>>Ford Country Squire

Ford Country Squire

Ford Country Squire

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1951–1991
Class	Full-size station wagon
Body style	5-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout

The Ford Country Squire was a full-size station wagon built by the Ford Motor Company from 1951 until 1991, encompassing seven model generations. The Country Squire was based on Ford's full-size car line and was the premium station wagon in Ford's model range. The Country Squire was initially built as a "woodie". After the mid-1950s the rear body was composed of fiberglass covered by a vinyl appliqué printed to simulate wood. Later versions featured an all-steel body and are best remembered for featuring body sides and a tailgate covered by simulated wood trim and panels, however the Country Squire could be purchased without them. Models without simulated wood trim were marketed as the Country Sedan and Ranch Wagonbetween 1952 and 1974; subsequently, all full-size Ford wagons were sold as Country Squires.

The Country Squire was based on the Custom DeLuxe series in 1951, the Crestline from 1952 to 1954, the Fairlane from 1955 through 1958, Galaxie 1959 through 1966, and the LTD/LTD Crown Victoria from 1967 through 1991. Due to declining sales, Ford elected to exit the full-size station wagon market after 1991.

The Colony Park was the equivalent model sold by Ford's Mercury division.

First generation (1951–1954)

First generation

Production	1951–1954
Related	Lincoln Continental Ford Customline

The first generation Country Squire was a "woodie". The frame, fenders and hood were made of steel; the rear of the car's body was made of wood. From the mid 1950s onward, the rear body was composed of fiberglass covered by a plasti cappliqué printed to simulate wood.

Second generation (1955–1959)

Second generation

Production	1955–1958
Related	Edsel Bermuda Lincoln Continental Ford Fairlane

Third generation (1960–1964)

Third generation

Model years	1960–1964
Related	Ford Galaxie Ford Country Sedan Mercury Commuter Mercury Colony Park Mercury Meteor Mercury Monterey Lincoln Continental

Prior to 1961, all Ford wagons used a two-piece tailgate assembly that required the operator to lift the rear window up and locking it into place via a mechanical support, and then drop the tail gate down to fully access the rear compartment.

For the 1961 Ford adopted a tailgate assembly that used a self-storing window feature which could either be rolled down into the gate via crank on the outside of the gate, or by an electrical motor actuated by the key or an interior switch. A safety lockout measure required that the rear window had to be fully retracted into the tailgate before the tailgate could be lowered

Fourth generation (1965–1968)

Fourth generation

Production	1965–1968
Related	Ford LTD Mercury Colony Park Ford Galaxie Mercury Marquis Lincoln Continental Mercury Monterey

In 1966, all Ford wagons introduced the Magic Door Gate, engineered by Donald N. Frey, which allowed the tailgate to flip down like a traditional tailgate or to open to the side as a swinging door. The Magic Door Gate was made possible through use of a traditional stationary hinge on the right, and combination of hinges along the door's left side which carried the weight of the gate as it swung outward when used as a door.

1967 Ford Country Squire

1968 Ford Country Squire

Fifth generation (1969–1978)

Fifth generation

1969 Ford Galaxie Country Squire
Model years	1969–1978
Engine	302 cu in (4.9 L) Windsor  V8 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor  V8 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE V8 429 cu in (7.0 L) 385  V8 400 cu in (6.6 L) Cleveland  V8 460 cu in (7.5 L) 385 V8 351 cu in (5.8 L) 351M/351 ClevelandV8
Transmission	3-speed manual 3-speed FMX  automatic 3-speed Ford C6  automatic
Wheelbase	121.0 in (3,073 mm)
Length	225.7 in (5,733 mm)
Related	Mercury Marquis Mercury Monterey Mercury Colony Park Ford LTD Ford Galaxie Ford Custom

1969-1972

The fifth generation Ford Country Squire (1969–1972) rode on an expanded 121.0 in (3,073 mm) wheelbase as compared to the previous generation and included as standard a 302-cubic-inch V8. In mid 1969, the 302 cubic-inch standard engine was phased out in favor of a new standard engine, the 351 cubic-inch V8. Optional engines included the 390 cubic-inch or the 429 cubic-inch V8. In 1971, Ford offered 400 cubic-inch V8 as an option. Country Squires from 1969 and 1970 used the same body panels and varied in terms of front grille and bumper, interior trim and other minor changes. The later two years of this generation saw an extensive revision of the exterior, having only the roof and tailgate in common with the 1969-1970 models. This generation was the first to use Ford's new "Three-Way Magic Doorgate," which could swing down as a tailgate, swing out as a door with the window down, or swing out as a door with the window up (not possible with 1966-1968 wagons).

