Against 246 other 4-cyl cars rated 1998–2000, the Contour trails their 24.6 mpg average by 1.6 mpg, about $109 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1995, the 2L 4-cyl (1995–2000), does 24.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (1995–2000), 21.7: $222 a year apart.
Every Ford Contour engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 21 / 31 | 1995–2000 | $1,548 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 18.2 / 27.3 | 1995–2000 | $1,770 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Dodge Neon gets 27 mpg, the Chrysler Sebring 21.4 mpg and the Toyota Echo 32 mpg, next to 23 mpg for the 2000 Contour.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2000) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1998–2000 | +$109 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,700 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2000 Ford Contour gives up 9 mpg in town: 28.5 on the highway against 19.5 in the city, $622 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2000) | 19.5 mpg | $1,969 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28.5 mpg | $1,347 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (46%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Contour changed over the years
The Contour peaked in 1998 at 23.5 mpg (19.5 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2000 at 23 — 0.5 mpg apart, or $36 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2000 car does 23.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 19.5 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1999 | 19.5 / 28.5 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1998 | 19.5 / 30 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1997 | 19.5 / 29 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1996 | 19.5 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 1995 | 20 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,634 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 12 EPA ratings of the Ford Contour — 2 engines across 1995–2000. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,700. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2000 Ford Contour get?
23 mpg combined, 19.5 city and 28.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 21 to 25. Across every year since 1995 the Contour has averaged 23.3 mpg.
Is the 2000 Contour more efficient than the 1999?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Does the Contour get better gas mileage than the Dodge Neon?
No: 23 mpg for the 2000 Contour against 27 for the 2001 Dodge Neon, about $248 a year more to run.
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