Biggest complaint I've heard about them is the 5spd gearbox seems reluctant.
Very true. I had a 98 Mystique with the 5 speed. I had a h@ll of a time getting that thing into 1st gear at a stoplight when it was cold. Winter was a nightmare. Also, I did change the transmission fluid 3 different times, and I used full synthetic each time. I filled it exactly to the proper level each time as well. It just shifted like crap when cold, no matter what. It was OK though when it was fully warmed up. There used to be a good website about the Contour/Mystique/Cougar at contour.org.
Overall, I'd never buy one again. The amount of recalls was almost overwhelming. I think there were 6 in a year and a half. :frown: