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Used 1998 Ford Contour Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
101 reviews
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Pros
Cons
4.63 out of 5 stars

Reliable and Fun to Drive

Wumbly, 08/28/2010
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

I have driven my Contour SE practically every day since I bought it new in 1998. It has the 2.5 L Duratec engine and a five speed manual transmission. This car drives and handles like a quality German machine. The manual transmission also has that German response and feel. I've put 225K miles on the car and it's still going strong. The AC quit a couple of years ago, but I'm too cheap to replace it. Other than that, maintenance has been limited to fluid changes, tires, brakes, shocks, and the front ball joints. Believe it or not, I'm still on the original clutch with no signs of slippage.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Bring the Contour back

Leo M. Gates, 07/17/2010
1998 Ford Contour 4dr Sedan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

I bought my '98 Contour (2.0 Zetec VCT, 5 sp manual) with 26,000 miles on it 8 years ago and now it has just crossed over the 100,000 mile mark. It is reliable, comfortable and economical. I've replaced a few things over the years as expected but this car has spoiled me. Sometimes I think it's time to upgrade but when I read reviews,I go running back to my Contour.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great first car

Awlix, 07/27/2010
1998 Ford Contour 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

This car is AMAZING! We bought it at $1500, great condition, and it only had 52,300 miles on it! I haven’t had any big problems with it. The biggest problem was a flex pipe falling off ($150), common problem. Runs and drives smoothly, has great gas mileage, wonderful cooling & heating system. This car gets me from point A to B and even to C. This is my first car and I love it! Large trunk, comfortable back seat, great sound quality, the fans are a bit loud but at least you know your engine won't overheat. Great first car, great turning, overall nice car. This car is small and can maneuver around large objects, but it still has great leg room.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Get a good tow truck plan!

CLAZ, 06/28/2006
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I originally leased this car for two years. I decided to buy the car because I had no problems up until that point. About two months afterwards, my transmission blew. 6 months later it was the engine and so on and so on. I ended up having to bring the car in for a minimum of $500 worth of repairs every 6 months like clockwork. Car had to be towed at least 10 times before I was finally able to get rid of it. Nobody ever really figured out the O2 sensor problem, electric problems,belt problems,etc. It's a shame because the car handled great after the repairs and it was very comfortable. Ford has the worst customer service I have ever experienced, they basically disown you after you leave the lot.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

I would do it again

Bob, 02/28/2010
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Wife bought the car used (26,000 miles) in 2000. I commuted with it for the next 10 years, 72 miles/day for 4 years and 40 miles/day for the remainder. In 146,000 total miles, the worst problem was a/c compressor--$700-at around 50,000 miles. I've also replaced the alternator and the water pump. Gets 30 mpg all the time, no matter where or how I drive. Starting to leak a few bodily fluids, but not bad. Selling her today, but I'll never forget her.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

wasted money

ohwell, 07/31/2004
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Nothing but problems. Nothing but money on top of money. If you are going to buy this car second-hand you have about a 25% chance of getting one that's good. $3500 in 2 yrs and in need another $1200 more. 2 alternators, rack and pinion, etc. I dumped mine. I wouldn't even sell it to another human being.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great Used Car

vishal konnur, 07/18/2008
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I got this car or $2200 with 103,000 miles. For the price, it was a great car. Spacious, enough power and great features .

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Very safe

loved it, 11/26/2003
1998 Ford Contour LX 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I was involved in a bad accident in this car. The car was totaled, both airbags deployed, and the car was hit at a speed in excess of 50mph. I was driving and was able to walk out of the hospital the same day. The safety features of this car are excellent. I loved the car while I had it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car ever owned

Momasauras44, 11/07/2008
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

My Contour was bought for 2,500 with 97,000 miles. I really enjoy my car. I drive it all over town for my job. I've been told it's a cute little get around car. I agree. It now has 127,000 and needing some minor repairs. The timing belt, alternator and steering pulley. All in all, a really great little car.

