Ford Contour

Price Paid:  $15000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Contour SE

Summary:
I Love It! The car is extemely sleek (outdoor and indoor). I ADORE the trunk space! As a single mom, I can get a monster stroller, groceries, plus many extras inside with no problem. I also noticed the minimal noise at highway speeds, but I still feel like I'm cruisin' in a BMW. It's sporty, and it gives me necessary room, being a mom of a toddler, without getting having to get a "family car" (I'm only 23!)

Strengths:
* color (ocean blue)
* price was wonderful
* definitely the trunk space!

Weaknesses:
While the backseat is supposed to be suitable for 3, with a carseat in the back, only 2 (including seat) are really comfortable. Also, I must agree, the cupholders are in a terrible position.

Similar Products Used:
Pontiac Sunfire---Contour wins hands down!
Hyundai Excel---Ditto!

Price Paid:  $18500.00 from Darlings Ford VW Aud

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 SE Sport V6/Auto

Summary:
I''ve had this car for a little over 2 years now and have had absolutely no problems with it!!!Lucky me:) I love my car and so does everyone else. I got voted as having the best car in my senior yearbook. I got the SE Sport with the V6(a must for any serious driver) It''s got leather, cd player, power sunroof, keyless entry, 8-spoke alloys, everything. The rear seat''s a little small, but I don''t have to sit back there, so that doesn''t bother me.

Strengths:
Strong V6 Looks sporty with rear spoiler and fog lights low insurance costs good bang for the buck

Weaknesses:
weak low beams - you gotta have the fog lights sometimes power door locks get frozen in the winter (not the cars fault, though. Every car with power door locks probably does the same thing.)

Similar Products Used:
none. My dad has a 1999 Chevy Tahoe LT, and mom has a 2001 Chrysler Town & Country LXI

Price Paid:  $15100.00 from Carsdirect.com

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 SE Sport 2.5L V6 5 spd

Summary:
Since I purchased the final year of production, my Contour was deeply discounted (I think I got a $2,500 instant rebate off an already discounted price). Given that, my Contour has performed admirably and at the time,(and probably still today) there is no V6 5 spd sedan that delivers more for the price. I have been impressed by the Contour's combination of ride, handling and power. I feel that the tuning of the SE package is just right-- pleasantly Euro firm-- somewhat like a 3-series, but with less finesse (and a lot less bucks). The handling is outstanding (again I have not driven better at this price). The 2.5L engine is reasonably powerful, refined and economical, but is a little slower to rev up than some of the latest designs. Braking is strong-- my SE is equipped four wheel vented discs and stop on a dime. Reliability and some of the interior bits deserve a couple of demerits. The interior is functional, but a little plain and cheap. On the reliability side, in my three years of ownership, I have had the following problems: a broken A/C switch replaced under warranty, a leaking (cut) brake hose replaced under warranty, squeaking rear bushings lubed under warranty, a warped dash, and the occasional squeak and rattle. Not Lexus but certainly not that bad-- I've never been left stranded.

Strengths:
Price Handling Looks Features Power

Weaknesses:
Ride (for some who will find it harsh in SE trim) Space Reliability and quality

Similar Products Used:
Saturn SL2

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 Contour Sport V-6 auto trans

Summary:
I paid 19,500 for a loaded (except ABS) 2000 Contour. I decided on the Contour after comparing several models I've rented, and I was pleased with the handling, responsiveness, layout of controls, and (let's face it, I'm a woman) the nice looks of it - it fits quite nicely into my BMW-populated zip code. I bought the Contour as my first "grown up" car, having just graduated from the single-parent, sub-compact, manual transmission economy class (Ford Aspire, which was a fantastic little car for me for five years and 100,000 miles).

I'm pleased with the gas mileage I've been getting (about 23 around town, 29 on the highway), and the 15-gallon gas tank gives me good distance between fill-ups. One note in case any of the people at Ford are reading: I've got quite a collection of scars and scrapes on the index finger of my right hand - every time I remove the gas cap, unless I'm thinking about it and very careful, my finger gets scratched by the fuel door catch.

With 19,000 miles in 9 months, I've put my Contour to the test, and it passes with flying colors. I spend a lot of time on the road with my kids (daily commutes and weekend road trips up and down the west coast), and I can't afford any downtime. The reliability rating of the Contour is a comfort, and I've had no problems with it so far.

Strengths:
Zippy acceleration, responsive handling, HUGE trunk, decent gas mileage considering the power, enough rear passenger room for my two pre-teens, and just darn nice looking!

Weaknesses:
Cup holders are very poorly placed - very difficult to reach while driving (I have to maneuver around the gear shift and under the dash, two obstacles that often knock my drink out of my hand), zero interior luxury, lots of road noise at highway speeds, and I can feel a lot of heat coming from underneath on long trips (making for some very warm feet, especially since A/C is panel only). For the price, however, I appreciate the emphasis on performance rather than luxury.

Similar Products Used:
Contour wins hands down to its Chevy, Dodge and Mitsubishi competitors I've rented.

Price Paid:  $22000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 SVT

Summary:
Overhead console was replaced in the first week, and now the dash has warped due to heat (70's outside). Dealer ordered a new dash.

You have to be very careful driving the SVT due to the ground effects. Any large object in the road or large pothole and you have had it.

Overall I have really enjoyed the car. It is very tight and fun to drive. The interior is nicely appointed with a nice moon roof.

This little car loves to RUN! I call it point and shoot. So far I have experienced very good dealer support.

Strengths:
Great engine. Loves to rev. Who cares about the radio,Ilove to listen to the engine and pipes. Four Doors. Great handling. Very fun to drive.

Weaknesses:
Road noise. Front air dam is too low. Dash warped in the heat and must be replaced. Needs more useful back seat; but ok for short trips. Sound system is only average with radio, CD, and no tape deck.

Similar Products Used:
I traded a large SUV for it -- go figure.