1997 Ford Contour
Should You Buy a 1997 Ford Contour?
The 1997 Ford Contour is a compact sedan that offers a blend of performance and practicality. With a 2.5L V6 engine producing 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque, it provides a spirited driving experience, especially with its 5-speed manual transmission. The front-wheel-drive layout enhances traction and handling, making it suitable for both urban commuting and longer drives. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's mixed reliability history, as indicated by 314 total complaints, including 14 crash incidents and 11 fire incidents, though it boasts a strong reliability score of 96.6/100.
While the Contour offers decent fuel efficiency at 21.0 MPG combined, its MSRP remains unknown, which may affect its value proposition in the used car market. The vehicle's design is practical for everyday use, but buyers should consider the reported issues with key components like the automatic transmission and antilock brakes. Overall, the Ford Contour is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable and reliable sedan with a sporty edge.
The 1997 Ford Contour is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families looking for a reliable and sporty compact sedan for daily commuting.
Strengths
- +Strong reliability score of 96.6/100
- +Sporty performance with 170 hp V6 engine
- +5-speed manual transmission for an engaging driving experience
- +Front-wheel drive enhances handling and traction
- +Compact size makes it easy to maneuver in urban settings
Weaknesses
- -Reported issues with automatic transmission and braking systems
- -Mixed complaint history with 14 crash and 11 fire incidents
- -Unknown MSRP may complicate pricing assessments
- -Limited seating capacity information may deter family buyers
- -Fuel efficiency is average compared to modern standards
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1997 Ford Contour has several known issues, particularly related to the powertrain and braking systems. The most frequent complaints involve the automatic transmission and antilock brake systems, which have garnered significant attention from owners. Despite these concerns, there are no significant NHTSA complaints on record regarding fatalities, which may provide some peace of mind for potential buyers.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2.5 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 21
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 183.9 in
- Width
- 69.3 in
- Height
- 54.3 in
- Wheelbase
- 106.7 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,769 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –
Estimated Value
Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.