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Used 1997 Ford Probe

Pros & Cons

  • The Probe is a sporty, attractive car that has good handling characteristics and a cheap price tag.
  • Rear seat passengers will feel squeezed, and entry and exit is difficult due to low seats.
Other years
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List Price Estimate
$936 - $2,177
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Edmunds' Expert Review

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.

1997 Highlights

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.

Scorecard

Overallundefined / 5

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1997 Ford Probe.

Average user rating: 4.5 stars
23 total reviews

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See all 23 reviews

5 star reviews: 65%
4 star reviews: 22%
3 star reviews: 13%
2 star reviews: 0%
1 star reviews: 0%

Trending topics in reviews

  • appearance
  • driving experience
  • fuel efficiency
  • reliability & manufacturing quality
  • handling & steering
  • interior
  • spaciousness
  • comfort
  • seats
  • wheels & tires
  • value
  • lights
  • engine
  • transmission
  • maintenance & parts
  • electrical system
  • emission system
  • brakes
  • dashboard
  • warranty
  • road noise
  • climate control
  • doors
  • acceleration
  • sound system

Most helpful consumer reviews

4.25/5 stars, My 2nd Ford Probe
criticsdarling,
2dr Hatchback
The 1997 Ford probe was my 2nd (my first was a 1990). The 1990 died at 140K mi and my 1997 is at 130K on it's final legs. It's been a pretty good, reliable car, but in the last 6 months I've had to put in $1000 in repairs. It's had computer chip problems, the axles fell out, new battery, the exhaust is starting to fall out. It's fun to drive and looks great! Sometimes repairs are a bit unusual because I am told it's actually a Mazda, so the parts are not from Ford. I've truly loved this car, I'm sad it's life is over.
2.75/5 stars, Don't buy a Ford Probe
Matt,
GT 2dr Hatchback
It's a fun car to drive but reliability isn't great. I've replaced both cv joints, alternator, catalytic converter, two distributors, and to top it all off, right after I bought it with 29,000 miles on it, the electrical "brain" that controls all electronics crapped out. Even with the extended warranty that came with the car when I bought it used it still cost me 200 bucks to fix it! RIDICULOUS! That's why I'm going to buy a Toyota.
5/5 stars, More fun than my Mustang
kingbell4,
GT 2dr Hatchback
Bought in '06 with 77k on it. Now has 112k miles. Only problem was a sensor that went out. Fun to drive! Great in rain/snow. Flashy little car. Definitely not made to haul people in - back seats aren't very roomy, but it's a sports sedan. I just can't believe its performance. Can definitely hold its own, and I get about 29 miles per gallon doing 80mph every day! It rocks! Wish they still made these!
5/5 stars, 97 2 door probe gts
hilltw,
GT 2dr Hatchback
I got a great deal with this car. I never really heard of it until I bought it. My last car got smashed into when it was parked and got paid and rode to the store with someone and I saw this car with a $2500 price tag driving by. Of course we cut the guy off and then brought it. I didn't know what I was getting when I bought it. I had a fun problem when I first bought it is was a lot more power then I was used to so I was burning my tires all time. The guy before took great care of it and my mechanic told me it could almost pass as new and it had 135000 miles on it. I did run into some engine problem like it was over heating and stuff like that because hoses were old and stuff like that.
See all 23 reviews
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Features & Specs

2dr HatchbackN/A
MPG 23 city / 30 hwy
Seats 0
5-speed manual
Gas
118 hp @ 5500 rpm
GT 2dr HatchbackN/A
MPG 18 city / 24 hwy
Seats 0
5-speed manual
Gas
164 hp @ 5600 rpm
See all Used 1997 Ford Probe specs & features

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash RatingRating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash RatingRating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier RatingRating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsRating
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
RolloverRating
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact TestNot Tested
Roof Strength TestNot Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
0

FAQ

Is the Ford Probe a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 1997 Probe both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Ford Probe fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Probe gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg to 25 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Probe has 18.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Ford Probe. Learn more

Is the Ford Probe reliable?

To determine whether the Ford Probe is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Probe. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Probe's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 1997 Ford Probe a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 1997 Ford Probe is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 1997 Probe is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more

How much should I pay for a 1997 Ford Probe?

The least-expensive 1997 Ford Probe is the 1997 Ford Probe GT 2dr Hatchback. Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $0.

Other versions include:

    Learn more

    What are the different models of Ford Probe?

    If you're interested in the Ford Probe, the next question is, which Probe model is right for you? Probe variants include 2dr Hatchback, and GT 2dr Hatchback. For a full list of Probe models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

    More about the 1997 Ford Probe

    Used 1997 Ford Probe Overview

    The Used 1997 Ford Probe is offered in the following submodels: Probe Hatchback. Available styles include GT 2dr Hatchback, and 2dr Hatchback.

    What do people think of the 1997 Ford Probe?

    Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 1997 Ford Probe and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 1997 Probe 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 1997 Probe.

    Edmunds Expert Reviews

    Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 1997 Ford Probe and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 1997 Probe featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

    Our Review Process

    This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

    We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

    What's a good price for a New 1997 Ford Probe?

    1997 Ford Probe 2dr Hatchback

    The 1997 Ford Probe 2dr Hatchback can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $14,755. The average price paid for a new 1997 Ford Probe 2dr Hatchback is trending $14,095 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

    Edmunds members save an average of $14,095 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $660.

    The average savings for the 1997 Ford Probe 2dr Hatchback is 95.5% below the MSRP.

    1997 Ford Probe GT 2dr Hatchback

    The 1997 Ford Probe GT 2dr Hatchback can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $17,255. The average price paid for a new 1997 Ford Probe GT 2dr Hatchback is trending $16,491 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

    Edmunds members save an average of $16,491 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $764.

    The average savings for the 1997 Ford Probe GT 2dr Hatchback is 95.6% below the MSRP.

    Which 1997 Ford Probes are available in my area?

    Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1997 Ford Probe for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 1997 Ford Probe.

    Can't find a new 1997 Ford Probes you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

    Find a new Ford for sale - 3 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $20,654.

    Why trust Edmunds?

    Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.

    Should I lease or buy a 1997 Ford Probe?

    Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

    Check out Ford lease specials

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