1997 Ford Mustang LX 4.8 from North America

Summary:

Overall I really like the car, but I firmly believe Ford should look at a recall on the bearings

Faults:

The rear bearings are shot to the point the wheel could fall off... literally.

General Comments:

I like the overall performance of the car. The seats are comfortable and everything is in a fairly easy-to-reach location.

However, four days after I purchased the car, I had to pump roughly $200 to have the rear bearing (s) replaced because of the severity of the bad part. The wheel could've come right off!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th April, 2005

18th Apr 2005, 09:26

Wow, the only thing you have to say negative on a car with 120,000 miles, is that it had bad wheel bearings... and could you be anymore dramatic about the wqheel coming off? If your bearings were that bad, you would have known it (i.e vibration, noises, and bad handling) give me a break. And recall? the guy who owned iut before probably just fishtailed around every corner.

1997 Ford Mustang Base V6 from North America

Summary:

A great performance car for the bucks

Faults:

My car would start very slowly as a result of a weak battery. I went to a local auto store who said that it had the original battery. Replaced the battery for 56 dollars.

General Comments:

Very good looking car.

The car is very fast for just a V6.

I love the feel of the manual transmission.

Great Mach sound system.

The true American muscle car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd December, 2003

1997 Ford Mustang GT 4.6 V8 SOHC from North America

Summary:

Mixed feelings: Nice car with annoying expensive problems

Faults:

Driver's automatic window malfunctioned shortly after purchase - warranty no charge.

Driver's seat material (cloth) broke down after 1 year - fixed at no cost.

45,000 Miles or so under heavy throttle, the intake manifold blew. The dealer fixed this at no cost because it was a "silent recall" item. Glad I went to dealer first for this item.

Stranded at 86,000 miles due to gas leak from broken gas line. Local garage fixed this along with new fuel filter for $150.

Blinker malfunction cost $150.

Driver's seatbelt fails to recoil costing approx $150.

Air conditioner loses coolant costing $50 for new valve.

Car has a slow leak of brake fluid somewhere in the master cylinder and needs topping off every 2 weeks or so. The dealer could not find the problem.

At about 65,000 miles the engine started to run slightly rough. I had the dealer put new plugs and wires in it and look it over. After the service, it still ran rough and I was handed a bill for about $300. Problem continues to this day.

Pings on 87 octane (manual recommended). Pings a LOT under throttle at over 3,000 rpm.

Numerous squeaks from the dashboard and suspension.

Shifter feels imprecise and has considerable slop and lash in the drive-line.

Although not a reliability issue, it is worth noting that this model has extremely poor snow/wet weather cornering and steering. I learned this the hard way after a big wipe-out. When this car loses it's rear-end traction in a turn, it is gone and without warning.

General Comments:

In spite of the problems listed, I like this car. The interior is comfortable and the steering wheel and shifter have a heavy, solid feel compared to smaller cars. It still gets positive comments after a wash and wax.

What I don't like is the "Ford Quality" in the form of lots of expensive Mickey Mouse problems that strand me. I just don't trust it for long-haul driving anymore. When it runs well, I love this car. When it breaks down and I am sitting in the dealer's waiting room, expecting another huge bill, I curse Ford and swear not to ever buy one again.

Overall, this heavy-duty v8 has been reliable and powerful. I still look forward to driving it.

If I shop for another car such as this, I will look first at cars like the 350zx or RX-8 for better reliability, fit and finish.

The dealer that did most of the service for me was Sunset Ford in St. Louis, Mo. They had good service and were open until midnight a few days of the week. That was a big plus.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th October, 2003

2nd May 2004, 00:13

Your going tough on the car dude. You spent about $1,500 dollars after owning it for like 5 years. What is that, like 300 dollars a year on repairs.

1st Aug 2008, 05:19

Well first of all I own a 98 GT with about 92000 miles and it runs like a champ. I have just about every bolt on available for the 98 engine, and a adjustable 200 shot on my baby, and she never lets me down!