The 1999 Ford Contour sits in the late-1990s midsize sedan market as a front-wheel-drive Ford that ranged from practical commuter trim to the more performance-focused SVT model. That wide spread matters when it is time to choose tires, because this exact year and model uses four different radial sizes across its sub-model lineup: 185/70R14, 195/65R14, 205/60R15, and 215/50R16. Most buyers will be choosing among modern metric radial fitments rather than bias-ply-versus-radial decisions. From blackwall touring-style choices to wide whitewall and raised white letter options in some sizes, the right selection depends on the exact trim, wheel diameter, and the appearance you want the car to carry.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1999 Ford Contour
The 1999 Ford Contour uses four primary tire sizes, and the right one depends on the exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Two sizes share a 14-inch rim, one uses a 15-inch rim, and the SVT moves to a 16-inch setup, so confirming the car's actual wheels is the first step before comparing tire style, brand, or appearance.
185/70R14 is a metric radial size in which 185 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 70 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 14 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 1999 Ford Contour, this size is used on a 14-inch wheel and suits trims that carry the narrower tire setup. Available choices include blackwall designs as well as a wide whitewall option, with series such as Silvertown Radial, CR6ZZ, Sport Classic, Michelin XAS, and Sprint Classic. It is a useful size to evaluate when keeping the proper 14-inch wheel fitment while deciding between a traditional look and a more understated blackwall presentation.
205/60R15 is a metric radial size that uses a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 60-series profile, and a 15-inch rim. This is the most broadly used size in the 1999 Ford Contour range, appearing on multiple sub-models with 15-inch wheels. Product choices include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter sidewall treatments from brands such as Michelin, American Classic, Coker Classic, and BFGoodrich, so the selection can shift the car's look quite a bit. It is the size to focus on when the car already has the correct 15-inch wheel package and the decision centers on style, series, and intended use.
195/65R14 is a metric radial size with a 195-millimeter nominal section width, a 65-series profile, and a 14-inch rim diameter. For the 1999 Ford Contour, it is a specific fitment rather than a universal one, so it should be matched to the correct sub-model and wheel setup. The available product choice here is a blackwall Michelin MXV3-A, which keeps the focus on maintaining the proper size and construction rather than choosing among several appearance treatments. This size deserves a close look when the car has 14-inch wheels and you want to preserve the intended fitment profile for that configuration.
215/50R16 is a metric radial size where 215 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1999 Ford Contour, this size belongs to the SVT configuration and reflects that model's distinct wheel and tire package. The key buying issue with this size is less about decoding the format and more about confirming that the car still has the proper 16-inch wheel setup before selecting a replacement. It should be evaluated carefully on cars that may have seen wheel changes, since a different rim diameter calls for an entirely different tire fitment path.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1999 Ford Contour because tire size changes across the LX, SE, and SVT lineup. The first step is identifying the exact trim and confirming the current wheel diameter, especially on cars that may have had wheels changed over time.
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1999 Ford Contour LX w/2.0L Eng.
The 1999 Ford Contour LX w/2.0L Eng. uses either a 14-inch or 15-inch radial tire setup, so wheel diameter must be confirmed before choosing a replacement. Once that is established, the decision becomes one of selecting the right tire style and series within the correct size rather than comparing unrelated fitments.
The 1999 Ford Contour LX w/2.5L Eng. can use either a 14-inch or 15-inch radial size depending on the wheel package on the car. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before ordering, and it also affects whether the available choices are limited to a single blackwall option or broaden into several sidewall styles.
The 1999 Ford Contour SE uses the 205/60R15 radial size, which keeps tire selection straightforward as long as the car still has its 15-inch wheels. The real choice here is among available brands, tire series, and sidewall treatments, including blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter options.
The 1999 Ford Contour SVT uses a 215/50R16 radial tire, making it distinct from the other Contour sub-models. Tire selection starts with confirming the 16-inch wheel package, since any change in wheel diameter would move the car into an entirely different fitment requirement.
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 1999 Ford Contour Tires for Sale
Available 1999 Ford Contour tire choices span several brands, including Michelin, BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Vredestein, American Classic, and Coker Classic. Depending on size, buyers can compare blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter designs across touring-oriented and vintage-style radial series.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.25 Inch Whitewall | 185/70R14
Owners of a 1999 Ford Contour usually need to sort out the exact tire size by sub-model and wheel diameter first. These FAQs cover fitment, rim sizing, product selection, appearance choices, and the checks that matter before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1999 Ford Contour?
A 1999 Ford Contour can use 185/70R14, 195/65R14, 205/60R15, or 215/50R16, depending on the exact sub-model and wheel package. All of these are radial sizes, but they do not apply across the entire Contour lineup in the same way.
The important next step is matching the size to the car's trim and actual wheel diameter. Two Contour variants can use either 14-inch or 15-inch fitments, the SE uses 205/60R15, and the SVT uses 215/50R16, so checking the existing wheels before choosing a tire prevents crossing into the wrong fitment group.
What size rim does a 1999 Ford Contour use?
The 1999 Ford Contour uses 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch rims across its sub-model range. The 185/70R14 and 195/65R14 sizes mount on 14-inch rims, 205/60R15 uses a 15-inch rim, and 215/50R16 uses a 16-inch rim.
