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1996
Ford Contour

Starts at:
$13,925
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New 1996 Ford Contour
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn GL
    Starts at
    $13,925
    23 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn LX
    Starts at
    $14,610
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn SE
    Starts at
    $16,310
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr
    Starts at
    $21,050
    17 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    6
    Seat capacity
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1996 Ford Contour review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

About a year ago, we were motoring through a California hamlet at a previewof the then all-new Ford Contour replacement for the old Ford Tempo.

Nice car, we recall, until venturing into the back seat, where space wassomewhat limited. It wasn’t real comfortable, we remember, but then you didn’thave all that much room to roam in a Tempo, either. In fact, Tempo was as oldas dirt while Contour was vibrant and alive and sported a fresh newaerodynamic look.

One of the Contours we drove was the SE with the 2.5-liter, V-6, automaticand top-of-the-line suspension. We recall it reminded us of a miniature TaurusSHO.

Contour was launched with fanfare in 1995, but stumbled at the gate. Themedia made much ado about rear-seat room. Ford was criticized so much for alack of rear-seat space you’d think the only reason folks bought a Contour wasto hop in the back seat and be scrunched.

Many members of the media missed the point. Contour is much more appealingthan the stodgy Tempo. Even if Contour didn’t have a back seat, it would stillbe more pleasant than Tempo. Contour proves that economy cars don’t have tolook cheap. Contour has a luxury flair to it. Pleasant styling, good economy,decent price. Unfortunately, many members of the media saw how good the carlooked and expected it to offer the room, comfort and performance of aContinental. It doesn’t; it was never meant to.

We recall an episode in Dearborn at Ford’s test track when the companyintroduced Tempo with four-wheel-drive and dared the media to drive the carinto a sand pit, stop when the sand got rocker panel deep and drive out of thepit. We did as asked, except the car would not proceed forward. A tow truckhad to be called. Ford immediately halted the sand pit demonstration.

But we digress.

For 1996 Ford listened to its critics, revised the seat design in Contourand came up with one more inch in back. It doesn’t feel like Ford has added atennis court in back, but the one inch makes for a noticeable improvement.

We tested the Contour SE with the 2.5-liter, 170-h.p., V-6 engine and5-speed manual. A peppy powerplant with a smooth-shifting manual and goodmileage–21 m.p.g. city/31 m.p.g. highway.

The SE sedan we tested starts at $16,170. Add $1,870 for a preferredequipment package including air conditioning, power locks, power windows,speed control; $190 for remote keyless entry, $330 for power driver’s seat;and $570 for ABS plus $510 for freight and you are still less than $20,000.

Dual air bags are standard, but as with Taurus, ABS is an option to keepthe sticker price down, a sad marketing ploy when consumers are demandingsafety.

1996 Ford Contour review: Our expert's take
By

About a year ago, we were motoring through a California hamlet at a previewof the then all-new Ford Contour replacement for the old Ford Tempo.

Nice car, we recall, until venturing into the back seat, where space wassomewhat limited. It wasn’t real comfortable, we remember, but then you didn’thave all that much room to roam in a Tempo, either. In fact, Tempo was as oldas dirt while Contour was vibrant and alive and sported a fresh newaerodynamic look.

One of the Contours we drove was the SE with the 2.5-liter, V-6, automaticand top-of-the-line suspension. We recall it reminded us of a miniature TaurusSHO.

Contour was launched with fanfare in 1995, but stumbled at the gate. Themedia made much ado about rear-seat room. Ford was criticized so much for alack of rear-seat space you’d think the only reason folks bought a Contour wasto hop in the back seat and be scrunched.

Many members of the media missed the point. Contour is much more appealingthan the stodgy Tempo. Even if Contour didn’t have a back seat, it would stillbe more pleasant than Tempo. Contour proves that economy cars don’t have tolook cheap. Contour has a luxury flair to it. Pleasant styling, good economy,decent price. Unfortunately, many members of the media saw how good the carlooked and expected it to offer the room, comfort and performance of aContinental. It doesn’t; it was never meant to.

