The 1998 Ford Contour sits in the late-1990s midsize sedan market, a period when family cars were expected to balance tidy dimensions, modern road manners, and trim-specific personality. That matters at the tire level, because this Contour uses four different radial sizes depending on sub-model and wheel package: 185/70R14, 195/65R14, 205/60R15, and 205/55R16. Available choices range from blackwall touring and sport-oriented radials to wide whitewall options and raised white letter styling in certain sizes. The key is matching the exact sub-model and wheel diameter first, then choosing the tire character and appearance that suits restoration-minded use or regular road driving.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1998 Ford Contour
The 1998 Ford Contour uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Some versions use 14-inch wheels, others use 15-inch or 16-inch wheels, so confirming the actual rim diameter is the first step before comparing tires. Once that is settled, the decision becomes choosing the right radial in the correct size, along with the sidewall style, brand, and tire series that best match the car's intended look and use.
185/70R14 is a metric radial size in which 185 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R designates radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1998 Ford Contour, this size is part of the standard radial fitment used on certain 14-inch-wheel configurations. Tire choices in this size include blackwall options from Avon, Dunlop, Michelin, and Vredestein, along with a BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial wide whitewall for a more distinctive appearance. It is a useful size to evaluate carefully if your Contour still wears 14-inch wheels and you want to balance correct fitment with either a modern road look or a more traditional presentation.
Fit(s): GL w/2.0L Eng., GL w/2.5L Eng., LX w/2.0L Eng., LX w/2.5L Eng., and SE
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
205/60R15 is a metric radial size that uses a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim. On the 1998 Ford Contour, this size appears across several sub-models and serves as one of the most widely shared fitments in the range. Available choices include blackwall radial options from Michelin, wide whitewall selections from American Classic and Coker Classic, and a BFGoodrich Radial T/A with raised white letter styling. This size deserves close attention if your car is equipped with 15-inch wheels and you want the broadest mix of touring, appearance-oriented, and period-flavored tire choices.
195/65R14 is a metric radial size where 195 gives the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R marks radial construction, and 14 indicates the wheel diameter. For the 1998 Ford Contour, this fitment is tied to certain 14-inch-wheel applications rather than the full model range. The available product in this size is a Michelin MXV3-A blackwall radial, which gives this fitment a more focused selection than the other Contour sizes. It is important to confirm that your car uses this specific 14-inch setup before choosing it, especially if wheels have been changed over the years.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size with a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 55-series profile, radial construction, and a 16-inch wheel diameter. On the 1998 Ford Contour, this size is associated with the SVT, making wheel confirmation especially important before selection. Products in this size include several blackwall performance-oriented BFGoodrich and Michelin options, plus an American Classic Radial wide whitewall for a very different visual treatment. This is the size to examine when the goal is preserving the 16-inch fitment and choosing between a sport-focused look and feel or a more customized appearance.
Tire fitment for the 1998 Ford Contour varies by sub-model, engine grouping, and wheel package rather than staying uniform across the line. Checking the exact sub-model matters because the Contour spans 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch wheel fitments, and several trims could be equipped with more than one tire size.
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1998 Ford Contour Base
The 1998 Ford Contour Base uses a single radial tire fitment built around its 14-inch wheel setup. That makes selection fairly straightforward, with the main decision shifting to the type of radial tire and the sidewall appearance you want on the car.
The 1998 Ford Contour GL w/2.0L Eng. can use either a 14-inch or 15-inch radial tire fitment, so wheel diameter needs to be confirmed before ordering. Once that is established, the choice becomes whether to stay with a more standard blackwall look or explore whitewall and other style-oriented options in the matching size.
The 1998 Ford Contour GL w/2.5L Eng. spans two different radial fitments, including both 14-inch and 15-inch wheel applications. That means the tire decision starts with identifying the actual wheel package on the car, then choosing the product style and series that best suit its use.
The 1998 Ford Contour LX w/2.0L Eng. shares the same two-size fitment situation seen on some other Contour trims, with either 14-inch or 15-inch radial tires. Verifying the wheel diameter first keeps the selection process on track and helps narrow the field to the right brands and sidewall treatments.