1973-1978

1973 Ford LTD Country Squire

For 1973, the platform used by full-size Fords and Mercurys was restyled; the addition of 5 mph bumpers in the front in 1973, and in the rear in 1974, would make these the longest station wagons ever produced by Ford. With the Galaxie soon to be discontinued, the Country Squire was integrated into the LTD lineup. Additionally, a non-woodgrain LTD wagon was also sold; the Custom 500-trim Ranch Wagon was sold only for the fleet market.

Unlike its LTD sedan counterpart, the Country Squire was available exclusively with the 400 and 429 cubic-inch V8s; the 460 replaced the 429 in 1975. As a move to increase fuel economy, a 351 cubic-inch V8 was added into the lineup in 1978. In 1975, Ford added hidden headlamps to the Country Squire (bringing it in line with the Mercury Colony Park and the new Grand Marquis); non-woodgrain wagons still wore exposed headlamps.

Production figures:

• 1969: 129,235
• 1970: 108,914
• 1971: 130,644
• 1972: 121,419

Approximately 7,850,000 full-size Fords and Mercurys were sold over 1969-78. This makes it the second best selling Ford automobile platform after the Ford Model T.

Sixth generation (1979–1991)

Sixth generation

Also called	Ford LTD Crown Victoria station wagon
Production	1979–1991
Assembly	St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
Platform	Ford Panther platform
Engine	4.9 L (302 cu in) 5.0 Windsor  V8 5.8 L (351 cu in) 351 Windsor  V8
Transmission	4-speed AOD  automatic (1980–1991)
Wheelbase	114.3 in (2,903 mm)
Length	1979-1987 215.7 in (5,479 mm) 1988-1991 216 in (5,486 mm)
Width	79.3 in (2,014 mm)
Height	56.5 in (1,435 mm)
Related	Ford LTD Ford LTD Crown Victoria Lincoln Continental Lincoln Town Car Mercury Colony Park Mercury Grand Marquis Mercury Marquis

In 1979, Ford became the last American automaker to downsize its full-size car lines; the Panther platform became the basis for all full-size Fords, Mercurys, and Lincolns. Eleven inches shorter and nearly 1000 pounds lighter, the redesigned Country Squire retained the 8-passenger seating capability with only slightly reduced cargo capacity. The big-block 400 and 460 cubic-inch V8s were not included in the redesign, leaving the Country Squire with the 302 and 351 cubic-inch V8s; unlike General Motors station wagons, no six-cylinder or diesel engines were offered.

The 1980s saw relatively few changes to the Country Squire. In 1983 the carbureted engine was changed into one with fuel injection, identifiable by the large intake with the EFI 5.0 badge on top. In 1988, coinciding with the facelift of its LTD Crown Victoria counterpart, the Country Squire received a new front clip. Inside, new front seats with larger head restraints were added. For 1990, the dashboard was updated (for the first time since 1979) with the addition of a driver's side airbag; the outboard rear seats received 3-point seatbelts.

• 

  1988-1991 Ford LTD Country Squire
 
• 

  1982 beige interior
 
• 

  1987 blue interior
 
• 

  1982 carbureted engine
 
• 

  1987 fuel injected engine
 
• 

  1982 interior
 
• 

  1982 rear

Discontinuation

After the mid-1980s introduction of minivans by Chrysler, Ford, and GM, sales of full-size station wagons began to decline. The primary reasons for the popularity of minivans were their superior cargo capacity and fuel economy despite taking up less garage space; by 1990, Ford's Aerostar had overtaken all competitors in sales with the exception of the Chrysler minivans. Although Ford redesigned the Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis in 1992, the station wagon bodystyle was discontinued. In addition, a 1992 full-size Ford wagon would have likely competed against the wagon version of the Ford Taurus, then on its way to becoming the best-selling car in the United States.

