SE 4dr Sedan2.0L 4cyl 5M · FWDMPG 21 / 32Range 305 / 464 mi
2.0L 4cyl 5M
FWD
14.5 gal55 L
21 / 32
305 / 464 mi
No trim matches all of these filters.
Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.
How far a 1998 Ford Contour goes on a tank
Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 25 MPG, a full 14.5-gallon tank covers about 363 miles.
Gauge
Gallons
Highway miles
City miles
Full
14.5
464
305
3/4
10.9
348
228
1/2
7.3
232
152
1/4
3.6
116
76
1/8
1.8
58
38
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 600 gallons, roughly 41 full tanks.
Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.
At 14.5 gallons, the Contour's largest tank ranks fifth of the seven 1998 sedans compared here. The Mitsubishi Galant carries the most (16.9 gal) and the Saturn S-Series the least (12.1 gal).
Other 1998 sedans of a similar size, one model per brand.
1998 Ford Contour fuel system recalls
NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 1998 Ford Contour, out of 9 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.
Storage · Tank assemblyOct 30, 2000 · NHTSA 00V350000 · Ford Motor Company · 3,750 vehicles
Vehicle description: bi-fuel vehicles. These vehicles may have a fuel tank filler pipe grommet that could have been damaged during the installation of the bi-fuel system. If the grommet is damaged, fuel could leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel tank filler pipe grommet.
Risk and remedy
Risk: If the grommet is damaged, fuel could leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank filler pipe grommet.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1998 Ford Contour?
The 1998 Ford Contour holds 14.5 gallons (55 liters) on every trim we list.
How many gallons and liters does the 1998 Ford Contour gas tank hold?
The 1998 Ford Contour tank holds 55 liters, or 14.5 gallons in US gallons.
How far can a 1998 Ford Contour go on a full tank?
About 464 miles on the highway and 305 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
How many miles can a 1998 Ford Contour go on a quarter tank?
About 116 highway miles or 76 in town from the 14.5-gallon tank, which has roughly 3.6 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
What gas does the 1998 Ford Contour take?
Regular unleaded. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 1998 Ford Contour?
At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 14.5-gallon tank from empty costs $61.91. It ranges from $53.65 in the Gulf Coast to $85.41 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 1998 Ford Contour?
About 90 pounds for the 14.5-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Does the 1998 Ford Contour have a bigger gas tank than the Mercury Mystique?
No, they match: both top out at 14.5 gallons in 1998.
Has the 1998 Ford Contour had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 fuel-system recall for the 1998 Ford Contour: 00V350000 (storage · tank assembly). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.
Sources
Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).