Taking the place of Ford’s time-worn Tempo, the front-drive Contour was an outstanding new entry in the compact-family-sedan class. Designed as a passenger-pleasing, styling, fuel-efficient, safety-minded “global car,” Counter was the result of a $6-billion investment and eight years of development. Eight inches shorter than the Taurus (but boasting about the same wheelbase), this five-passenger, four-door sedan delivered a slightly smaller cabin. A 2.0-liter/125 horsepower DOHC four was standard; a 2.5-liter/165-horsepower DOHC V-6 was optional. If you were shopping the Accord or Camry, this Ford was worth a close look.
What Junkies are Saying