The Ford Probe: its history, models, options, and features

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We cover the Ford Probe’s complete history. The failed product launch, all the models, options, drivelines and features and its ultimate demise.
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28 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 200

@B9M3 3 месяца назад

I bought a new Probe GT 5-speed in 94 and it was my daily driver for 16 years. I didnt care for Gen 1, but Gen 2 was strikingly beautiful in GT trim. I wouldn't call it bullet proof but over all it was reliable. I don't get all the snickering over the name. Ford had a series of experimental and concept cars in the 80s and 90s called Probes. They were all very cool in their own way. Some of them even looked like futuristic space probes. So when it became clear that it wouldn't be called Mustang, Ford just applied the nomenclature of the concept and experimental cars. I always liked the name -- sounds very futuristic and high tech..

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thanks for sharing your experience with the car. I understand probe was the name of a concept car in the in the early 80's it also is a double entendre. When given a choice of all the possible names a car can be given one should not use the double entendre regardless of how juvenile the other interpretation may be. If it's only 10% of potential buyers that will think along those lines that's way too many.

@aldoparise1224 3 месяца назад

The second generation Ford Probe is gorgeous.

@doerich01 19 дней назад

My first brand new car, a 1990 Ford Probe. Still have it 34 years later and still drive it occasionally. LOVE IT!

@TonysFordsandMustangs 19 дней назад

@@doerich01 That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing!

@Reaching2Sky 3 месяца назад

I'm a proud owner of a 1994 Probe GT. Getting spare parts here at México City is an authentic pain but it pays off when people stares at your car and... It's even better when you love your car that much that you have to turn your head at it when you park it.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thanks for your comment and for watching!

@skip741x3 2 месяца назад

Brother, I cant believe you said that! I have a white 94 gt, owned since new, my only car for last 30 yrs... I know that car inside and out..yeah getting parts is a real challenge, even scrapyards are empty of probes... I have to search ebay, amazon and use 626 and mx6 parts at times... I am the same in regards to ur last comment, I Still turn around and take a 2nd look at mine whenever i park it, even after 30 yrs, now thats a good sign!

@dudefromtx1404 3 месяца назад

I had the 1989 Ford Probe GT and really liked it, and had no mechanical issues to about 60,000 miles until some lady on medications pulled out in front of me and totalled it.

@Aggiedave93 3 месяца назад

I bought a black ‘93 Probe GT 5-sp right out of college, in between my ‘85 Mustang GT and ‘94 Cobra. That car was absoluteiy beautiful back in the day and was a great, smooth, modern ride and drive. That car and its MX-6 twin were ahead of their time.

@meyo1860 3 месяца назад

I loved when my parents took the kids down to Toronto Harbourfront where we would come across random Ford cars on display along the shore line. I drooled over the Merkur cars, but that weekend we came across the ‘89 Probe GT display, my mind almost blew apart!! Ford was on 🔥

@seanfrip9036 3 месяца назад

I own a 1993 Probe GT it was a awesome car. Not a straight line 1/4 mile car but It was a good handling car and V6 made wonderful noise😅. I wish Ford had all the Mustang E the Probe.

@seanfrip9036 3 месяца назад

Wish Ford had call the mustang E the probe

@brilliant59 3 месяца назад

Ever notice when Ford and Mazda get together the cars are good? My daughter bought a new 2013 Mazda Cx5 and has never had any problems to this day. The car still looks new. Had many Mazdas over the years, great cars. Would love to have a CX90, but I will wait until the financial crash and cars come down.

@terrylessmann2274 3 месяца назад

Had a red 89 GT, a teal 93 GT, and a dark green 97 GT, all bought new, all great cars. The 89 would get 35mpg on the interstate. The 97 was the best looking w/ chrome wheels and beige int. Unfortunately it was saddled with an auto trans. Probes were great cars for the time.

@katieandkevinsears7724 3 месяца назад

Thank you for mentioning the 3rd gen Probe becoming the Cougar. I own a 2002 with 47,000 miles on it. Just 4 cylinders and a 5 speed manual getting 37mpg 22 years after it rolled off the line.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thank you for watching and that sounds like a nice ride.

@wesd2845 3 месяца назад

Great video Tony! A friend of mine purchased a new early model Probe and it was definitely an improvement over the Escort I was driving at the time. The Probe wasn't known for its speed but it did drive and handle very well and the interior was definitely an upgrade over the Escort.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thanks for your comment and for watching Wes!

@autochatter 3 месяца назад

Awesome vid! Funny how the 94 Mustang, costing about the same as a Probe that year, is likely what killed it....Considering the Probe was to be the next Mustang in the first place

@asideofbeans5803 3 месяца назад

I have a 1993 GT and it hadn’t run in almost 20 years when I bought it. All it needed was a new battery and it fired right up and has had very few issues since. The community for this car is by far the most enjoyable car community I’ve ever seen.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Very awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience

@WALTERBROADDUS 3 месяца назад

You actually still have a Ford Probe?🙆🏽‍♂️ I thought these things were extinct? I haven't seen one in 30 years.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

@@WALTERBROADDUS There are quite a few of those cars running around. Some owners tucked them away just like the foxbody owners.

