Used 1998 Ford Contour Consumer Reviews
Used Contour for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Oh the Contour
Amanda, 01/03/2008
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the Contour used in 2005 with 110,000 miles, as soon as we pulled off the lot, my power steering pump had a leak and we were unable to drive it home. It costed $350 to fix. Two months after I purchased the car, three window motors/regulators blew. It cost $150 to fix just the drivers side window. About 6 months later, my check engine light came on. O2 Sensor. Replaced it, $100. Came to find out that wasn't the problem, the wires connected to the 02 sensor were messed up, $300 to fix it. After owning the car for two years, I came across the worst problem. Computer was fried, wires to the computer were fried, Timing Belt, and tensioner. $2000 to fix, didn't do it. Just got rid of it.
Nickel and Dime
Disssatisfied, 03/04/2002
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I had bought my 1998 Contour SE in August of 2001 with 31000 miles and currently has 40000 miles. In six months I've had to replace the fuel sensor and PCV valve, Catalytic converter, Alternator, (totalling ~$550)and about another $200+ counting other mechanics fees for just identifing other problems. In addition, I was not notified by Ford about recalls on my car. These repairs should not occur at this mileage and why am I left in the dark about recalls? I am very unimpressed by Ford.
1998 Ford Contour for sale near you
0 of 0 listings
Sorry, there are no 1998 Ford Contour vehicles for sale in our network.
See all 0 listingsGreat car
Michel ouellette, 01/20/2003
1998 Ford Contour LX 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I can't beleive that this car was replaced by the champions of recalls (the Focus). This car looks great, has loads of power, a very reliable engine/transmission (My first priority) AND outstanding handling. I will conceade that it is not the ideal familly vehicle as was intended by Ford due to restricted (even after improvement in 98)rear seat. A child seat is very difficult to use. But this was not a conscen for me. The Duratec is the only All aluminium, dual overhead cam north american engine. And no this is not a Mazda Engine , this is Ford's. And in a 3.o Liter( I wish) the standard engine in base Jaguar S type, Lincon LS, and Jaguar X-type.
Doesnt get more reliable than this car!
Ken , 07/14/2009
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought my SE in 1998 with 15K. Has not let me down once since I bought it. With only regular maintaince it has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. 27MPG in town, and a best of 34MPG on the highway cant be beat. Currently has 112,000 miles and still starts and drives like it did when I bought it. Ride is probably a little stiff to most people, but very well controlled and makes me want to take the curves and turns faster than I really need to. Excellent cornering manners. Very comfortable in town and downright perfect for road trips. Mine has the 2.0 Zetec engine and it delivers more than enough power for commuting, but could use a little more for driving in the mountains.
What a waste
JayCee, 11/25/2008
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought the car in 2003 when I was 16 with about 60,000 miles on it. It was maintenance-free until 2007 at 100,000 miles when O2 sensors went out, followed by the transmission two weeks later. It was all downhill from there with broken belts, more O2 sensors, brakes completely failed, and now it's been in the shop once a month for the past three months. I could have purchased a very nice car after more or less buying the car again via repairs in the past year. Loud cabin noise, dome light fell out of the ceiling, trunk doesn't open with the lever anymore, headlights are incredibly dim, defroster is more or less useless, three cupholders, and one is too shallow to even use.