The 1998 Ford Contour LX w/2.5L Eng. uses one of two radial tire sizes depending on its wheel setup, so it is not a one-size-fits-all trim. Tire selection is easiest after confirming whether the car carries the 14-inch or 15-inch application, especially on vehicles that may have seen wheel changes.
The 1998 Ford Contour SE uses a single 15-inch radial fitment, which simplifies the size question compared with the trims that span two wheel packages. That leaves room to focus on the available product styles in the correct size, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter options.
The 1998 Ford Contour SVT uses its own 16-inch radial fitment, separating it from the rest of the Contour lineup. Tire selection for an SVT should stay centered on that specific wheel diameter and the character of the available products, whether the goal is a sportier blackwall look or a custom-style whitewall presentation.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1998 Ford Contour Tires for Sale
Available 1998 Ford Contour tires span 14-, 15-, and 16-inch radial fitments from BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, Avon, Dunlop, Vredestein, and Coker Classic. Depending on size, the product grid includes blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles across touring, classic, and sport-oriented tire series.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
Owners shopping for 1998 Ford Contour tires usually need to sort out the exact size by sub-model and wheel diameter first. The questions below cover fitment, radial tire choices, appearance options, and the checks that matter before putting the car back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1998 Ford Contour?
A 1998 Ford Contour can use 185/70R14, 195/65R14, 205/60R15, or 205/55R16, depending on the exact sub-model and wheel package. All of these are radial tire sizes, but they are not shared across every version of the car. The SVT uses 205/55R16, the SE uses 205/60R15, and other trims may use either 14-inch or 15-inch fitments.
The practical next step is confirming the specific Contour trim and the actual wheel diameter on the car before selecting a tire. That matters even more on older cars that may have received replacement wheels over time. Once the size is confirmed, choices can be narrowed by sidewall style, tire series, and the kind of road use or appearance the car is meant to have.
What size rim does a 1998 Ford Contour use?
The 1998 Ford Contour uses 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch rims depending on sub-model and tire size. The 185/70R14 and 195/65R14 sizes mount on 14-inch rims, 205/60R15 uses a 15-inch rim, and 205/55R16 uses a 16-inch rim. Rim diameter is one of the most important fitment details on this car because the Contour range does not use a single wheel size throughout.
Reading the tire sidewall is usually the quickest way to verify wheel diameter, since the final number in the size marks the rim size in inches. A car wearing 205/60R15 needs a 15-inch wheel, while 205/55R16 requires a 16-inch wheel. On a used Contour, checking the wheels directly is smart before ordering, especially if the trim originally allowed more than one tire size.
Why does the 1998 Ford Contour have more than one tire size?
The 1998 Ford Contour has more than one tire size because fitment changes across the model range. Base, GL, LX, SE, and SVT versions did not all use the same wheel diameter, and some GL and LX combinations could be equipped with either a 14-inch or 15-inch setup. That is why the Contour lineup spans four radial sizes rather than one universal fitment.
For a buyer, that means size selection should start with the exact trim and the wheels actually installed on the car today. Two Contours from the same model year can need different tires even when they look similar at a glance. Matching the correct size first prevents a lot of confusion later when comparing brand, sidewall treatment, and product style.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1998 Ford Contour tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact 1998 Ford Contour sub-model and wheel diameter, because this car uses four different radial fitments. After that, look at the tire's character within that size. Some options are straightforward blackwall radials, while others bring a wide whitewall or raised white letter presentation that changes the car's appearance as much as its fitment profile.
It also helps to compare the product series and wheel-width compatibility within the correct size, especially on cars that may have non-original wheels. A Contour used as a clean preserved sedan may call for a different visual approach than one built for a more customized look. Choosing the right tire is less about finding one universal answer and more about matching the car's exact setup and intended use.
What sidewall styles are available for 1998 Ford Contour tires?
1998 Ford Contour tires are available in blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles, depending on the size. Blackwall choices appear across all four primary sizes, wide whitewall options are offered in 185/70R14, 205/60R15, and 205/55R16, and raised white letter styling appears in 205/60R15 through the BFGoodrich Radial T/A. The sidewall treatment can shift the car's personality considerably even when the tire size stays the same.
