Used 1997 Ford Probe Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Probe, so we've included reviews for other years of the Probe since its last redesign.
Decent car if you got money to fix it
myname2617, 12/10/2008
1996 Ford Probe SE 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my SE 2 years ago and it has been burning oil ever since. Fortunately by adding about a quart a week I've been able to keep it running. It is very very fun to drive. I work at a Nissan dealer so I've gotten to drive a 350Z, and I think my Probe handles better. It does have an upgraded suspension and has been lowered by 2 inches, so that helps. I have also always put high performance all season tires on it. I'm not given enough letters to explain all the things I've had to, or that I need to do. I think it'll be cheaper to get a V6 and transmission rather than trying to replace everything under the hood that's going bad. Overall it's a great car if you are prepared to fix it all the time.
More fun than my Mustang
kingbell4, 04/23/2008
1997 Ford Probe GT 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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!
Don't buy a Ford Probe
Matt, 03/18/2006
1997 Ford Probe GT 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
My 2nd Ford Probe
criticsdarling, 06/05/2009
1997 Ford Probe 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Probes respond to attention
classic probe, 07/26/2010
1996 Ford Probe GT 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Having owned a probe v6 gt for 12 years, I must say its been really reliable as a day to day driver. The only problem, which caused the car not to start, was a faulty distributor module, which is an integral part of the Mitsubishi distributor used in these vehicles, {a known problem} once replaced at 163,000 km the car is running really well. I made it a habit to flush the oil at 20k intervals, while servicing the car at 5000klm intervals, and I only use Mobil 1 5w- 50 synthetic oil, k and n oil and air filters, and castrol synthetic 75w gear oil. The flush I use for the engine is liquid moly, and is very effective, hence no lifter noise! I replaced the cam belt, idlers, water pump and plugs, re book.
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