1997 Ford Aspire Review
Fuel Economy
33 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Misunderstood Vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Ford Aspire 2 Dr STD Hatchback
Review
I am a courier and have used this vehicle for 7 years. Upkeep has been low for a very heavy demand car. Gas mileage is still very close to 40mpg on mainly a city driving route. AC is excellent but has required upkeep. Visibility is excellent with higher clearance. Speed to 70 mph is comfortable but gets rough past that. The Aspire is cheap to purchase and operate. You must maintain this vehicle with proper care - if you do it will take good care of you. Do not allow transmission fluid or engine oil to get low. Front axles are cheap and should be maintained. At 198,000 I have not had to do any major engine work. This little car still hums and with the 5 speed my acceleration is fine.
Favorite Features
Excellent driver visibility. 40 mpg - yes really. Comfortable sturdy and supportive seats - I am over 250 lbs. Tough build. Powerful AC. Great in snow but you must keep the 165x70x13 tire on it as it was meant to be. Strong Mazda engine. Very affordable.
Suggested Improvements
None really. If you changed the low safety rating you would add weight and lose the phenomenal gas mileage. The Aspire is exactly what it was designed to be - a very affordable, sturdy, practical little car that gets 40 mpg in town and even higher on the highway. No need to change that!
6 out 6 people found this review helpful
used Ford Aspire
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Ford Aspire 2 Dr STD Hatchback
Review
Bought this car used, paid $500 for it - put $800 into it for repairs, well worth it. I drive it in central Florida were it belongs (no hills). My only fault I find is the fuel tank only holds 10 gallons and I have to stop every four days to fill it up. If we have to get out of our area, we would never reach the next state without stopping twice for gas.
Favorite Features
Take off from red lights is great but pass 60mph and you need the wind behind you to go much faster.
Suggested Improvements
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
fun little car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Ford Aspire 4 Dr STD Hatchback
Review
I have owned this car for over 2 years and have had very few problems with it. I'm rather happy with it with the exception of the road noise and lack of high end power. But all an all it is a worthwhile, inexpensive car to keep.
Favorite Features
5-speed manual transmission.
Suggested Improvements
More high end power for freeway, and up hill usage.
Reliable vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Ford Aspire 2 Dr STD Hatchback
Review
I've had good reliability. Plus I get 43 mpg!
Favorite Features
Gas mileage. A little sluggish, but you take the good with the bad in this type of vehicle. It's really a great commuter car.
Suggested Improvements
Has sides like butter
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Ford Aspire 2 Dr STD Hatchback
Review
The transmission on my car went at 50,000, and the dealer wouldn't replace it. One person ran into it (just with his body, not a car) and left a big dent in the side. The air conditioning went out at 75,000 miles. The salt on the roads has eroded the muffler and loosened the catalytic converter cap, no matter how often I get it replaced. On the plus side, it gets great gas mileage, and you can fit a surprising amount into it. Also can park it in very tight spots.
Favorite Features
Easy to park, good gas mileage.
Suggested Improvements
Stronger body.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
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- 1997 Ford Aspire
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