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1.88 out of 5 stars

Contour

Spisak, 04/22/2003
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Leaks oil, reacalls, recalls, recalls lights come on. Ford should be ashamed

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Fun but with problems

NatG83, 11/04/2009
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Had 2.5L V6, Auto. Interior was mostly cheap materials, but ergonomic and simple. Seats were firm, but comfortable enough. Alot of issues with the HVAC. The fan motor resister pack blew out and the fuse box shorted. Water pump broke at 50,000 miles. The control for the secondaries on the air intake was made of plastic, thus it wouldn't work if it got too hot. Constantly had issues with O2 sensors failing. Had an issue with the fuel filler. Cheap wiring in the doors cause issues with speakers. But, engine was strong. Mileage was good, but the tank was small. Excellent handling with the Sport package. Excellent capability in the weather. Traded in do to misfire and detonation in one cylinder.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my Contour

dcoach, 04/09/2002
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great performance for the price.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Dependable Contour

Mao, 05/27/2002
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is our second Ford Contour. We purchased a 1995 and traded in on teh 1998 model. Both were very dependable, comfortable and responsive. My only regret is that I did not find a 24 valve model (they are rare). Still the standard 4 cylinder performs well and is basically maintenance free. This Ford model is what has taken me away from the Chevrolet models I had previously owned.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Lots of zip; too many recalls

Buckshot, 06/23/2002
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Contour Sport with 2.5liter, 175 hp is a poor man's sports car. Lots of zip when getting on the freeway. Gets up to 80 mph before you know it. Hey, Ford!!! What's with all the recalls????? I lost count at 12, and for really stupid stuff. Air conditioner accumulator rusted through at 45,000 and cost me plenty to cold air flowing again. Wife's car. It's getting traded in later this week for a new Jeep Wrangler.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Wow! I am still in shock!

Natividad, 07/26/2010
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I have always owned "Ford" vehicles but this one has to be the best one yet! I am totally impressed. The Number One tip I can share with everyone is, stay on top of your Oil Changes. I have received many cards stating it has many recalls but the way I figured it was if it isn't broken, "Why fix it!" Now if I would have had a problem then that a different story. I just traveled over 1950 miles and I only spent $87.00 in gas. No lie. So, I have no complains. My car has been everywhere and aside from a flat tire. "To be expected!" no other complains. Thanks Ford Company! I am still a committed customer.

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1 out of 5 stars

A total piece of junk with multiple issues

steve, 08/23/2021
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought one of these from a lot with 80k miles on it and everything you can imagine tore up on it. These cars have bad engines and will overheat and you end up having to just get rid of it. Don't even sell them to anyone else

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5 out of 5 stars

This was a GREAT car!

Emm Cee, 11/20/2019
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This was my very first car. I bought this car back in 2002 and it literally gave me no problems. At first I only drove it locally around the city. Then I ended up moving to Michigan before moving back to Chicago and commuting on the weekends. This car got me up and down the highway (about 3 1/2 hours each way) every weekend with no problem. This car was extremely reliable. The only thing I changed was the battery once and put new fuses (which were in the fuse box in the car) to get my windshield wipers working. That was it. I actually miss this car. Incredible first car and it handled like a pro. I drove it in ALL weather conditions and it never once died on me. If Ford still made this car, I would get it again.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Fords last good vehicle

pablo, 01/10/2010
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought a 98 2.0 Contour in 02' when my 89 Volvo died w/276k. Contour had 58k when I bought it now has 136k. I replaced the orig. timing belt at 102K, did it myself with a book in 6hrs. This car has been nothing but pure joy, all electronic,ac/heat work great. Replaced header exhaust flex pipe 2x, Brakes 2x, car is well maintained at 25 city, 32 hiway mph, engine is still tight and clean no oil burning, when I pulled valve cover to set cams. It has some rot coming thru now in front of rear wheels, orig. rear struts will need to be replaced soon. So impressed with this car I bought a 99' w/59k in 06' and stashed it so I have another. The 99 is just as good. I'm buying a 2.0 2000 to keep 2.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

