Summary & Specs
reviewed by
Although it's more expensive than the old Tempo, the Con-tour is attractively priced compared with its competition. And it's also an infinitely better car.
Including destination charges, the GL starts at under $14,000, but that gets you a pretty spartan car. A few options will make it more livable and still keep the price at the low end of the midsize spectrum.
LX prices start at $14,490, and the base price for the SE, which includes the V6 engine, is $16,190. If you check every box on the option list, you can boost the price of a new Con-tour past $18,000. But even then you'd be bucks ahead versus comparably equipped competing models.
It's hard to understand why Ford limited the Contour's rear-seat space as it did. That drawback aside, though, this is a nifty little sedan that's as fun to drive as anything in its class. It may be the best Ford car yet.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Midsize Cars |
| Editor |
Professional Test Driver |
| Model Lineup |
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| Engines (standard) |
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| Engines (optional) |
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| Transmissions (standard) |
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| Transmissions (optional) |
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| Safety Equipment (standard) |
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| Safety Equipment (optional) |
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| Basic Warranty |
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| Assembled In |
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| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-392-3673 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.ford.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$13,805 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
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| Standard Equipment |
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| Destination Charge |
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| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
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| Gas Guzzler Tax |
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| Price as Tested |
$18,065 |
| Layout |
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| Horse Power |
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| Torque |
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| Fuel Economy |
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| Wheelbase |
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| Length/Width/Height |
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| Track Front/Rear |
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| Turning Radius |
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| Seating Capacity |
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| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
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| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
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| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
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| Trunk Volume |
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| Payload |
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| Towing Capacity |
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| Front Suspension |
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| Rear Suspension |
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| Ground Clearance |
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| Curb Weight |
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| Stock Tires |
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| Brakes Front/Rear |
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| Fuel Capacity |
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