Unique options and features

With certain versions of the Country Squire one could install an AM/FM-Cassette stereo with a combined and fully integrated Citizens' Band (CB) two-way radio, and replacement dual-purpose automatic antenna (with only one visible difference that the aerial mast was a larger diameter, and black-band at approximately half-way up). The radio would then have the appearance of an original equipment, factory radio.

Optional were opposing side-facing rear seats, which could be folded down to make a durable cargo surface. Available for use with the side-facing rear seats was a folding table with integrated magnetic checkers board. Magnets under the plastic checkers pieces would keep them from sliding on the board while the vehicle was in motion.

Behind a rear fender well was a hidden, lockable compartment, not visible when the rear seat back was in the upright position.

GM, Chrysler and AMC would adopt a similar configuration by the end of the 1960s. An advanced version of this was the 3-way tailgate which permitted opening the door sideways with the window up.

• 

  Magic Door Gate as seen on a 1985 LTD Country Squire
 
• 

  
  

>>Ford Country Sedan

Ford Country Sedan

The Ford Country Sedan was identical to the Ford Country Squire pictured here, without the pseudo-wood panelling.

The Ford Country Sedan was a full-size station wagon built by the Ford Motor Company from 1952 until 1974.

It was based on the Ford full-size car line available in each year. The Country Sedan was the mid-trim station wagon in the Ford range. Unlike the Country Squire, the Country Sedan featured plain body sides. As a full-size wagon, it could carry up to 9 passengers, if so equipped.

The Country Sedan was based on the Customline from 1952 to 1954. Beginning in 1955, Ford spun their station wagons into their own series and the Country Sedan continued to represent the mid-trim level station wagon. During the 1960s and 1970s, the Country Sedan was approximate to the Galaxie and Galaxie 500 in trim elements.

Rear gate advances

1953 Ford Country Sedan

1956 Ford Country Sedan

1958 Ford Country Station Wagon

1959 Ford Country Sedan

1972 Ford Galaxie 500 Country Sedan

Prior to 1961, all Ford wagons used a two-piece tailgate assembly that required the operator to lift the rear window up and lock it into place via a mechanical support, and the drop the tail gate down to fully access the rear compartment.

For the 1961 Ford adopted a tailgate assembly that used a self-storing window feature which could either be rolled down into the gate via crank on the outside of the gate, or by an electrical motor actuated by the key or an interior switch. A safety lockout measure required that the rear window had to be fully retracted into the gate before it could be lowered.

With the introduction of the 1966 models, all Ford wagons introduced the Magic Door Gatewhich allowed the tailgate on the vehicle to function as a traditional tailgate that could be lowered, or a door that swung outward for easier access to the seating area. The Magic Door Gate was made possible through a use of a traditional stationary hinge on the right, and combination of hinges along the doors right side which carried the weight of the gate as it swung outward when used as a door.

GM, Chrysler and AMC would adopt a similar configuration by the end of the 1960s.

1966 Ford Country Sedan demonstrating that year's new Magic Doorgate that folds down...

...and swings sideways like a door.

>>Ford Corcel

Ford Corcel

Ford Corcel

Manufacturer	Ford do Brasil
Also called	Ford Belina
Production	1968–1986
Assembly	São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil Valencia, Venezuela
Related	Ford Del Rey Ford Pampa Renault 12

The Ford Corcel is a car which was sold by the Ford Motor Company in Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, and Venezuela. It was also assembled in Venezuela (along with the Del Rey). The French-influenced styling of the Corcel was unique to Brazil until late 1977. From this year, the redesigned Corcel II (as it was originally sold) bore a strong resemblance to the European Ford Escort and Granada of same era, but its Renault underpinnings remained the same. The Corcel was eventually replaced by the Del Rey, which was originally introduced as an upscale version of the Corcel.

Original Corcel, 1969

Origins

The Corcel's origins lay in the Renault 12.Willys-Overland's Brazilian operations included manufacturing the Renault Dauphine as the Willys Dauphine/Gordini/1093/Teimoso. Plans were underway to replace this outmoded range with a new car based on the upcoming Renault 12. When Willys do Brasil was bought by Ford do Brasil in 1967, Ford inherited the project. The Corcel was actually presented nearly two years before the Renault 12.

