One problem related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe has been reported for the 1997 Ford Contour. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Bought a 1997 Ford Contour and 4 days later the head gasket blew. After being in shop over a month and many other problems repaired I finally got car back and the very next day the head gasket blew again within 2 miles from my house.