A revised engine computer prevents the problem. (1995-97)ĭescription: Lack of acceleration in below 32 degrees Fahrenheit on the 2.5-liter engine is often due to ice on the throttle plate. A new belt, idler pulley, and a splash kit are needed. (1995-97)ĭescription: A slipping drive belt causes a lack of power steering and the charge warning light to glow. (1995)ĭescription: Ice in the parking brake cables will not allow the parking brake to release or release fully. The climate system is controlled by three rotary dials that are clearly labeled and easy to use.ĭescription: The transmission may go into limp-in mode due to a faulty manual lever position sensor. The modern, attractive dashboard is well-designed, but the stereo has too many small buttons that are difficult to decipher. Head room is generous in front and adequate in back. That shortage of space was slightly improved in ’96 models, but remains a drawback. Most road-testers praised the sporty SE, in particular, for its fun-to-drive qualities, though a few were less enthusiastic about its ride quality.įront leg room is ample, but back-seat space for adults is barely adequate in 1995 Contours. Precise steering, sporty handling, and a firm ride make a Contour feel more German than American. Road noise has been prominent on all models. Under similar conditions, the 4-cylinder with automatic did only a little better: 23 mpg, to be exact. A V6 Contour with automatic averaged 21.7 mpg. By contrast, the noisy 4-cylinder engine feels sluggish when going uphill and requires a heavy throttle foot for brisk acceleration. The 190-horsepower SVT engine is even more powerful, but you really have to work the transmission to get the extra power. During testing, a V6 Contour accelerated to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds. Smooth, responsive, and lively in acceleration, the 170-horsepower V6 is more than adequate for all ordinary driving situations. The high-performance SVT could still be obtained through selected Ford dealers. Only a single Sport model remained for 2000, with features that had been optional on the SE, including a 170-horsepower V6. LX and SE models got more sporting suspension settings, and all models got a slightly larger fuel tank. All Contours got a new center console with armrest.įor ’99 Contour shed the base and GL models, leaving only the LX, SE, and SVT editions. Five-speed manual was the only transmission, and the SVT also added antilock brakes, sport suspension, larger tires, and other goodies. The SVT used the 2.5-liter V6 engine but in 195-horsepower tune. All models added a standard trunk light and tilt steering wheel.įord dropped the Base and GL and added a high-performance SVT model. Traction control was dropped, but antilock braking remained available separately. A Contour Sport model debuted in April 1996 in standard GL or upscale LX series.Ī new lower-priced base model debuted later in the 1997 model year. During the 1996 model year, rear seat cushions were repositioned to produce a little more leg and head space. To improve rear-seat space, backs of the front seats were scooped out, yielding an extra inch of leg room.
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