Corcel I

Ford Corcel (first generation)

Manufacturer	Ford do Brasil
Production	1968–1977
Body style	2-door coupé 4-door sedan 3-door wagon
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Engine	1,289 cc Renault 810  OHV I4 1,372 cc 1300-B  OHV I4 1,372 cc XP OHV I4 (GT)
Transmission	4-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,440 mm (96 in)
Length	4,390–4,410 mm (173–174 in)
Width	1,650 mm (65 in)
Height	1,370–1,430 mm (54–56 in)
Curb weight	920–1,005 kg (2,028–2,216 lb)
Related	Renault 12

Ford Corcel luxo 1973, rear view

The first year of production of the Brazilian Ford Corcel was 1968, when it debuted as a four-door sedan
at São Paulo. It was originally equipped with the 1.3 L (1,289 cc) 68 hp (51 kW) water-cooled
overhead-valve "Cléon" engine picked directly from the Renault 12, albeit with a slightly lower compression ratio of 8:1 to allow it to run on 70 octane gasoline. A coupé was added in 1969 to target the second-car market, quickly becoming the fastest-selling version, followed by a three-door station wagon version called "Belina" in March 1970.

"Mark 1½" Ford Belina wagon, 1975 facelift version

The early Corcels had severe quality issues and sales suffered accordingly, but after Ford do Brasil received a new head (Joseph W. O'Neill) in 1970 the decision was made to ameliorate the situation.In Brazil's first automotive recall, 65,000 owners were contacted and free repairs were made available; the Corcel once again became Ford's biggest selling model in 1971. In 1971 two new models appeared, with an L (for "Luxo") and a more powerful GT version added. The GT benefitted from a twin-barrel carburettor and offered 80 hp (60 kW) and could reach 141 km/h (88 mph) rather than the 135 km/h (84 mph) of the regular versions. Each passing year running styling changes were made, borrowing several details from the Ford Maverick, and becoming more and more like a pony car in appearance. The GT was updated in the form of new decals every year, and eventually also got a larger, more powerful engine.

The facelifted Corcel I (sometimes called the "Mark 1½") arrived in 1973 and had a more aggressive look compared to the more conservative 1968 version. Some of the L and all GT versions were also equipped with a new, bored out 1.4-litre (1,372 cc) version of the existing engine. Claimed power for the regular Corcel was 75 hp (56 kW) (SAE gross), with 85 hp (63 kW) on tap at 5,400 rpm from the "XP" engine used in the GT, with its double-barrel carburettor. For SAE net, these figures became 72 hp (54 kW) and 77 hp (57 kW).

In 1975 a minor facelift occurred, in which the grille and headlight surrounds were subtly changed and the Ford logo moved from the grille onto the leading edge of the bonnet, along with the existing "F O R D" script. The taillights were now single-piece units. Also new for 1975 was the luxurious "LDO" version, available as a coupé or estate. Meanwhile, the locally developed 1.4 gradually replaced the old 1.3 throughout the lineup.This was very easy to modify for greater power and some dealers had the option to install an unofficial small tuning kit that would improve the engine's horsepower to 95 (SAE Gross). Note that all of these power outputs were achieved using the low quality, low octane petrol available in South America at the time.

The Corcel GT was moderately successful in Brazilian Tarumã, Interlagos and beach rally street car championships during the 1970s, thanks to its front-wheel-drive stability and low weight (920 kg), which allowed a high power-to-weight ratio. It would not be faster than the V-8 Maverick and Chevrolet Opala, but it would beat everything else, including four- and six-cylinder Mavericks and some Dodge Chargers that partook of the events. These competitions uncovered that the front drive universal joint was prone to break under heavy stress, so in 1976 the Corcel line switched to constant-velocity joints.

