1997 Ford Mustang Review
Price Estimate: $1
Ford Mustang model years
Ford Mustang types
- Coupe
- Convertible
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- The 1997 Ford Mustang is a great looking car. The interior is a sports car masterpiece with large clear gauges, a great seating position, and clear views. The optional Mach 460 is one of the best on the market.
Cons
- Still not as fast as the Camaro. Heck, the entry-level Camaro is almost as fast. We also don't like the manual transmission's gearshift lever.
What’s new
GT models and base convertibles get new interior color options, and cars equipped with an automatic transmission get a thicker shift lever. New 17-inch aluminum wheels are optional on the GT. The Passive Anti-Theft System has been introduced to all 1997 Ford Mustangs.
For sale nationwide
11 listings
- $9,900great price$1,793 below market
- 56,670 miles
- No accidents, 5 owners, personal use only
- 8cyl manual
- Ricke Bros Auto Sales (1,130 mi away)
Close
Located in York, PA
Visit our website, http://www.rickebrosinc.com. Trade-ins accepted. Financing available for Pa residents at a local credit union or finance company. O...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (15 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FALP45X6VF100572
Stock: brosw100572
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-31-2024 - 64,412 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 8cyl manual
- LEONARD EVANS CARS (1,081 mi away)
- Rear bench seat
- Retractable soft top
Close
Located in Wenatchee, WA
It has a clean AutoCheck report, ensuring its impeccable vehicle history. The Ford Mustang's AutoCheck: 1 owner, assurance of single-owner history for...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
18 Combined MPG (15 City/24 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FALP45X1VF171131
Stock: 171131
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-29-2025
Vehicle overview
The Ford Mustang has been around for 33 years now. After receiving a dramatic redesign in 1994, and the 4.6-liter modular V8 in 1996, the Mustang design team has been given a rest for 1997. Changes to this year's model are strictly cosmetic. That's OK, Ford's pony car has been outselling the competition from GM by nearly a 2-1 margin since its redesign.
We think that it's a good idea for Ford to take a year off from messing with things on their little hot-rod. With all of the other changes taking place with the rest of their 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. Of course, there are some things that we would like to see happen with the Mustang. First, it would be nice if the Base and GT models gained a few horsepower to make them more competitive with the GM pony cars. Second, we would like see traction control made available on the GTs and Cobras. Sure, they have Traction-Lok axles, but it is pretty darn easy to get the back end of the car pointed in the wrong direction. We think that a brake/engine speed traction control system would make this car much friendlier in wet 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 back seat, because no one in their right mind buys a sports car for rear seat room.
As you have undoubtedly read, the Mustang is a very driver-friendly car, very easy to navigate around town, and pretty forgiving 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. In the final analysis, though, the Mustang has the goods that most people want. A nice interior, supportive seats, aggressive styling, and decent 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 Mustang.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$177/mo for Mustang Base
Mustang Base
vs
$160/mo
Avg. Compact Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Ford Mustang Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Reliable attractive commuter car
4 out of 5 starsZowie, 09/16/2010
1997 Ford Mustang 2dr Coupe
Own V6 5spd for 6+ years and drive it daily. I am over 40 and have driven a wide variety of company vehicles. I've only owned GMs and Fords, with models years dating from 1970 to 2003. This has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. The only thing that broke (excluding normal maintenance stuff) during the first 120k was the power seat switch. After 120K, I started having lots of … problems with the rear. But engine, electronics, AC, interior are still good. In snow: HORRIBLE wheel spin. Gets stuck very easily and can't climb inclines most cars handle with ease. But steering and braking control is ok for this type of car.
Still going strong!
5 out of 5 starsKeyster, 10/13/2019
1997 Ford Mustang GT 2dr Coupe
My 1997 mustang GT is 23 years old with 210000 miles and still going strong!
I’ve only spent about $500 on repairs over the life of the car (excluding maintenance, tires ...) It still runs as good as when it was new. I did have to replace the drivers seat due wear and tear of getting in and out for 20 years! Get some good all season tires if you plan on driving in the snow. I would … recommend this car to anyone. I plan on getting another mustang... I just hope it holds up as well as the 1997
I totalled out my first one
4.88 out of 5 starsjohnw489, 11/16/2013
1997 Ford Mustang 2dr Convertible
i bought my first 97 and on the way home with it a fool ran a stop sign at about 50mph and t boned me. i woke up to smoke from the aiar bags but i was alive. i hurt my neck a bit from the air bag impact but i was fine. i went ahead and ordered me another one with 17 miles on it. i got the sports appearance package, the mach 460 sound system (SWEET) and an alarm system with a motion … sensor. the company statement was if my baby was stolen and i still had the two fobs they would give me 5k!! i still have it and at 113k it still runs great. ive replace the suspension system but can still take those turns at 60mph easy.
Love my 'Stang!
4.75 out of 5 starsJB Hoss, 02/03/2004
1997 Ford Mustang 2dr Convertible
This car is a real head turner - and
without any non-factory adjustments.
Great styling, a comfortable ride, and
reasonable fuel efficiency make this
car a great package. The 6 cylinder is
a little tame, but makes for an
excellent cruiser to take on long
trips - especially along the beach or
other scenic areas. Once you go
topless, its hard to go back!
1997 Mustang Highlights
Coupe
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $177/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 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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