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Old 03-23-2009, 06:33 PM   #5
Derbagger
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 32113
Join Date: Jan 2003
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Trollhatten, Japan
Vehicle:
05 Saabaru
Satin Grey

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cardiff Giant View Post
Yes it didn't sell well but part of the problem was it was placed in a strange spot in between the Escort (which was being phased out in favor of the Focus during the Contour's run) and Taurus. It was sort of the odd man out, kind of like the old Tempo in terms of size. Either too big and expensive or not big enough and too close in price to the Taurus. It did get some critical acclaim though and was in general a pretty decent little car (my mom had a 95 Mystique and it was actually pretty fun).

Also, they didn't "change" it to make it a sedan, while other body styles may have been available in Europe, there was always a Mondeo sedan. The first year of the Contour/Mondeo was 1995 and according to Wikipedia the Mondeo body styles of that vintage were a 4 door, 5 door hatch, and wagon.

I agree though they should meddle with it as little as possible for the US market.

I didn't realize the Sedan was also in europe. my mistake.

And I did like them. I always had my eye on an SVT Contour, but by the time I was in the market they were discontinued and I never found a good used one I liked.

What I'm saying is they've tried this many times before, from the first escort, to the Merkur line, to the Contour, and to the first gen focus. Usually they find a way of taking what's epic (or at least interesting) and making it rather laughable in the US.
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