Rim diameter is the first thing to confirm because a tire must match the wheel's diameter exactly. A Contour that has had wheel swaps over the years may no longer carry its original setup, so it helps to verify the stamping on the wheel or compare the current tire size before narrowing the choice to a particular brand or sidewall style.
Do all 1999 Ford Contour sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1999 Ford Contour lineup uses several different tire sizes depending on sub-model. LX versions can use different 14-inch or 15-inch sizes, the SE uses 205/60R15, and the SVT uses 215/50R16.
That variation means tire selection starts with the exact sub-model and the wheels currently on the car. This matters most on LX models, where more than one size may be correct depending on engine and wheel package, while the SVT stands apart with its 16-inch fitment and should not be grouped with standard Contour replacements.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 1999 Ford Contour?
Start with the exact size and wheel diameter used by the car's sub-model, because the 1999 Ford Contour spans four different radial fitments. After that, compare construction details that matter to your goals, such as rim-width compatibility, load figures when stated, and whether the tire's look suits a stock-style sedan or a more customized presentation.
Product choice also depends on how you want the car to look and be used. Some sizes are available only in blackwall form, while others offer wide whitewall or raised white letter sidewalls, and certain sizes have a much broader mix of brands and tire series than others, especially the commonly used 205/60R15.
What sidewall styles are available for 1999 Ford Contour tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1999 Ford Contour include blackwall, wide whitewall, and raised white letter styles, depending on tire size. Blackwall options appear in several sizes, wide whitewall is available in both 185/70R14 and 205/60R15, and raised white letter appears in 205/60R15.
That makes sidewall treatment a real appearance decision rather than a small detail. A blackwall tire keeps the look more understated, while wide whitewall and raised white letter options change the visual character of the car noticeably, so the best choice depends on whether the Contour is being kept plain, given a period-inspired custom touch, or styled more aggressively.
What brands offer tires for the 1999 Ford Contour?
Brands available across 1999 Ford Contour tire sizes include Michelin, BFGoodrich, Avon, Dunlop, Vredestein, American Classic, and Coker Classic. The exact brand choices vary by size, with some fitments offering several alternatives and others remaining much narrower.
The brand list matters most after the correct size has been confirmed. For example, 205/60R15 has a broader mix of brands and sidewall styles, while 195/65R14 is much more limited, so the right approach is to choose the proper fitment first and then compare the available series, appearance, and wheel-compatibility details within that size.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1999 Ford Contour?
A period-style 1999 Ford Contour should begin with the correct tire size for its exact sub-model and wheel diameter. Once that fitment is confirmed, the appearance choice depends on what kind of presentation you want, since some sizes are available in blackwall only while others also offer wide whitewall or raised white letter treatments.
For a restoration-oriented or era-inspired look, sidewall style often shapes the result as much as the size itself. A buyer who wants the car to reflect a more restrained late-1990s appearance may lean toward blackwall, while a custom or show-oriented Contour may call for one of the more visible sidewall treatments available in the correct fitment.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1999 Ford Contour restoration?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters because the 1999 Ford Contour did not use one universal size across every version. Wheel diameter and sub-model both affect what belongs on the car, so restoring the appearance properly starts with matching the tire to the specific LX, SE, or SVT setup.
Appearance can be thrown off quickly by using the wrong wheel diameter or a size intended for another trim level. Buyers focused on originality or a stock-style presentation should confirm the sub-model, inspect the current wheels carefully, and use marque-specific reference material if exact historical presentation matters beyond simply staying within the proper fitment range.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1999 Ford Contour?
Yes. Modifications such as aftermarket wheels, suspension changes, lowering, or body alterations can change what works on a 1999 Ford Contour even if the tire size looks close on paper. This is especially important because the car already spans 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch fitments from the factory range.
A Contour with wheel or suspension changes should be checked for actual rim diameter, wheel width, and clearance at the fender and steering components before settling on a replacement tire. That matters most when dealing with an SVT or an LX that may no longer carry its original wheels, since a different setup can move the car outside its original fitment path.
What should I inspect before driving a 1999 Ford Contour on new tires?
Before driving a 1999 Ford Contour on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and condition, confirm the tires match the intended size, and check that inflation is set properly for the tire being used. It also helps to look over the suspension and alignment condition so the new tires are not compromised immediately.
A short road test should include attention to rubbing, steering feel, and any vibration that suggests a wheel or mounting issue. Even on a regularly driven sedan, it is smart to recheck pressure after the first few trips and keep an eye on unusual wear patterns, since they can point to alignment or component problems rather than the tire itself.
How often should tires on a 1999 Ford Contour be inspected?
Tires on a 1999 Ford Contour should be inspected regularly, not only when tread appears low. A quick visual check for air loss, cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear is worthwhile before routine driving, and a closer inspection becomes even more important if the car sits for long periods or sees only occasional use.
Owners should also inspect tires before longer drives and after seasonal storage. Age, storage conditions, and underinflation can affect a low-use Contour just as much as mileage can, so keeping pressure correct and watching for changes in ride, pull, or vibration helps catch problems before they become a road-use issue.
