The Ford Contour is a North American version of the European Ford Mondeo saloon. The Contour was introduced to the American market in 1994 for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Ford Tempo. It was available only as a front-wheel-drive sedan, using the newly developed CDW27 platform. Three trim levels were offered upon its release. The GL was the base trim, the LX was the more luxurious kind, and the SE was the sporty line among the brood. The GL and LX trims were equipped with a standard 225 hp 2.0L Zetec inline 4-cylinder engine while the SE trim was charged with a 170 hp 2.5L Duratec V6 powerhorse. All Contours had a standard 5-speed manual transmission and an optional 4-speed automatic with a reliable traction and antilock brake system. Dual front airbags and tilt steering wheel were among the standard features for all models. The LX and SE on the other hand had additional features which included cruise control, power windows and locks, sunroof, leather upholstery, and power driver seat which definitely contributed to its European car-like appeal.
The powertrain module was modified into the newer EEC-V in 1996 in order to accommodate the OBD2. The backs of the front seats were recessed to improve legroom for the rear seat, as the rear seat itself was repositioned. The chrome coated bumper strips were discontinued.
By the next year, the Contour underwent a facelift to compete with the sought after Dodge Stratus. The Contour mimicked the styling of its Mercury variant Mystique. The front-end fascias and taillights were restyled and the rear seat was again given a bit more space since the lack of sufficient backseat legroom was becoming a cause for its slipping popularity. A cable shift replaced the rod shift for all 5-speed transmission. The GL trim was dropped while a new SVT trim was added for drivers who yearn for a much faster ride. The SVT was powered by a 2.5L V6 engine that generated 195 hp with a standard 5-speed manual transmission, it immediately became one of the hottest ride in its class, which helped the Contour somewhat revive its popularity. The newcomer had the looks of its European counter part with white-faced gauges, quick-ratio rack-and-pinion, upgraded brakes, reasonably sophisticated suspensions, and larger wheels coupled with high performance tires. And to put it more simply, this sporty sedan offered fun handling, quick acceleration, and amazing speed, which was closely comparable to coupes.
But unfortunate as it may be, sales mostly dictate whether a product will be sustained or discontinued. And over time, the Contour’s limited interior and refutable ergonomics contributed to the lowering of its sales. The gradually diminishing sales of the Contour resulted to the eventual discontinuation of the LX trim. Only the SE and SVT trims remained.
And in 2000, the Ford Contour was ultimately discontinued and was replaced by the Focus as Ford’s compact car. But none the less, the contour was still revered by many for being an amazing four-door sedan which possessed the incredible performance, handling, and styling of renowned European cars.
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