You can't beat it with a stick
By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
In the not so distant future, the Contour and the earlier tested Mazda 626 will be sister vehicles just like the Taurus and Sable. Currently, the Contour shares many components with the Mercury Mystique which I tested earlier with the 4-cylinder power plant.
This market segment is vast with selections such as Mazda 626, Dodge Stratus, Honda Accord and the Pontiac Grand Am just to name a few. My choice would probably be the Contour because of the better front seats, styling, and the wonderful V6 in the Ford.
The Ford Contour is a great car with one major failing: a small backseat which has 'improved' legroom for 1996. Ford added one inch of rear seat legroom by scooping out the back of the front seats. While the extra inch is helpful it still isn't enough when you have 5 or even 4 adults in the car.
The Contour has the 100,000 mile tune-up interval, micron air filtration package and not only door pockets but side seat storage bins to complement the glovebox and center console storage areas. The driver and front passenger sit close together in the Contour lending more support to the feeling of being in a tight sports sedan.
Ford has loaded the Contour with many standard safety features such as safety cell construction, dual airbags, 5 mph bumpers and childproof rear door locks. Our SE edition was even further enhanced with option package (239A) $1,870; plus ABS traction control for $805; premium sound system $130; floor mats $45; keyless entry $190; power moonroof $595; leather seats $595; power drivers seat $330. With all the options, discounts and destination, the total price for our test Contour SE was $20,740.
Driving the Contour is a blast. While other automotive journalists have maligned the 5-speed manual for being 'sticky' I thought it was just fine and a owner would get used to any 'stickiness' and the often complained about small, closely knit radio buttons.
Fuel mileage is respectable with EPA ratings of 21 city and 31 highway. I achieved 26 mpg in combined freeway and city travel. Right in the middle; which most owners could expect.
You can throw the Contour into tight corners at amazing speed and it maintains balance and poise. Downshifting and letting the 2.5L DOHC V6 pull you through the corner is best. With most of the weight upfront carrying too much speed into the corner and then braking can be hazardous bringing the tail around on this front drive sedan. The Ford Contour SE is a world class sports sedan value and the perfect stablemate to the Taurus SHO.