Approximately 164-167 hp (varies slightly by market/year)
Torque Gt Gt-S:
Approximately 156-158 lb-ft
Horsepower Base:
Approximately 122 hp
Torque Base:
Approximately 124 lb-ft
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 176.9 inches (4493 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 51.6 inches (1311 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.2 inches (2621 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2900-3200 lbs (1315-1451 kg) depending on engine and options
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
Could vary by specific test and equipment. Generally rated well for its era, but specific ratings for 1997 should be confirmed through official NHTSA archives.
IIHS Side Impact:
Similar to NHTSA, specific ratings for this model year require official archives.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on GT/GT-S, optional on some lower trims)
Traction Control:
Optional on some models
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (Standard)
Seat Belts:
3-point front and rear seat belts, pretensioners for front belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker count and quality vary by trim.
Display:
Basic digital or analog displays for climate control and audio.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models, some may have adaptive cruise control (rare for this era).
ABS:
Available, crucial safety technology.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic power accessories. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports in this generation.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., platinum)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for V6 (KL-DE). Typically every 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Critical to follow manual for interference engine design.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles (refer to manual for type and interval)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type V6:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact specs)
Engine Oil Type I4:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact specs)
Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Gold Color) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Power Steering Fluid:
Mercon ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Known Issues
Issue 1:
Timing belt failure (on V6 engines if not replaced per schedule, leading to catastrophic engine damage).
Issue 2:
Oil leaks, especially from valve cover gaskets and rear main seals.
Issue 3:
ECS (Emission Control System) issues, particularly with EGR valves and O2 sensors.
Issue 4:
Power steering pump noise or leaks.
Issue 5:
Interior trim wear and tear, especially on seats and door panels.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand:
Ford
Heritage Focus:
Known for popularizing sporty coupes and leveraging international partnerships (e.g., Mazda).
Model Evolution
First Generation:
1989-1992
Second Generation:
1993-1997
Facelifts:
Significant styling refresh for 1995 model year (second facelift of the second generation).
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Flat Rock, Michigan, USA (and sometimes Mexico for certain components or markets)
Production Period:
1989-1997
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Award Type:
MotorTrend Car of the Year nomination (First Generation)
Award Type Specific To 1997:
The 1997 model year was part of the refined second generation. Specific awards for this model year are less common than general model recognitions.
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
See safety section for general ratings. Official ratings for 1997 should be cross-referenced.
Certifications
Certification Type:
Meets all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for its production year.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.