Ford Probe Review
The Ford Probe was a 2-door coupe produced introduced in 1989 to replace the Ford EXP as Ford’s main sport compact car. The Probe was based on the Mazda G platform. The instrument cluster and pop-up headlight mechanisms are borrowed from the FC RX-7. Although it was intended as the replacement to the Ford EXP, it was also considered a possible replacement for the Ford Mustang in the North American market and as a direct competitor to the Acura Integra and Toyota Celica. Mustang fans objected to the front-wheel drive configuration, Japanese engineering, and lack of a V8 engine, so Ford decided the probe would not replace the mustang.
First Generation (1987-1991)
The Ford Probe, based on the Mazda GD platform, was powered by a 2.2 L SOHC 4 cylinder Mazda F2 engine. The first generation Probe was introduced in 1988 and was sold until 1992 in the United States. The first generation was available in several trim levels. In the United States, the Probe was available in GL, LX, and GT trim levels.
- The GL model was considered the base model. It had a 110 hp engine and few available options.
- The LX model hda power windows, locks, and mirrors, as well as an optional moonroof. Starting in 1990, the LX was available with a 3.0L V6 engine.
- The GT model included all the equipment the LX had, but featured a more powerful 2.2L turbocharged engine that produced 145 hp and 190 lb·ft of torque. The GT also came with 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a 3-way adjustable suspension with variable damping shocks, and a speed-sensitive variable power steering unit.
Second Generation (1993-1997)
The second generation Ford Probe first debuted in August 1992 as a 1993 model. The SE or base model started at just over $13,000 USD and came standard with a 2.0L engine, performance instrument cluster with tachometer, and electronic AM/FM stereo radio. The more sporty GT model started at $15,504 USD and came standard with a 2.5L V6 engine, low profile tires, 4-wheel disc brakes, unique front and rear bumpers, fog lights, aluminum wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel, and driver seat power adjustment. By 1997, the GT with every option available would cost about $22,500 dollars. Both of these second generation engines featured double overhead cam designs (DOHC) with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. In 1994 there was a “Feature Model” Probe which had Wild Orchid exterior paint, floor mats that had “PROBE” embroidered into them, and the black GT bucket seats had unique purple inserts. A new SE (Sports Edition) trim also came out in 1994 which included the GT body, and unique 15-inch aluminum wheels. A rear spoiler was made standard on the 1996 Probe GT model. In 1997. a GTS trim level was offered. It was basically a GT but with exterior differences, including racing stripes which were painted on the vehicle.