A blackwall usually keeps the look restrained and modern for a late-1990s sedan, while whitewall and raised white letter options lean more toward custom or nostalgia-oriented presentation. The key is making sure the sidewall style you prefer is available in the exact tire size your Contour requires. Appearance should be chosen after fitment is settled, not before.
What brands offer tires for the 1998 Ford Contour?
Tires for the 1998 Ford Contour are available from BFGoodrich, Michelin, American Classic, Avon, Dunlop, Vredestein, and Coker Classic, depending on size. Brand availability changes with the fitment. Some sizes have a broad spread of choices, such as 185/70R14, 205/60R15, and 205/55R16, while 195/65R14 is represented by a single Michelin option.
That brand spread matters because it affects both appearance and the type of tire you can compare within the correct size. One Contour fitment may open the door to classic-style whitewalls, while another leans toward blackwall touring or sport-oriented radials. The most useful approach is to confirm the size first, then compare the brands that actually serve that exact Contour configuration.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1998 Ford Contour?
A period-style 1998 Ford Contour tire starts with the correct radial size for the exact trim and wheel diameter, then narrows to the look you want within that fitment. Blackwall options generally preserve the late-1990s sedan character most naturally, while certain sizes also open the door to wide whitewall or raised white letter alternatives for a more personalized presentation.
Keeping the right size on the right wheel matters more than chasing a visual theme first. Once fitment is correct, a buyer can choose between touring, classic, or sport-oriented tire series based on the car's purpose. If strict originality is important, marque-specific references and period photography are still the best guide for deciding how closely the finished appearance matches the way the car was delivered.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1998 Ford Contour?
On a 1998 Ford Contour, appearance changes come less from construction differences and more from sidewall style and tire series, because the primary fitments are all radial. A blackwall radial tends to look closest to the straightforward late-1990s factory-era presentation, while wide whitewall and raised white letter options push the car toward a custom, nostalgic, or enthusiast-oriented look.
That means a restoration-minded owner should concentrate on correct size, wheel diameter, and sidewall treatment rather than choosing between bias-ply and radial construction. The visual effect of the tire can still be dramatic, especially on 15-inch and 16-inch applications with more than one style available. Getting the stance and proportions right usually matters as much as the brand name on the sidewall.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1998 Ford Contour?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1998 Ford Contour even when the tire size itself looks close to stock. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, lowering, and brake or body alterations can all change the space available around the tire. That matters on a Contour because the car already spans 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch fitments across the model range.
A modified car should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender, strut, and steering range before tires are chosen. Even the correct size for a factory setup may not behave the same way after changes. Taking a few measurements and inspecting the current setup can prevent rubbing issues and ordering the wrong size.
What should I inspect before driving a 1998 Ford Contour on new tires?
Before driving a 1998 Ford Contour on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the car's actual rim diameter, and make sure the tires are inflated properly for initial road use. It is also smart to look over the suspension and steering for worn components, since looseness there can affect how a freshly mounted tire feels on the road.
A short, careful test drive is a good way to confirm there is no rubbing, vibration, or pull after installation. Recheck air pressure and lug torque after the first miles if the installer advises it. On an older Contour, this basic inspection is especially worthwhile because age-related wear in bushings, alignment settings, or wheels can show up quickly once new tires are installed.
How often should tires on a 1998 Ford Contour be inspected?
Tires on a 1998 Ford Contour should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks worn. A monthly visual check is a sensible baseline for a driven car, with additional inspections before longer trips. Look for uneven wear, cuts, bulges, sidewall cracking, and gradual air loss, because any of those can point to tire age, alignment issues, or developing wheel and suspension problems.
A Contour that spends long periods parked deserves extra attention, since time and storage conditions can age tires even when mileage stays low. Checking pressure and condition before every road outing is a good habit on collector-kept or infrequently used cars. Consistent inspection helps protect ride quality, preserves the tire investment, and catches fitment or wear issues before they become larger problems.
