1997 Ford Mystique

1997 Ford Mystique

The 1997 Ford Mystique is a midsize sedan that was available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 2.0-liter inline-four that produced 125 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 2.5-liter V6 that produced 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Mystique was praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and decent fuel economy. However, it was also criticized for its lackluster performance, poor handling, and cheap materials.

Engine

• 2.0-liter inline-four
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the intake manifold, overheating engine, reduced power
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Valve cover gasket leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover, burning oil smell, reduced power
    • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
• 2.5-liter V6
  • Head gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking into the cylinders, overheating engine, white smoke from exhaust, reduced power
    • Solution: Replace head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
  • Timing chain tensioner failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, reduced power, check engine light
    • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $750

Transmission

• Five-speed manual transmission
  • No Issues Found
• Four-speed automatic transmission
  • Transmission slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or slips when shifting gears, loss of power, check engine light
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000

Suspension

• Front strut mounts
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, poor handling, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace front strut mounts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $400
• Rear shock absorbers
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, poor handling, bouncing rear end
  • Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery not charging, dimming headlights, electrical system problems
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t crank, clicking noise when trying to start
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350

Exterior

• Door lock actuators
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks not working properly, difficulty opening or closing doors
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuators
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250 per door

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or splits in the dashboard material
  • Solution: Replace dashboard or repair with epoxy
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
• Power window switches
  • Description/Symptoms: Window switches not working properly, windows not going up or down
  • Solution: Replace power window switches
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 per switch

Summary

The 1997 Ford Mystique has a number of potential issues, but most of them are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. However, some of the engine and transmission problems can be more serious and costly. Overall, the Mystique is a reliable and affordable vehicle, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues before purchasing one.