>>Ford Probe

Ford Probe

Ford Probe

Manufacturer	AutoAlliance International
Production	1989–1997
Assembly	Flat Rock, Michigan, United States
Predecessor	Ford Capri (Europe) Ford EXP (North America)
Successor	Ford Cougar (Europe) Ford ZX2 (North America)
Layout	FF layout
Related	Mazda MX-6 Mazda 626

The Ford Probe is a sports coupe produced by Ford, introduced in 1989 to replace the Ford EXP as the company's sport compact car. The Probe was fully based on the Mazda G-platform using unique sheet metal and interior. The instrument cluster and pop-up headlight mechanisms are borrowed from the FC RX-7. While it was sold worldwide as a sporty coupe, the Probe was intended to fill the market niche formerly occupied by the Capri in Europe, and 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 as a direct competitor with the Acura Integra and the Toyota Celica. During that time, Ford's marketing team had deemed that a front-wheel drive platform (borrowed Mazda GD and GE platforms) would have lower costs for production, and also because the platform had been gaining popularity with the consumers. Mustang fans objected to the front-wheel drive configuration, Japanese engineering, and lack of a V8, so Ford began work on a new design for the Mustang instead. On March 17, 1997, Ford announced the discontinuation of the Probe,Thunderbird, Cougar, and Aerostar. Although the Probe, Thunderbird, and Cougar were discontinued, Ford planned on reintroducing the three in the coming years. Ford advertised the Probe less and less over the years and sales began to decline. With US sales numbers dropping from 30,079 in 1996 to only 16,777 in 1997, the decision to stop producing the Probe was made due to it being the worst selling Ford vehicle of that year.

Background

Starting in the late 1970s, Ford and Ghia started exploring a series of futuristic designs with the "Probe" series of concept vehicles.The Probe I, first shown in 1979, was a wedge-shaped design that incorporated a number of drag-reducing features like covered rear wheels and pop-up headlights. This was followed the next year by a much more conventional looking Probe II, whose hatchback styling was also reminiscent of the pony cars. The 1981 Probe III was an advanced demonstrator with covered wheels, but its bodywork evolved into the more conventional Ford Sierra (or Merkur XR4Ti) and styling notes that were used on the Ford Taurus.The 1982Probe IV was a more radical concept car with a low Cd (drag coefficient), and evolved into the equally radical 1984 Probe V.

After the 1979 energy crisis, the economic slump initiated by high fuel prices prompted Ford to give the Ford Mustang a major redesign. The new design would be based on a totally new platform introduced to Ford by Japanese car manufacturer and Ford partner Mazda. But when the new generation of the Ford Mustang neared its release date, oil prices dropped to an all time low and Ford Mustang buyers expressed their displeasure in the style of the proposed replacement. The car was eventually released, not as a Ford Mustangbut as the Ford Probe.

The Ford Probe is a product of the joint Ford and Mazda venture called the AutoAlliance International. Its unique body panels and interior were designed and manufactured in the AutoAlliance assembly plant located in Flat Rock, Michigan, the same facility that manufactured the Mazda MX-6 coupe and Mazda 626 sedan for the North American market. Both generations of the Probe were sold in Japan as Fords, at Ford/Mazda sales channels called Autorama.

The Ford Probe was introduced to the U.S. market in 1988 and was completely different from the Mazda MX-6, which was a 2-door coupe with traditional fixed headlights. The Ford Probe shares most of its mechanical parts with the Mazda MX-6 and 626. Both the Ford Probe and the Mazda MX-6 were based on the Mazda GD platform from 1988 to 1992, and on the GE platform from 1993 to 1997.

Initially planned to replace Mustang, Ford executives also expected the Probe to achieve success in the market. However, the car fell short of Ford’s expectations. The Probe's styling, while modern, was not universally accepted. It was also not affordable, making many buyers choose another, and more-prestigious brand, for the price of a Ford Probe.

