I owned a '97 SE (Midnight Blue/Dove Grey) 5-speed prior to trading it in for my '98.5 SVT. I ordered my SE so that I could get exactly what I wanted (sunroof, leather, ABS). Aside from the sticking parking brakes (out-of-warranty fix), the notchy rod shifter when cold (didn't bother to get the transmission "cocktail"), and the Firestone Firehawk GTA tires that I hated (replaced with Dunlop D60 A2s), I had no major problems with it. I really liked that car...well, not as much as I like my SVT, but it was an very enjoyable car.