1998 Ford Contour SE 2.5L Duratec V6

Nick R., 10/14/2009
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My contour was purchased with 9,800 miles in 2003. It was used by an elderly couple until they both passed away. My mother drove it back and forth to work until turning it over to me when I got my driver's license. Today it has just under 80,000 and the car still looks like new. The car has never left me stranded although I have had a couple repairs. Intake manifold gaskets($330) at 34k miles, some pollution device($350 but car was running fine - 55k miles), and just recently replaced tie rod bushing, sway bar link, and control arm bushing. Steering is still tight and the V6 pulls just like it did when pruchased. Have replaced tires, front brake pads and rotors. Avg 25mpg

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2.88 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great 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.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

1998 Ford Contour SE 4 cyl DOHC

Arthur Blessing, 04/10/2009
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased car 1998 thru Hertz- 1998 model w/25,000 miles ; sale: pleasant experience, price quite reasonable, complete file kept on car by them, kept in like new condition by Hertz. Car has been extremely reliable and durable, similar in build quality to my previous Toyota. Front seats very comfortable (I'm 5'-11"), a few minor recalls handled well by Ford dealers, no major failures on car, just replaced things that wore out (belts, brakes, rotors, sparkplugs, thermostat, etc.). At 112,000 miles now still has original starter, alternator, water and fuel pumps, and now needs front end bushings and A/C compressor. Very happy with this car, except for mileage: 20-24 mpg for 4 cyl. car.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Wish we'd never bought it

Atlanta, 10/19/2008
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I never cared for the car from the first day my husband bought it (I was out of town). It was o.k. for the first few years except the speakers never worked right. Then the rear brakes started chattering and we have spent a lot of time and money trying to fix the problem. Took it to a Ford dealer and they couldn't fix it. We've have tried to have it fixed several times at different places but the noise always returns within a few weeks. The front end is always going out of alignment and pulls to one side. Last year, all the seals blew and we spent $1,000 to fix it. We've kept it for our teenagers to drive, but plan to get rid of it next year. It has about 90K miles. CR is right about it.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive

robh, 07/09/2002
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fun to drive ... 170hp and great handling. This car does not have a very snappy engine but when in the power band it pulls well. It also loves to be thrown into the corners. (had to replace a wheel bearing once). The exhaust is still original and I just replaced rear rotors and pads after 55 000 miles. The front disks still look Ok. Things I had problems with: Paint on hood crazing (dealer would not fix) wheel bearing (my fault) recalls air flow sensor a/c expansion valve

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Contour (Recallour)

zx2, 10/31/2002
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Our contour is a gl v6 sport. This car is the king of recalls and is very unreliable. Check engine light is always comming on. Transmission shifts to abruptly. Sunroof most of the time does not work. Ride is to harsh and too much engine noise. Engine is always making growling sounds especially at low speeds. Duratech does not feel as powerful as its 170 hp rating. Paint scratches easily, flimsy car. Drinks alot of gas. Really glad they dont make this troublesome model anymore, think early 80's american car. If yours runs good you probably have a 4 cylinder or hardly drive.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Contour Owner

Skittlzz17, 11/05/2002
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just recently got the contour and so far i love the performance with it. The check engine light is on but not sure why. It does great on the highway and is very comfy!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Good car but too many minor troubles...

cqbiho, 11/10/2002
1998 Ford Contour LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I think this car is nice to drive. Good handling, acceleration and even abraking system. However, the reliability of this car is far from perfect. Normally, cars from Ford is in the same situation.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

a love-hate relationship

ContourMan, 09/20/2002
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have a 98 SE with the 2.5L six and the sport package. I love driving the car because of its steering response and handling, and I'm pretty satisfied with its power (everyone wants a faster 0-60 time, right?). Despite all of this, I can't forget that the tranny burned up at 30k miles. It didn't help matters that the dealer's service department misdiagnosed the problem as something else the first time I took it to them. I like my Contour, but I'm not sure I'll ever buy another Ford.

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5 out of 5 stars

Good Run-Around Car

h25p, 05/28/2002
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The engine light comes on occassionally. I've had it checked and nothing and supposedly nothing is wrong.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I'm thinkin' it rocks!