1989–1992 Probe

First generation

Production	1988–1992
Body style	2-door hatchback
Platform	Mazda GD platform
Engine	2.2 L 110 hp (82 kW) Mazda F2 I4 2.2 L Turbo 145 hp (108 kW) Mazda F2T I4 3.0 L 140 hp (104 kW) Vulcan V6
Transmission	4-speed F-4EAT automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	99 in (2,515 mm)
Length	177 in (4,496 mm)
Width	67.9 in (1,725 mm) 1988–1990 GT: 68.5 in (1,740 mm) 1991–92 GT: 68.3 in (1,735 mm)
Height	51.8 in (1,316 mm) 1991–92 LX: 51.9 in (1,318 mm) 1991–92 GT: 52.0 in (1,321 mm)

The Ford Probe was a Hatchback based on the Mazda GD platform, and powered by a 2.2 L SOHC 4-cylinder Mazda F2 engine. The first generation Probe appeared in 1988 and lasted until 1992 in the United States. In some markets the model years were from 1987 to 1991. It was based on a series of concept cars of the early 1980s, that were seen in films like Judge Dredd, Back to the Future Part II, and Total Recall.

The first generation was available in several trim levels that differ depending on the market the vehicle was sold in. In the United States, the Probe was available in GL, LX, and GT trim levels:

• The GL was the base model with the 110 hp (82 kW)/130 lb·ft (176 N·m) F2 2.2 L engine and few options. Most Probes sold in the U.S. were equipped with air conditioning.
• The LX added; power locks, power windows, electrically adjusted exterior mirrors, a storage tray underneath the front passenger seat, as well as an optional flip-up moon roof. Starting in 1990, the LX was available with the 3.0 L "Vulcan" V6 engine, that was also used in the Ford Taurus, Ford Ranger, Ford Tempo, and Ford Aerostar. The LX package included optional equipment such as a single-disc CD player, and a digital instrument cluster coupled with a fuel economy computer installed in a hidden compartment on top of the center dashboard air conditioning vents.
• The GT included all the equipment of the LX, but featured the F2T 2.2 L turbocharged, intercooled engine that produced 145 hp (108 kW) and 190 lb·ft (258 N·m) of torque. It came with an IHI RHB5-VJ11 turbocharger and an intercooler to the intake tract, as well as a knock sensor and electronic boost controller to the engine-control system. The boost pressure was 7.3 psi (0.50 bar) in the vicinity of 2,500 rpm. The GT version also came with 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a 3-way adjustable suspension utilizing variable damping shocks, and a speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering (VAP). The Probe GT's suspension system was based on a Mazda design, but its tuning was different and included nitrogen-gas pressurized front and rear struts, with stabilizer bars.

The 1991 Probe was given a 4-star crash rating in collision tests conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Engine specifications

Mazda 2.2 L SOHC 12 Valve I4
Type	Inline 4
Displacement	2.2 L (132 cu in)
Compression Ratio	8.6:1
Engine-control system	Mazda with port fuel injection
Power (SAE net)	110 hp (82 kW) @ 4700 rpm
Torque (SAE net)	130 ft·lbf (180 N·m) @ 3000 rpm

Mazda 2.2 L Turbo SOHC 12 Valve I4
Type	Inline 4
Displacement	2.2 L (132 cu in)
Compression Ratio	7.8:1
Engine-control system	Mazda with port fuel injection
Power (SAE net)	145 hp (108 kW) @ 4300 rpm
Torque (SAE net)	190 ft·lbf (260 N·m) @ 3500 rpm

Ford 3.0L Vulcan OHV 12 Valve V6
Type	V6
Displacement	3.0 L (183 cu in)
Compression Ratio	8.6:1
Engine-control system	Ford EEC-IV
Power (SAE net)	140 hp (104 kW) @ 4800 rpm
Torque (SAE net)	160 ft·lbf (220 N·m) @ 3000 rpm