Corcel II

Ford Corcel II

Manufacturer	Ford do Brasil
Also called	Ford Belina
Production	1977–1986
Successor	Ford Del Rey
Body style	2-door fastback sedan 3-door wagon
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Engine	1,372 cc 1300-B  OHV I4 1,555 cc CHT OHV I4 1,781 cc VW AP-1800 I4
Transmission	4/5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,440 mm (96 in)
Length	4,470–4,520 mm (176–178 in)
Width	1,660 mm (65 in)
Height	1,350–1,360 mm (53–54 in)
Curb weight	862–917 kg (1,900–2,022 lb)
Related	Ford Del Rey Ford Pampa Renault 12

In 1977, for the 1978 model year, Ford launched the Corcel II. the second generation had a completely re-made design and straight lines as opposed to the pony car style of the original Corcel. These changes were also applied to the Belina, while the four-door version was dropped in response to lack of consumer interest. The resulting two-door sedan was of a fastback style, with long and heavy doors.Originally equipped with the same 1.4-litre four as the first Corcel, the engine was now rated at 54 PS (40 kW) DIN for the base, Luxo, and LDO versions. The somewhat sporting GT received 57 PS (42 kW), courtesy of a twin-barrel Solex carburettor.The Corcel II was also used for an FIA Group 1 one-marque championship in Brazil, in the years of 1979 to 1983.

The Ford Del Rey was introduced in 1981, with a more upright roofline and available four-door bodywork. The Del Rey also had a reworked, more square front design. A station wagon version of the Del Rey (called the Ford Scala until 1986) differed from the Belina only in trim and in the front design. The traditional Ford name Victoria was to be used on this version but was dropped at the last minute. The Ford Corcel II also provided the basis for a pick-up version called the Ford Pampa in 1982, although this used the shorter front doors of the four-door Ford Del Rey since there was no need to access the back seat. The Pampa would eventually also be available with four-wheel drive.

Ford Belina (wagon)

As of 1982, the engine was a CHT, an improved version of the Ventoux engine used in the first Corcel of 1968. It had already been bored and stroked to 1,555 cc years earlier, but with a redesigned cylinder head, a rotating valve design and many other peripheral improvements it received a new name and a new lease on life.

Facelift

All had a slight face lift for the 1985 model year. The Corcel II became known again simply as the Corcel. The interior was now the same for all four models. Externally, the Corcel and the Del Rey differed at the rear; the Corcel received fastback-style bodywork while the Del Rey was of a more traditional sedan design. The Belina and the Scala, however, had by now lost nearly all of their interior/exterior differences and became near identical: only a few details, such as the taillamps, differentiated these two models. Between 1985 and 1987 the Belina was made available with the same four-wheel-drive system used in the Pampa. This system seemed to have questionable reliability; Quatro Rodas magazine did a long-term test of a Belina 4x4 (50,000 km) in which breakdowns were very frequent - the resulting bad reputation led to Belina 4x4 production ending after only a few model years, while the Pampa 4x4 continued to be available.

1986 was the last year for the Corcel. The Belina was also discontinued in 1986, but its name was from then on applied to what had been the Scala (a name that had never really caught on) as the "Del Rey Belina". In 1989, as a result of the Autolatina joint-venture, the higher output Volkswagen AP-1800 engine replaced the 1.6 litre unit in all models of the Del Rey and Belina, and was made available in all models of the Pampa except for the ones with four-wheel drive.

The Del Rey and the "new" Belina were discontinued in 1991, being replaced by the Ford Versailles and Ford Royale respectively (Passat B2 version fascia). The Pampa continued to be sold on until 1996, when Ford introduced the smaller, Fiesta Mk2-based Ford Courier.

>>Ford Contour

Ford Contour

Ford Contour

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Also called	Mercury Mystique
Production	1994–2000
Model years	1995-2000 1995-1999 (Canada)
Assembly	Claycomo, Missouri, United States Cuautitlan, Estado de México,México
Predecessor	Ford Tempo Mercury Topaz
Successor	Ford Mondeo (Mexico)
Class	Compact
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	Ford CDW27 platform
Engine	2.0 L Zetec I4 2.5 L Duratec   V6
Transmission	5-speed MTX-75 manual 4-speed CD4E automatic
Length	183.9 in (4,671 mm) (SVT & 1995–97) Mystique: 183.5 in (4661 mm) 185.3 in (4,707 mm) (1998-2000)
Width	69.1 in (1,755 mm)
Height	54.4 in (1,382 mm) 54.5 in (1,384 mm) (Mystique, SVT & 1995–97)
Related	Ford Mondeo Mercury Cougar, Ford Cougar

The Ford Contour, and its sister, the Mercury Mystique, were compact cars that were derived from the first-generation, globally marketed Ford Mondeo. The Contour and Mystique replaced the Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz in the U.S., and were based on Ford's CDW27 platform. Both the contour and Mystique were praised for its handling and ride quality, and were even dubbed "A fun four-door sedan that offered European moves at American prices" in an Edmunds review.