@WALTERBROADDUS 3 месяца назад

@@TonysFordsandMustangs Really? 🤔 I can't remember seeing one outside of a Carlisle Ford car show? Personally, my last favorite ride was my Lincoln Mark VIII LSC. I miss that car.😥

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

@@WALTERBROADDUS I see them on Facebook Marketplace all time they are out there.

@jamisonbartlett7840 Месяц назад

I just picked up a 5 speed 96 ford probe with only 82k miles for 1400 bucks, been a ton of fun so far and im looking forward to restoring it completely!

@TonysFordsandMustangs Месяц назад

Very Awesome! Glad to hear it!

@Johnnyk999 3 месяца назад

I owned the Probe twin, actually a 1988 Mazda 626 GT hatchback. Bought used in '92, with about 60k miles on it. Cons: A/C was leaky; trans axle boots would split every 2 - 3 yrs; motorized passive restraint that eventually failed, so used the separate lap belt; frameless windows with tracking clips that eventually rusted off. Pros: 2.2L intercooled turbo loved to rev, tight R&P steering, 5 spd manual, never failed to start; 3-grade adjustable suspension; easy to maintain. Had 240k on it after 20 yrs, never had to replace the (hydraulic) clutch, thanks to the low gearing of 1st gear. With a light weight body, the hatchback was very utilitarian, with flat-folding rear seats. It was a delight to drive, and performed much better than some friends' sports cars I drove back in the day. Someone once posted a YT video of driving one at 140 mph. Interior was head and shoulders above it's Probe twin. Really hated to part with it after 20 yrs.

@strife3084 26 дней назад

My first car was an 89 Ford Probe turbo. I absolutely adored that thing and can thank it for introducing me to the world of forced induction. this eventually led me to building one of the quickest civics in the , for its time. I can atest to its reliability. I beat the ever loving shit out of the thing from the time I drove it off the lot until it let the clutch go draging a mustang on the freeway in Ohio at 1 in the morning. the 3 years I owned it, the only thing that let go was the clutch and an axle. with the amount of abuse I put down, I can honestly say I am impressed. My dad would flip if he ever heard me say this, but good job on this one, Ford.

@nickn815 3 месяца назад

I really liked the second gen styling especially in the GT trim, unfortunately I wasn’t ready to buy a new car until 2000 and I got the ZX2 which had some cues from the Probe

@trippm4036 3 месяца назад

Thanks for including one brief photo of the beautiful MX-6. If the MX-6 was Cinderella, the Probe was the ugly stepsister. I think the drop in sales of the Probe came mainly from the enthusiasm and practicality of the Taurus.

@saleen367 3 месяца назад

I ordered a new 93 GT and later purchased a red 94 GT, both 5 speeds. These cars handled well but really needed another 40hp. The SHO engine at the time would have been a good fit, however that would have created a rival to the Mustang, FWD and all. I have fond memories of my Probe GT's regardless of its not so well thought out name.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thanks for sharing!

@pgtmr2713 3 месяца назад

They didn't need the SHO engine. They needed the Japanese version of the same V6. Bolts in. Even runs on the stock ECU. If you want all the beans, headers an Maf swap(w/ecu). Lighter engine and the hood fits. It has it's own intake tricks. Sub 6 seconds to 60, over 7k rpm. SHO was around 7 - 60

@bomguy999999 3 месяца назад

I had a 89 base model. Bought it used in 91. Good enough car. No issues in 5 or so years. Although that torque steer was real if you floored it and werent expecting it.

@charlotteruse158 21 день назад

I bought a 93 GT 5 speed in 2007 that had been in an old mans driveway for a year and he wanted it out of there. I paid 700 dollars for it. It had never been wrecked ran like a dream, interior was clean. I replaced two back tires that cost 250 a piece. It was iceberg blue. I loved that car. It was fast, it hugged the curves, sat low to the ground, lumbar seats, big compartment in in the back. I went to jail for a couple of unpaid traffic tickets and my car got towed to the impound yard from my daughters apartment complex because it wasn't registered with the office. Anyway, I didn't have the money to go get it. Huge mistake. Huge. Such a good looking sporty car. My favorite ever. One day though....

@TonysFordsandMustangs 21 день назад

Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry about you losing the car. That's rough.

@mmahtnart8986 3 месяца назад

I owned a 94' GT 6 cylinder manual. I liked it. It was ok.

@brentboswell1294 3 месяца назад

Front wheel drive and enthusiast interest rarely intersect...I think the Mini and the Volkswagen GTI are two of the rare exceptions. Maybe the Dodge Omni GLH 😊

@SRDFMC 2 месяца назад

KLZE V6 version of the engine for the Japanese market made 200hp, bringing a significant (+25%) improvement in performances for a lightweight and aerodynamic body, as well as a better sonority (power band came at a higher rpm). The main problem with the Probe II, at least for European owners, was the (ridiculously) expensive spare parts and services. This car was also doomed by the lack of a transmission shaft to the rear wheels, not so much by the absence of a V8. 1990s V6 cars faired generally well.