1993–1997 Probe

Second generation

Production	1992–1997
Body style	2-door hatchback
Platform	Mazda GE platform
Engine	2.0 L 118 hp (88 kW) I4 2.5 L 164 hp (122 kW) V6
Transmission	5-speed G5M manual Optional 4-speed F-4EAT automatic (1993 only, I4 engine) 4-speed CD4E automatic (1994–1997, I4 engine) 4-speed F-4EAT automatic (V6 engine)
Wheelbase	1993–94: 102.9 in (2,614 mm) 1995–97: 102.8 in (2,611 mm)
Length	1993–94: 178.9 in (4,544 mm) 1995–97 Base: 178.7 in (4,539 mm) 1995–97 GT: 179.5 in (4,559 mm)
Width	69.8 in (1,773 mm)
Height	51.6 in (1,311 mm) 1993–94 GT: 51.8 in (1,316 mm)
Curb weight	2,894 lb (1,313 kg)

In 1991, the Ford and Mazda design teams merged once again to give the Ford Probe a complete redesign for the 1993 model year. As before, the new Probe was to share its under-structure with Mazda's MX-6 and 626. Mazda engineered the engine, transmission, and chassis, while Ford engineered the body and interior. Technically speaking, the second generation Probe is 60% Mazda and 40% Ford. Despite the car being extended 2 inches and widened 4 inches, it was 125 pounds lighter than the first generation Probe. Along with numerous other enhancements from lessons learned since the first gen's debut, the Ford/Mazda team brought the experience of many days at the track to the design table, creating one of the best handling cars on the road. The second generation Probe was then introduced in August 1992 as a 1993 model. It went on sale in Europe in the spring of 1994, filling the gap left there by Ford in that market sector since the demise of the Capri seven years earlier.

The base model started at just over US$13,000 and came standard with the new 2.0L Mazda FS-DE 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, performance instrument cluster with tachometer and full gauge compliment, and an electronic AM/FM stereo. The sportier GT model started at $15,504 and came standard with the new 2.5L Mazda KL-DE 24-valve V6 engine, low profile P225/50VR16 91V Goodyear VR50 Gatorback tires, 4-wheel disc brakes, unique front and rear fascias, fog lights, 5-spoke aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and driver-seat power lumbar/seat back side bolster adjustment. By 1997, the GT with every option would total about $22,500. Both engines featured double overhead cam designs with the choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Two automatic transmissions were available to the Ford Probe. At first both engines shared the same automatic transmission, the Ford F-4EAT transmission, but from 1994 onwards this changed. The V6 engine continued to use the 4EAT, but the 2.0 L I4 engine used a different automatic transmission, the Ford CD4E transmission. It was sourced by Ford, and manufactured at Ford's Batavia Transmission plant in Batavia, Ohio.

A new SE (Sports Edition) trim level was available for 1995 and 1996. It included the GT front fascia (without fog lamps), unique 15-inch (380 mm) aluminum wheels, P205/55R15 BSW and Sport Edition "SE" nomenclature.

In Japan, the 2.5 L V6 was the higher performance KL-ZE. In Europe and America, the 2.5 L V6 was a lower performance KL-DE (often incorrectly referred to as the KL-03) and the 2.0 L was the FS. The primary difference of the Japanese version is that it produced 36 hp (27 kW) more power through higher compression pistons, aggressive camshafts, intake manifold and head. It also lacked an emissions control component called Exhaust gas recirculation that is required by law in North America and Europe.

It's been often said in reviews that the 93-97 Probe GT is easily one of the best cars on the road for its price. In a coast to coast road test by Automobile Magazine in search of the best cars in the world, the Probe GT scored third place,^[11] right behind an $80,000 Mercedes-Benz and an $80,000 BMW. In the article, the Probe listed at about $15,000.

