front ball joints. I hope to get 200k miles before I send it to its final resting place!