RandallRaines, 11/24/2002
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I'm 17 and for me to be impressed says a lot. The 5-speed V-6 is sweet and I have yet to lose a light-to-light. It handles really well for a sedan and I can fit my guitar stuff and my skis in no problem plus a few friends. If you don't like it, buy a Cadillac, but for the money this is where it's at.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

My contour

tibbylover89, 06/22/2009
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car was my first car. The first year there was nothing wrong with it. But ever since I got it inspected in 01/09, it has been stalling a lot, the a/c clutch went (500$), the fuel flapper went (500$), and I have spent about $450 having mechanics try to figure out why it keeps stalling. It still needs a transmission switch, and an O2 sensor. At only 90k miles, I never thought I would be going through so much trouble. So I got another car. The car had a decent preformance for a sedan, nothing compared to my '03 Tiburon. I drove it fast a lot, because it my first car. I was learniing to drive. It has no RPM gauge. So that may be why I am having a few issues. Overall, it was an ok car.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Vroom vroom Candie the Contour

Pixie tha Racer, 01/03/2003
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Candie the Contour. I bought her in Nov. with 69k mi. and have had many problems since. Within our first week together, she needed a new serp belt, new spark plugs,a new air filter, a coolant flush,and a new glove box. During the second week, she stalled like crazy and eventually wouldn't start cause she needed a new fuel line. Not to mention the humming sound when I turn the wheel to the right, or the big huge CLUNK! When I take a sharp turn. And after all this work, she's been mine for two wonderful months now and STILL the freekin coolant light and the check engine lights come on ALL THE TIME! AHHH!

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3.13 out of 5 stars

basic contour

hospitalmike, 11/23/2002
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

door locks terrible, all stick or don't open correctly; driver lock defective after 50k. replaced driver door open cable 2x after 60k. seat sliders stiff, hard to move forward & back.

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2 out of 5 stars

My 98 contour is not a quality vehicle

Aaron, 06/12/2009
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Transmission went out 11 weeks after purchase. It's broken down on me 3 times and now the torque converter has gone out. Power windows have a mind of their own. They work off and on. Already spent more on repairs than what I paid for it back in 2004. $2999 Not at all reliable and a waste of much needed money for college. I will never purchase another lower end car from ford.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Ford Contour! Great CAR

Bmccrani, 11/26/2002
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've really enjoyed owning this car and I would highly recommend a Contour to anyone looking for a great car. It runs 24/7 and never looks back. I've had very minor repair issues after 64,000. I couldn't be happier.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Christina75, 02/18/2003
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is great! It drives smooth, but the size of the car could use a V6 instead of a 4 for power. This car is very roomy compaired to the Toyota Carola I test drove. I like the shoulder belt in the middle; great safety for my children. All in all, The exterior, interior and safety features was a big plus. It did have two recalls on it that no one had ever fixed: heater blower resistor and connector, and the front spring shield.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Not bad!

GarysTour, 04/14/2002
1998 Ford Contour LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Going to the dealership I had the thought of buying an import. This car has been a dream. The performance and value is A+++. The only problem I've had is the sunroof getting stuck open, but the warranty covered it.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Best car I've owned

Jim - Florida, 12/03/2008
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have 211,000 on my 1998 Contour SE (V6, Manual Tranny). The only issue has been the alternator (pain to replace). Other than that - this car has been phenomenal. Still flies along like a champ - uses no oil - A/C still works great. Bought this car new and love it. 28 mpg average. It has never left me stranded (I was able to limp home with a bad alternator and a bad water pump). Water pump is the easiest one in the world to replace. Still riding on the original brake rotors. I will miss this car.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

1998 ford contour cng

josh, 07/22/2009
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i own a 1998 contour gl it has been great to me 123,000 miles on it original tranny , motor it has been very well takin care of maintanice wise.its my work car it also runs off natural gas it is the cng equipped model. so i can use natural gas and 87 unleaded fuel.I love this car never been to the shop for nothing serious just oil changes and brakes, tires routine stuff.great gas milage for one. even better with the bi fuel when gas prices are ski high i use the natural gas cant beat that only 1 percent come with that on this vechile. if i got rid of it only because i got offered alot for it for mthe natural gas set up on it.i rate this car a overrall 8.all around good vechile.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

