I've got a gold logo Squier MIM from '97 and I love it. The neck is easily as nice as my '00 Fender Tele in craft and feel. Fret edges are smooth and clean, really nice chunk of finished rosewood (a lot of the current fingerboards look dried out and slivery). Body has a veneer over joined alder/poplar (from what I've read). My buddy was A/B comparing with his Texas Specials and the stock pickups (staggered poles) held their own really well, much to his dismay. Only weak spot is the tuners, which are the crappy diamond-case (with plastic keys) that are standard on low-end guitars. They hold pretty well for normal play and even some Gilmoresque bends, but I wouldn't count on them. And whammy dives are right out.
Of course I only paid $100 for it used, so I had no real expectations. But it's definitely one of my favourites.
Cheers.