| Ford Contour |
Article Index for Ford |
Website Links For Ford |
Information AboutFord Contour |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT FORD CONTOUR | |
| ford vehicles | |
| contour | |
| front wheel drive vehicles | |
| compact cars | |
| sedans | |
| 1990s automobiles | |
| 2000s automobiles | |
The Ford Contour was a North American variant of the European Ford Mondeo sedan sold by Ford . It was sold in North America from 1995 through 2000. The platform also underpinned a Mercury version called Mystique and the 1999 to 2002 iteration of the Mercury Cougar . OVERVIEW Ford introduced the Contour to the North American market in 1995 to replace the aging Tempo . Development of the Contour, the nearly identical Mercury Mystique and the Mondeo in Europe was a major project for Ford Motor Company; reportedly US$6 billion was invested in the development of the CDW27 platform. The Contour filled the market and size gap between the Escort and the larger Taurus . The Contour was slightly larger than the Tempo and was only available as a sedan. By contrast, the European Mondeo was available as a hatchback and a wagon. Initially, three trim levels were available; a base GL, a more luxurious '''LX''' and a sporty '''SE''' trim. A 125 hp, 2 liter Zetec inline four cylinder engine was standard with GL and LX models, while a 170 hp 2.5 L Duratec V6 was standard on SE models and optional on the LX model. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on all models, with a 4-speed automatic as an option. Prices ranged from about US$ 14,000 for base GL versions to just under US$ 20,000 for an SE with all available options. In 1998, Ford restyled the Contour and added the SVT version, which utilized a specially tuned and modified version of the 2.5 liter V6 that produced 195 horsepower and was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. Also included with the SVT Contour was new bodywork, seats and trim, white-faced gauges, larger wheels with ultra high performance tires, upgraded brakes and a retuned suspension. Slowing sales in later model years prompted Ford to cut back production of the Contour, and by 2000 only the SE model and the SVT version remained. The SVT Contour was available primarily by special order by specially designated Ford dealerships. Production of the Contour ended in 2000. YEAR-TO-YEAR REVISIONS 1995 to 1996
1996 to 1997
1997 to 1998
In mid-production for the 1998 model, Ford decided to make several more changes to the Contour line. This resulted in a noticeable distinction between early and late 1998 Contours. To differentiate between the two, many people refer to the late 1998 model as the "1998.5", or alternatively refer to the early 1998 model as the "E0" and the late 1998 model as the "E1". The mid-year changes are as listed below.
1998 to 1999
1999 to 2000
AWARDS The Contour was on '' Car And Driver '' magazine's Ten Best List for 1995, 1996 and 1997. The Contour was also named as an Automobile Magazine All Star for 1995, 1996 and 1997. SEE ALSO REFERENCES AND SOURCE DATA
EXTERNAL LINKS
|
|
|