Development

Development of the European Mondeo and its derivatives, the Contour and Mystique, was a major project for Ford Motor Company. While the Mondeo has been afforded three body styles (4-door sedan, 5-door liftback and a station wagon), the North American variants were developed as sedans only. The interior was slightly different, though the Ford Focus would be more successful as "one design for the world". Although the cars ended up slightly larger than the Tempo and Topaz, and the Mondeo was marketed as a large family car in Europe, reviewers would judge the car too small for American tastes compared to Japanese product lines where Toyota's Camry was their next size up from compact cars.

Marketing

Initially, three trim levels were available for the Contour a base GL, a more luxurious LX and a sporty SE. A 125 hp (93 kW), 2.0 L Zetec inline four-cylinder engine was standard on the GL and LX models, while a 170 hp 2.5 L Duratec V6 was standard on SE models and optional on the GL and LX. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on all models, with a 4-speed automatic as an option. Prices ranged from about USD 14,000 for base GL versions to just under USD 20,000 for an SE with all available options. However, in April 1996, Ford produced a "Sport" model in both the 2.0 L four-cylinder and 2.5 L V6. The "Sport" model was an option in both SE and GL series. It was marketed as a car for a serious driver who wants an economical car.

The Mystique was initially available in entry-level GS, LS both available with the "sport" option. A base model was also available from model year 1997 through 1999.

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Contour a "Poor" overall rating in the frontal impact crash. The head, neck, and chest were all well protected and the dummy movement was well controlled, however, excessive footwell intrusion contributed to high forces on both legs and a "Marginal" structural rating.

The Contour received five stars for both the driver and passenger in the NHTSA test.

Initial Release and Lifetime

1995–1997 Mercury Mystique

Introduced in 1994 as a 1995 model, this version came well equipped compared to other cars in its class. Many magazines, including Car and Driver, compared the Contour to many European cars, due to its light yet nimble.

In 1998, Ford restyled the Contour and Mystique. The restyle was based on the facelifted Mondeo which had been launched in Europe two years earlier. Ford has also added an SVT version for the Contour, which utilized a specially tuned and modified version of the 2.5 L V6 that produced 195 hp (145 kW)(1998 MY) / 200 hp (149 kW) (1999/2000 MY) and was only available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

1998–2000 Ford Contour SVT

Also included with the SVT Contour was new bodywork, seats and trim, white-faced gauges, larger wheels with ultra high performance tires, upgraded brakes and a retuned suspension. The Contour SVT was available primarily by special order by specially designated Ford dealerships.

Trim levels

Contour

• GL • 1995–2000
• LX • 1995–2000
• SE • 1995–2000
• SVT • 1998–2000

Mystique

• GS • 1995–2000
• LS • 1995–2000

Engines

• 2.0 L Zetec I4 125 hp (97 kW)
• 2.5 L Duratec 25 V6 170 hp (125 kW)
• 2.5 L Duratec 25 V6 195 hp (145 kW) (1998 SVT)
• 2.5 L Duratec 25 V6 200 hp (149 kW) (1999&2000 SVT)

Year-by-year changes

1995

• First model year for the Contour and Mystique

1996

• The backs of the front seats were recessed, improving rear seat leg room.
• Rear seat cushions were repositioned to increase room.
• Chrome bumper strips were dropped, resulting in bumpers that were monochromatic. (completely body color)
• Seven-spoke alloy wheels become standard for SE model.
• Split rear seats now available on all models.
• The powertrain control module was changed to the newer EEC-V to be OBD-II compliant.
• Manual transmission was reworked for easier shifts.

