1997 Ford Probe Review
1997 Ford Probe Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- The Probe is a sporty, attractive car that has good handling characteristics and a cheap price tag.
Cons
- Rear seat passengers will feel squeezed, and entry and exit is difficult due to low seats.
What’s new
Ford adds a GTS Sport Appearance Package to the GT's option sheet. The package includes a rear spoiler, racing stripes and 16-inch chrome wheels.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Ford Probe 2dr Hatchback and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$174/mo for Probe Base
Probe Base
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Probe sales have been off since Ford introduced a revamped Mustang in December of 1993, but that doesn't mean the Probe is a lesser car. It has earned high praise since the first-generation model bowed on the sport coupe scene in 1989, and the current iteration is quick, comfortable and good-looking; particularly in GT trim.
For 1997, base Probes are little changed. That's because Ford has considered axing the Probe in favor of its traditional pony car, the Ford Mustang. This year, GT models are available with an attractive GTS Sports Appearance package, which combines some of the more popular Probe options in a discounted group. The GT's excellent Mazda-engineered V6 remains unchanged.
Even though Ford's Mustang usually wins the Blue Oval beauty contests, we think that the Probe is an excellent car for bargain-shopping enthusiasts, or those who want a sporty ride without having to worry about flying off a rain-slicked road in a tire-spinning rear-wheel drive muscle car.
Rumors claim that the Probe will be canceled after the 1997 or 1998 model year to make more showroom space for the hot-selling Mustang. Those rumors have been quelled. Plans now call for the next generation Probe to ride atop the Contour's tight platform. While we relish the current car and its Mazda-based engineering, a V6 Contour-based Probe really intrigues us.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Ford Probe.
5 star(49%)
4 star(36%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
61 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Nice Little Car
Don, 12/06/2009
1996 Ford Probe SE 2dr Hatchback
She's a nice little car, but lately she's been trying to nickel-and-dime me like crazy. I've got an oil leak somewhere, warm air is intermittent, the Airbag light intermittently flashes, the left side stereo speakers don't work 99% of the time.
5 out of 5 stars
Should I have the water pump replaced?
jahmn, 07/20/2010
1996 Ford Probe GT 2dr Hatchback
This car has been fantastic. Now I have my 1st original part to replace per maintenance - the timing belt at now 60,000 miles. The mechanic suggested doing the water pump also, but there is no indication of wear or imminent failure. A logical suggestion, but are water pumps a problem with this car? I drove it down to the local classic car/hot-rod parade and got waved into it. There … were people asking how it could be a Ford (never seen one). They could not believe Ford made such a good looking car. I am the original owner and ordered 5-speed manual, hot-rod red, 16" wide/chrome wheels. It still gets lots of looks. Nothing corners as well as this car - freaks people out.
3.25 out of 5 stars
Turning out to be expensive
Brian, 04/29/2009
1996 Ford Probe GT 2dr Hatchback
I bought this car for 2,500 back in may and have had to spend another 3,000 in repairs. its turning into such a hassle. when it's running good it's a great car. pretty quick, very good handling, but once again not very reliable.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best thing I have owned sense my 70 Mav
David Johnson, 07/09/2008
1996 Ford Probe SE 2dr Hatchback
I purchased my SE in Nov 2005 and this car has done nothing short of giving me it's all. I tested it on the highway and it got 37MPG 5speed standard is the only way to go with one of these cars. I have sense then installed a turbo upgrade from a Mazda 626 kit that makes this little car a tiny monster. I am pushing 300HP at the front wheels and still get 30MPG when I drive it like I have … some sense. The only car that I have ever owned that came clse to as much fun as this little car is my 1970 Maverick that I put a 1969 302 BOSS in. If you can find one in standard shift it is worth buying for a single person to get around in. Don't have any room in the back seat for anyone older than 7or 8
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Ford Probe, so we've included reviews for other years of the Probe since its last redesign.
1997 Probe Highlights
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $174/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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