Special editions

For 1993 and 1994, Ford offered a "SE" appearance package on the base model Probe. The package offered power windows, power door locks, 3 spoke swirl-style alloys, the GT model's ground effects, and the GT model's front bumper. Appearance wise, the only noticeable differences from the GT model was the wheels, "SE" badging, and lack of fog lights. "SE" was an appearance package and not an actual model/trim level. "SE" became a trim level in 1995 and was the middle grade model in the Probe lineup ahead of the base but behind the GT.

In 1994, Ford released a "Feature Model" of the Probe, better known as the "Wild Orchid Edition". Included on this limited model was Wild Orchid exterior paint, floor mats that had the embroidered "PROBE" badge outlined in Wild Orchid, black cloth bucket seats with unique Wild Orchid inserts, and the "PROBE" badge on the rear outlined in Wild Orchid. This special Wild Orchid package was exclusive to the Probe GT only. This special edition Probe GT was only made for 1994, but the Wild Orchid exterior color was also available on 1995 Probes.

In 1997, a "GTS" appearance package was offered on the Probe GT. It had no more performance than the regular GT, but exterior modifications were distinct. Dual racing stripes available in either white or black started at the top edge of the front bumper and continued on to the back lip of the hatch, terminating just below the center light reflector on the rear bumper. A chrome plated version of the GT's directional wheels and a spoiler were also included in the package, as well as having a "blank" center reflector which lacked "GT" lettering as the regular GT models have. The "GTS" was an appearance package and not an actual model/trim level.

Models/trim levels

• Base • 1993–1995 ; 1997
• SE • 1995–1996
• GT • 1993–1997

In most other markets outside North America, trim levels were labeled as simply 16v (I4) and 24v (V6).

Appearance packages

• SE • 1993–1994
• Wild Orchid Edition (GT only) • 1994
• GTS • 1997

1993 Ford Probe GT   1994 Ford Probe GT   1995 Ford Probe GT   1996 Ford Probe GT   1997 Ford Probe GT   1997 Ford Probe GTS

Engine specifications

Mazda 2.0L FS-DE  DOHC 16 Valve
Type	Inline 4
Displacement	2.0 L (121 cu in)
Power (SAE net)	118 hp (88 kW) @ 5500 rpm
Torque (SAE net)	127 ft·lbf (172 N·m) @ 4500 rpm
0-60 mph	9.2s
1/4 mile	16.8
Top speed	113 mph

Mazda 2.5L KL-DE  DOHC 24 Valve
Type	60-degree angle V6
Displacement	2.5 L (152 cu in)
Power (SAE net)	164 hp (122 kW) @ 5600 rpm
Torque (SAE net)	156 ft·lbf (212 N·m) @ 4000 rpm
0-60 mph	7.0s
1/4 mile	15.5 at 89 mph (142 km/h)
Top speed	133 mph

Year to year changes

1994

• The 1994 Ford Probe becomes one of the first production cars to have dual air bags as standard equipment
• The dashboard gets a major overhaul. It now used completely different materials, and the right side is redesigned to house a passenger air bag
• Ford introduces the Probe in the European market
• The stripe on the dashboard is gone, but remains on the interior panels
• The stripe color on Probe GT's door panels are changed from red to the color of the car's interior
• Bottom half of instrument cluster is redesigned
• New Ford CD4E automatic transaxle for base and SE models
• Air conditioning units are switched from R-12 to R-134A
• "V6 DOHC 24 VALVE" emblem on engine intake manifold is no longer indented into the manifold and is now raised
• As a cost cutting move, the ability to keep Probe's pop up headlights visable (without the lights being on) is removed
• Fog light button on GT's is slightly redesigned

