The Ford Contour was a North American variant of the European Ford Mondeo sedan. The Contour was sold in the United States starting in the 1995 model year and completed its run in the 2000 model year. The 1995 model actually was introduced to the public in late 1994 and it was meant to replace the aging
Ford Tempo to provide a more modern sedan.
The Contour fit into the Ford lineup well because it was sized right between the smaller Escort and the larger Taurus. Three trim levels were available on the Contour and they were the base GL, a plusher LX, and the sporty SE. A 2.0-liter Zetec I4 engine was standard in the GL and LX, while the SE held a 2.5-liter Duratec V6 engine standard. The V6 engine was an option on both the GL and the LX. A five speed manual transmission was standard on all three models with a four-speed automatic an option. Prices started at $14,000 for the GL and up to $20,000 for the SE with all the options. Just a couple minor changes were made in the 1996 and 1997 models.
Ford launched a restyled variant of the Contour for the 1998 model. The new Contour featured a new front fascia that had a chrome grill and larger headlights. The 1998 also featured more legroom for rear passengers. A SVT model was also introduced in 1998, which offered consumers a tuned V6 engine and a new body style with different seats and trim as well as upgraded tires, suspension, and brakes. Sales of the Contour would slow and Ford would opt to drop the GL model altogether as it was the worst seller, eventually the only models that would be offered would be the SE and the SVT. Ford finally dropped the Contour altogether in 2000 to make room in the Kansas City plant to produce the Escape and the Focus.