We recall an episode in Dearborn at Ford’s test track when the companyintroduced Tempo with four-wheel-drive and dared the media to drive the carinto a sand pit, stop when the sand got rocker panel deep and drive out of thepit. We did as asked, except the car would not proceed forward. A tow truckhad to be called. Ford immediately halted the sand pit demonstration.

But we digress.

For 1996 Ford listened to its critics, revised the seat design in Contourand came up with one more inch in back. It doesn’t feel like Ford has added atennis court in back, but the one inch makes for a noticeable improvement.

We tested the Contour SE with the 2.5-liter, 170-h.p., V-6 engine and5-speed manual. A peppy powerplant with a smooth-shifting manual and goodmileage–21 m.p.g. city/31 m.p.g. highway.

The SE sedan we tested starts at $16,170. Add $1,870 for a preferredequipment package including air conditioning, power locks, power windows,speed control; $190 for remote keyless entry, $330 for power driver’s seat;and $570 for ABS plus $510 for freight and you are still less than $20,000.

Dual air bags are standard, but as with Taurus, ABS is an option to keepthe sticker price down, a sad marketing ploy when consumers are demandingsafety.

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic
90-Day / 4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Dealer certification
139-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 3.5
Performance 3.9
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

  • Great Ford product/w some electrical wiring issues

    Great car, only wished that Ford used better wiring. Wire coatings are all starting to harden, crack and flake, causing shorts in ODBII, ABS and traction control sensors and systems.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Keeps on Ticking

    I bought a 1996 6cyl manual w/leather w/116,000 miles. I drive it AGGRESSIVELY. I perform all maintenance myself, use Amsoil synthetic oil changing it every 30,000 miles which = once a year. The size is great for me & comfortable for 4 average size adults, gas mileage is 31hwy average 28mpg, trunk holds 4 tires on wheels, visibility is great, ride/handling good, weight is light for its size & acceleration is adequate for 170hp. It started to rust rear wheel wells at 218,000 miles but I wash regularly & wax a few times each winter. As long as I change the battery every 4 years it starts immediately in below zero temps. I use snow tires mounted to spare wheels every winter & put them on myself. It now has 534,605 miles on last oil change & as long as it's enthusiastic to keep going I'll drive it until it gives up.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • it is awsome

    this car is so confortable i hope they create another verson of it i know i would and it would be very uniqe
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Size, schmize !!!

    Enough talk of this car being too small interior wise. Not everyone (fortunately) in America is over 6' tall or 250 lbs. Those of us who are sensibly sized and weighted will find this car to be a delight. It is easy to drive, park, very comfortable, and gets great gas mileage (over 30 on the highway). The Contour is a very safe car, with dual airbags and available ABS. Materials used in its construction are of above average quality as well as the construction level. Bloated Americans. keep away and drive your large dinosaurs and leave me my Contour.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Ford concord 1996

    Owned this car for 7 years and thought it was a great reliable car that got great gas mileage. Only had to change battery and tires. If maintained properly it will be a great car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Ford Contour

    My vehicle has had many issues, especially over the past couple years. I am a high school student, and don't put many miles on it, but anytime I try to take it out of town it breaks down. I have replaced the engine, and other various parts. It overheats repeatedly. The interior is cramped, and doesn't even have good cupholders.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1996 Ford Contour?

The 1996 Ford Contour is available in 4 trim levels:

  • (1 style)
  • GL (1 style)
  • LX (1 style)
  • SE (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1996 Ford Contour?

The 1996 Ford Contour offers up to 23 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1996 Ford Contour reliable?

The 1996 Ford Contour has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1996 Ford Contour owners.

Is the 1996 Ford Contour a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1996 Ford Contour. 66.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 3.5
  • Performance: 3.9
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 4.2
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