1995

• Lear Seating Corporation receives Ford's "Most Valued Supplier" award for the manufacturing of the seats in the Probe
• Redesigned tail lights; the 4-cylinder models are outlined in black, the GT's are outlined in red
• SE becomes a trim level/model
• SE model no longer has the GT's ground effects/side skirts
• New alloy wheels for SE and GT (3 spoke 15" directional for SE, 5 spoke 16" directional "swirlies" for GT)
• Two interior colors are dropped; Red, and blue
• Interior panels no longer have a stripe on them
• Door panels are redesigned and are now a one piece design. GT models get a cloth or leather insert on the door panels.
• Cloth seats get new fabric that have a unique "tree branch" pattern
• GT models get the option of tan leather interior
• Cup holders are slightly redesigned
• GT models receive red center reflector with 'GT' logo between tail lights. License plate indent moved down onto bumper.
• GT decal on rear bumper replaced with metal '24v' badge
• Rear bumper is redesigned
• Graphic equalizer is dropped

1996

• "PROBE" badge stamped on rear windows is gone
• Base model dropped; SE is now the standard model
• Probe GT's get the 1995 base/SE's black outlined tails
• Illuminated exterior door locks are dropped
• Tan leather interiors are now available in cloth
• Spoilers are redesigned
• Floor lighting is dropped
• "GT" center reflector above bumper on GT models is now black
• Probe GT gets more refined suspension to improve ride. Ride height is higher as a result of this change
• Cloth seats are slightly restyled and get new fabric
• Probe GT now has spoilers standard
• Rear seats are redesigned
• Probe GT no longer has a leather-wrapped steering wheel
• New seat belts with automatic locking retractors
• Rear windshield wiper dropped as an option
• OBD-II compliant

1997

• SE model is dropped; base model returns and has the GT's front bumper
• Cloth/leather inserts on GT door panels are removed
• Base models get 93-97 Mazda 626 wheel covers with 15" 3 spoke directional alloys from 95 and 96 Probe SE optional
• Rear windshield wiper returns as an option
• ABS is no longer standard on GT models and is now an option
• GT logos behind the front wheel wells have new letter styling
• Probe GT no longer has "24v" badge beside the "PROBE" badge
• Side door intrusion beams redesigned to meet 1997 Federal Side Impact Standards
• GTS appearance package added to the GT's option list
• Last year for the Probe, with the last Probe being manufactured in June 1997

1993 Ford Probe GT with red interior   1994 Ford Probe GT with black interior   1995 Ford Probe GT with black interior   1996 Ford Probe GT with saddle leather interior   1997 Ford Probe GT with black interior

US production numbers

Model year
1993	119,754
1994	85,502
1995	59,261
1996	30,079
1997	16,777
Total	311,373

Remaining registered 1993–1997 Probes on the road as of 2011

Model year	Base/SE	GT	Combined total
1993	16,134	12,908	29,042
1994	15,915	10,291	26,202
1995	14,810	6,620	21,430
1996	9,575	4,153	13,278
1997	5,964	2,720	8,684
Total	62,398	36,692	98,636

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1999-2002 Cougar

The last Probe came off the assembly line in June 1997. A 3rd generation Probe built on the same platform as the Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique was to be released in mid 1998 as a 1999 model. About 1/3 of the way through designing the 3rd generation Probe, Ford decided to change the name and bring back the Cougar nameplate and badge it as a Mercury. This was done in an unsuccessful attempt to attract younger buyers into Mercury showrooms. As the Probe was born from what was intended to be the new Mustang, the new Cougar was born from what was to be the new Probe. Strangely enough, the Cougar was never considered by Ford to be a successor to the Probe. The Escort ZX2, released shortly after the discontinuation of the Probe, was considered the Probe's successor. In June 1998, Ford released the new Probe as the 1999 Mercury Cougar.

Awards

The Probe GT was Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1993. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1989, 1993, and 1994.

The 1993–1997 Probe was one of the few Fords through the 90's that Consumer Reports  recommended.

The NASCAR Dash Series version of a 1990 Ford Probe driven by Jeffrey Collier set a new track record at Daytona International Speedway February 13, 1990 with a speed of 166.553 mph. That record still stands as the fastest closed course lap for a non-turbo 4-cylinder powered car.