new Ford in the fleet....

[scott93gt]

Unit,

No need to worry about replacing the 93 GT, it is a permanent fixture.

As for the Contour (and Mystique), they aren't really as bad as they have been made out to be. The V6 engine is world class, designed by Cosworth with cross bolted mains, chain driven DOHC system, and split port induction. A larger displcacement is still being used in the Taurus (3.0L DOHC). The 2.0L 4 cyl is still being used in the ZX2 and the optional engine in the Focus lineup. Transmissions are still being used as well. The problems with the car were electrical harnesses and they are a little cramped for space under the hood making the unfriendly for the mechanics.

The thing that killed these cars, in my opinion, was the marketing. In 1994 you could get a 4 door, 4cyl Tempo for around $13,000. In 1995 a Contour equipped the same way was about $4,000 more. If you optioned it up to a V6, PW, aluminum wheels, etc you were just under $20,000. The car was smaller than a Taurus but priced too close to a Taurus. People either switched themselves down to an Escort 4 door or up to a Taurus.
The window sticker for my 1998 new was $19,615 with a 5 speed. An automatic would have added about $850. We knew the final nail in the coffin was placed when the Focus was introduced. It has almost exactly the same amount of interior space as a Contour.

As for me, I really like the car. It is the second one we have owned and it really runs. The 5 speed makes the V6 really unleash its potential. It is geared a bit agressively, 4.06 final drive puts you at 3000 RPM at 70 MPH in 5th. The upside, no need to downshift to pass, just press the gas.