1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Review
1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Review
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Used Mustang SVT Cobra for sale
Appraise This CarFord Mustang SVT Cobra model years
Ford Mustang SVT Cobra types
- Convertible
- Coupe
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Looks great, handles well, very comfortable for a sports car.
Cons
- Still gets its butt whipped by the 5.7-liter Camaro and Firebird twins.
What’s new
After last year's significant underhood upgrade, the SVT folks saw no reason to make changes to the Cobra for this year.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 2dr Coupe 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$223/mo for Mustang SVT Cobra Base
Mustang SVT Cobra Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
The Ford Mustang has been around for 33 years. After receiving a dramatic redesign in 1994, and the 4.6-liter modular V8 in 1996, the Mustang design team has been quietly preparing for a freshening in 1999. The SVT (Special Vehicle Team) has been pretty busy as well; the Cobra received a hand-built, four-cam, 305-horsepower just last year, and as such stands pat this year.
We think that it's a good idea for Ford to take a year off from messing with things on its little hot-rod. With all of the other changes taking place with the rest of its models, some of which haven't been well received, it seems like a good idea to follow the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" rule. However, we would like to see traction control made available on the Cobra. Sure, it has Ford's "Traction-Lok" limited-slip axle, but it is still pretty darn easy to get the back end of the car pointed in the wrong direction. We think that a traction control system would make this car much friendlier in inclement weather conditions.
Speaking of friendly, we love the Mustang's interior, and think that it is the main reason that the 'Stang sells more models than Camaro and Firebird combined. The seats sit fairly high, giving drivers an outstanding view of the road; the dashboard has a nice two-toned, double bubble layout that is nicely textured; the gauges and controls are easy to view and manipulate; and the front bucket seats offer great lateral support. We won't dwell too much on the backseat, because no one in their right mind buys a sports car for rear-seat accommodations.
As you have undoubtedly read, the Mustang Cobra is a very driver-friendly car, plenty of power yet very easy to navigate around town and with a pretty forgiving ride on the freeways. We like its lively tail, but it can be disconcerting when traveling on twisty two-laners. If you are looking for a car to go canyon storming in, you may be more satisfied in a Chevy Camaro Z28. In the final analysis, though, the Cobra has the goods that most enthusiasts want -- a muscular V8 with a great exhaust note, a nice interior, supportive seats, aggressive styling and entertaining performance at a competitive price. It has long been Ford's recipe for success to provide cars that appeal to a wide range of people, and anyone looking for a fast, fun daily driver should take a look at the Cobra.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra.
5 star(58%)
4 star(38%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
26 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
my blown cobra
flowfx, 10/31/2004
1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 2dr Coupe
32v + boost = amazing amounts of power.
my 97 cobra has a vortech sq-s trim
@12psi and runs low 11s allday with a
very safe tune.
I think the editor review is ridiculous.
And this is a SPORTS CAR with a SOLID
REAR END. Of course its going to drive
hard with a stiff suspension, and of
course potholes are going to go BUMP.
*rolleyes* Sounds like some of these
people need to … turn in their Cobras and
head over to the Escort aisle.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Refined Musclecar
Snake, 06/16/2003
1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 2dr Coupe
Tons of high RPM power. Love the angry
32 valve DOHC V8. Handles great. Well
built. Beutiful exhaust note. people
really notice this beast. All around
nice car, not just a straightline
performance car. no one will regret
buying this car. Pop the clutch shift
at 6800 RPM's, snatch second fishtail
hit sixty before you know it and
listen to that mean Cobra motor sing.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Still Perfect After All These Years
REG, 10/31/2009
1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 2dr Convertible
I bought my Cobra convertible new and, outside of a fresh paint job, the only expenditures beyond scheduled maintenance have been tires, battery, and spark plug wires. It looks great, sounds great, rides great, makes me feel great. My best all-time automotive investment in which I plan to be buried (close by, at least).
4.38 out of 5 stars
Thank god for extended warranties!
Teri, 05/28/2002
1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 2dr Coupe
This car has been fun and is a very
comfortable drive but have had aprx
$3300 worth of work done to it that
luckily was covered under the extended
warranty. No engine problems, has
always been a strong running car but
have had a few rear end problems.
Starting the creek and make noises
again. : /
1997 Mustang SVT Cobra Highlights
Convertible
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $223/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 7.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 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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