1997

• New value-priced base models introduced in late 1997 for both Contour and Mystique.
• Traction control is dropped as an option.
• Added interior trunk light.
• Steering wheels now tilt.
• Power antenna added.
• Heated mirrors are dropped as an option.
• Backs of the side mirrors were no longer painted and were left black.
• "Unleaded fuel only" label was removed from the fuel gauge.
• Various interior plastic pieces and covers on the Contour are no longer spray-painted silver and are left black.
• Remote fuel door release is dropped.
• Mystique - optional CD player and power front seats. (standard on LS, optional on GS)

1998

• New design for front and rear fascias, including a chrome grille surround and larger headlights; Mystique gets side Mercury emblems on the rear quarter windows.
• Mystique's interior also received new fabric choices (leather seating, previously optional, became standard on LS models) and faux wood trim to make it more upscale than the Contour.
• 5-speed manual transmission changed from rod shift to cable shift.
• High-performance Contour SVT version debuts, available only in Silver Frost, Toreador Red, and Black Ebony with Midnight Blue or Tan interior.
• Roof line altered and the rear deck shortened for improved rear seat headroom.
• Seat recliner is changed from a knob to a lever.
• Seatbelt for rear center seat is improved from 2-point to 3-point.
• New center consoles; Pop-up cup holders are replaced and are now molded into the console.
• Glove box light, underhood light, lighted sun visors, and door handle lights are removed.
• Integrated rear child-safety seats optional on the Mystique
• Warning lights on the instrument cluster were relocated to different spots. Moldings stayed the same
• The red empty marker on the fuel gauge is left white.
• Less forceful "second-generation" airbags were made standard

1998.5
In mid-production for the 1998 model, (manufactured after Feb 98) Ford decided to make several more changes to the SVT Contour. This resulted in a noticeable distinction between early and late 1998 SVT Contours. To differentiate between the two, the late 1998 model is sometimes referred to as the "1998.5", or alternatively the early 1998 model as the "E0" and the late 1998 model as the "E1". The mid-year changes are as listed below.

• Split rear seats are now available only on the SE model.
• In-dash clock is relocated to the stereo head unit display.
• New Cobra-style SVT aluminum alloy wheels.
• SVT specific Goodyear Eagle F1 tires replace Goodyear GS-C tires. The 205/55-16 size is retained.
• Different strut valving and tires raising skid pad numbers from .84g to .90g.
• The word "normal" was removed from the temperature gauge. "C" for cool and "H" for hot were added.

1999

• All models are equipped with a slightly larger fuel tank (now 15.4 gal)
• Slight change in dash design. Plastic piece around front window was eliminated
• Seats were again altered for additional rear leg-room.
• The 2.0 L I4 engine received an additional 5 hp
• Contour SVT's engine rating was upped 5 hp to 200 hp due to additional abrasive flow machining of the primary and secondary intake ports
• SVT is offered in Tropic Green
• SVT gains tan leather interior for Tropic Green, Toreador Red and optional on Black Ebony cars.
• SVT gets new BF Goodrich KDW tires. Size changes to 215/50-16.
• Revised transmission syncros to address an issue in the 98 SVT's
• Mystique's suspension tuned for a softer ride.

2000

• Displacement on the Duratec V6 engine decreased slightly, but the compression ratio is increased to compensate. This was done to keep the engine used in Mazda vehicles to maintain a lower engine displacement based tax level in Japan.
• 4-cylinder Contour models continue as fleet vehicles only
• Mystique GS and LS models returned with emergency in-trunk releases. Mercury pulled the Mystique from its lineup early into the 2000 model year. Production ended for the Mystique on November 19, 1999 but Contour production continued into late fall of 2000 to support rental fleets.

Awards

The Contour and Mystique were on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1995, 1996 and 1997. Although Car and Driver staff wrote an article in 2009 apologizing for the inclusion of the Ford Contour on the "Ten Best" list, it was the only car the staff did not outright recant from the list, but did cite that, in hindsight, the car should have been considered too small for its price range to properly meet criteria, and that this is the likely reason for the car's failure to achieve widespread appeal.The Contour was also named as an Automobile Magazine All Star for 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998. For the SVT trim, Edmunds.com named the Contour SVT the most wanted sedan under $25,000 for the year of 1999.

American sales

Calendar Year	Contour	Mystique
1999	134,487	39,531
2000	45,109	16,208