When did Ford stop making the contour?
The Contour was last produced for the 2000 model year, with production ending in 2000.
The Ford Contour was introduced in the U.S. market in the mid-1990s as a Mondeo-based mid-size sedan intended to replace the Tempo. Its production ran through the 1995–2000 model years in North America, after which Ford retired the Contour nameplate. Worldwide, the Mondeo line continued in many markets, but the Contour name was not revived in the United States. This reflected Ford’s shifting lineup in the early 2000s toward newer platforms and models such as the Focus, while Mondeo continued outside the U.S.
Lifecycle at a glance
Below is a concise timeline highlighting key production milestones for the Contour, including its introduction, production span, and discontinuation.
- 1995 model year: Ford introduces the Contour in North America as a Mondeo-based mid-size sedan intended to replace the Tempo.
- 1995–2000 model years: Contour is produced for the U.S. market; Mercury Mystique is its Explorer/dual-brand sibling.
- 2000 model year: Ford discontinues the Contour in the United States, ending its production run.
The Contour’s U.S. production ended in 2000. In Europe and other markets, the Mondeo nameplate continued beyond 2000, while the Contour name was retired in North America.
Context and market shift
The decision to retire the Contour came as Ford reorganized its North American lineup in the early 2000s. The company leaned into newer platforms and models, notably the Focus to cover the compact segment, while Mondeo continued in international markets. The Contour itself was not revived, and Ford redirected resources to more modern offerings.
Summary
Ford stopped making the Contour after the 2000 model year; production ended in 2000 in the United States, with the Contour’s role largely supplanted by the Focus and other newer models. The Mondeo nameplate continued in global markets outside the U.S., but the Contour name was not reintroduced.
What car replaced the Ford Contour?
Focus
The first generation Mondeo was replaced in 2000, by the larger second generation; in the United States and Canada, the Contour/Mystique were replaced initially by the Focus and later the Fusion.
When was the Ford Contour discontinued?
The Ford Contour was a full-size sedan that launched in 1995 and discontinued in 2000.
How rare is a Ford Contour SVT?
Just 11,500 SVT Contours were made through 2000.
What problems did the Ford Contour have?
Ford Contour Problems
- Transmission Failure Common Due to Front Pump Failure.
- Check Engine Light Due to Plugged EGR Passage.
- Hi-amp alternator fuse at firewall may short out.
- Reprogram PCM if vehicle hesitates after being parked for twenty minutes.
- Inactive-Merged-Check Engine Light Due to Plugged EGR Passage.