1998 Contour SE Sport

weaselbomb, 06/10/2003
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

In my opinion, the Contour SE Sport is the second best car that one could buy for commuting as well as carry things as well as people. The only other car i would buy would be the SVT Contour, although the insurance is much higher than the SE Sport. Nearly all of the features of the SVT are included on the SE Sport, although the latter lacks the horsepower boost from the SVT labs. A GREAT car, Ford really shot themselves in the foot for discontinuing this model. Fuel economy could be better, although i do have a lot of weight in my car at one time. VERY fun to drive, and VERY VERY comfortable for all 4 (or even 5) passengers.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

best car for the money

tom k, 08/17/2003
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Contour used in 2000. Highway milaege is around 26 mpg. I have a 2.0 I-4. Engine is quite peppy. Car is better than Civic od Corolla for lower price. It was designed in Germany. I test drove 200 hp Taurus SEL abd I still prefere my Contour. It has better feel behind the wheel. Ford did not introduce new Mondeo/Contour to US, which was a STUPID MOVE. As they do not offer next model I will have to buy Honda Accord.

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5 out of 5 stars

222,000 miles and still going!

newbie, 09/25/2009
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Yes, can you believe it! 222,000 miles on this thing, and I am still driving it! I bought this car in 2000 with about 30,000 miles on it, and have had to replace NOTHING under the hood except spark plugs, spark wires, filters - just regular tune-up stuff! I had also purchased a 2005 Focus - but I like my Contour much better. Comfort and interior style were lacking in my Focus. Love this car - I would definitely buy another if they were only still made...

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Regrettful

sucker, 08/11/2003
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had this car for a couple years and have had nothing but problems. Now the Check Engine light stays on, despite a few dealerships checking it inside and out. It occasionally smells like gas, dies from time to time, and feels like it's jumping when you are stopped. The worst part about all these problems is that nobody can find anything wrong! They tell me there is nothing to fix!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Mod head

maddog53, 12/11/2008
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is one of the best I have ever owned. It is very easy to modify it and repairs are relitively cheap. (except the starter) it is a very good car for a teen as it is fast fun yet insurance is still low because it is a 4 door and cops will not think it is a perfomance car

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4.5 out of 5 stars

'98 Contour SE V6

Alan_01, 09/10/2003
1998 Ford Contour SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

So far (67K miles) this has been a pretty good car. The power is wonderful and the transmission is smooth-shifting. The drivetrain has been reliable with no repairs to date. With regular fluid changes/maintenence these cars can go a long way. So far the only problems have been paint and power windows. The paint on the rocker panels flakes off, but that could be caused by driving through construction for much of its life. The rear power windows will temporarily quit working, then work again later. The interior could be better, but it isn't too bad. The plastics have a cheap feel and the stereo could be better.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Fun Daily Driver

Kevin S of NC, 09/25/2008
1998 Ford Contour 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 2.0L Zetec with automatic transmission at 26,000 miles. Now at 154,000 miles, I have experienced one major problem: lesson learned - change the idler pulleys with the timing belt since the OEM bearings are failure-prone. Small oil leaks from the valve cover were resolved with a new gasket and grommet set. I have really enjoyed this car and have kept it up with an excellent preventative maintenance program. Being a mechanical engineer may have something to do with it, too.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Thank You Sir May I Have Another!

John, 03/28/2009
1998 Ford Contour GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My contour has treated me and my family very well. It has had small problems, but nothing that other vehicles don't have. I bought it with 30,000. It now has 160,000. I would drive it another 8 years if it weren't for the deer that ran into the side of it. I paid 10,000 for it and it was well worth it. As for any bad reviews, you can't expect steak and eggs when you pay for a Burger and fries. Its not a Cadillac, its a contour, and it serves its purpose. Especially when fuel was at 5.00 a gallon. I always saw the contour as the Taurus's little brother.

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