1998 Ford Contour
Should You Buy a 1998 Ford Contour?
The 1998 Ford Contour is a compact sedan that offers a blend of performance and practicality. With a 2.5L V6 engine producing 195 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, it provides a spirited driving experience, especially with its 5-speed manual transmission. The front-wheel-drive layout enhances its handling characteristics, making it suitable for urban commuting and weekend drives alike. However, potential buyers should be aware of its mixed reliability reputation, as indicated by a reliability score of 88.8 out of 100, alongside some notable NHTSA complaints related to the powertrain and suspension components.
While the Contour delivers reasonable fuel efficiency at 21 MPG combined, it has been associated with a number of complaints, including 50 crash incidents and 17 fire incidents. These factors may raise concerns for safety-conscious buyers. Despite these issues, the Contour remains a viable option for those seeking an affordable and fun-to-drive compact sedan, provided they are willing to conduct thorough inspections and research prior to purchase.
The 1998 Ford Contour is best suited for budget-conscious buyers seeking a sporty and compact sedan for daily commuting and occasional spirited driving.
Strengths
- +Sporty performance with a 195 hp V6 engine
- +Engaging 5-speed manual transmission
- +Compact size ideal for urban driving
- +Good fuel efficiency for a sedan at 21 MPG combined
- +Relatively affordable used vehicle option
Weaknesses
- -Notable complaints regarding powertrain and suspension
- -Safety concerns due to crash and fire incidents
- -Limited rear-seat space for passengers
- -Potential difficulty in finding replacement parts
- -Mixed reliability ratings may deter some buyers
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1998 Ford Contour has several known issues, particularly with its powertrain and suspension systems. The most common complaints involve the automatic transmission and front coil springs, which have been reported frequently in NHTSA data. Additionally, airbag and engine-related issues have been noted, contributing to a total of 1,000 complaints. While the reliability score is relatively high at 88.8/100, the presence of injuries and fatalities in crash incidents suggests that potential buyers should be cautious and consider a thorough vehicle inspection.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2.5 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 22
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 184.6 in
- Width
- 69.3 in
- Height
- 54.3 in
- Wheelbase
- 106.7 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,780 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.