@jasonrogers8754 3 месяца назад

I didn't know a CD player was an option for anything in 1990. I was only 8 years old at the time but as far as I can remember CDs weren't a thing until the mid-90s.

@bradwhite4827 3 месяца назад

Whoever said if it was rear wheel drive and would be a perfect car to compare to the 240s was absolutely correct! That’s all they needed to do! But keep the mustang also!

@timsimmons5190 3 месяца назад

My mom had one and all I can remember is that the trunk use to have water in it someway somehow lol

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

It had to have a bad hatch or window seal. Thanks for watching!

@thumperjdm 3 месяца назад

Had a roommate in the 1990's, who traded-in her Ford Probe for a BMW 318i. After just a few short weeks, she realized she'd made a huge mistake.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

BMW's can be complicated. Thanks for watching!

@martinfrnaco6752 2 месяца назад

Tengo un probe y es un coche excepcional.

@JohnSmith-yz7fg 3 месяца назад

Had a 93 and 94 both had the transmission go out

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

I guess you would be part of the "very few horror stories" I mentioned in the video. Thanks for watching

@skip741x3 20 дней назад

@@TonysFordsandMustangs My stock 94 gt is still on its original clutch and the tranny has never caused any issues....I dont beat on it though...well maybe alittle when it and me were alot younger !! Got it when I was 34 and Im 64 now LOL.

@rjnproductions2855 3 месяца назад

My first car 1995 Probe GT black 5 speed. Graduated in 07 and that car was hot! chicks loved it lol. 5 speed , intake, exhaust, bought it with only 40k on it. Drove it into the ground at 160k burned two clutches racing that thing and acting like a fool, did take an lt1 tTans Am from a roll. Truly was a great car. Honestly this is one of the only ford cars to threaten the Stang, and I think that says a lot. in fact she's still on RU-vid , ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KD--4wMlGUg.htmlsi=NuTo2u_puAFJHFMY can't believe this video has 81k views hah

@K9Clyde 3 месяца назад

The only problem with these cars was the name. They looked and drove great!

@skip741x3 2 месяца назад

The name was never really a problem except for those who made it so... Its just a name, you drive the actual car... its That which matters...its the experience that you receive from being behind the wheel or parking ur car looking over ur shoulder at it...A name is just a name, nothing more.

@Teddy-mj2zx 3 месяца назад

Yeah, I bought one. I was young and I thought it was cool looking. But, I went on to buy several Mustangs. Nothing beats displacement.

@skip741x3 2 месяца назад

I "m still daily driving my 30 yr old 94 gt 5 spd, all stock.... its been my only car all this time...Reliable? not really, especially when these get to have high mi.. mine is about 275k mi... they are beautiful and Unique cars though.. good handling lots of road feel, great steering and turn in, and very nice engine/exhaust sounds.. these have a tone change as they move into midrange and it sounds fantastic... Fast? no ,not by todays standards... I wish these had more lowend torque..you really need to get these into that midrange and wind them out from there, then they take off...

@TonysFordsandMustangs 2 месяца назад

@@skip741x3 that is awesome. Thanks for sharing!

@bradyelich2745 3 месяца назад

Fun fact: Canada never had a gas crisis. Too bad Canada only had the Bricklin.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Fun fact if you are Canadian. :)

@bradyelich2745 3 месяца назад

@@TonysFordsandMustangs Well, yes. We have the tar sands. proof oil is abiotic. oil running out is the first big scam, now we have climate change scam. Remember when the earth was freezing in the 1970's?

@louisbabycos106 3 месяца назад

If I had money to burn ,I would swap in a FORD TAURUS SHO Ecoboost twin turbo V6 AWD power train.

@broeheemed32 3 месяца назад

Fast-forward to 2021, and the "Mustang Mach E"......

@raymond_sycamore 3 месяца назад

We gotta get a gold old letter writing campaign going again to end the Mustang Mach E once and for all.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

That ship has already sailed.

@WALTERBROADDUS 3 месяца назад

😢 what was the second choice name? THere had to be another one in the suggestion box?🗳

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

You would think right? Falcon was available, they could have went with Sportster. They went to meanless alphanumeric designations with other cars. Any of those would have been a better choice.

@WALTERBROADDUS 3 месяца назад

@@TonysFordsandMustangs It is a name as bad as Edsel..... If they had not turned off folks at the start with it being a ,"replacement Mustang." It would have had a better sales run and life. It's not like they didn't have a ton of past Ford names to work with? It's also strange they never came out with a Mercury version? Which was the better seller by the way? The MX6 or the Probe?

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

@@WALTERBROADDUS That's good question. I never really looked into which of the two were more popular. I have a source for Ford production numbers but nothing for Mazda.

@gorgik 3 месяца назад

we sent letters for mach-e but now no body cares

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

I think people not buying them is a bit more powerful than letters. Thanks for watching!

@arnesahlen2704 28 дней назад

HONESTLY! That Probe-name flap is childish & largely retrofitted. PROBE can mean probe new depths of universe/ocean/volcanic remains; a probing question... MATURITY please.😡😡

@skip741x3 20 дней назад

It is amazing how many people can get hung up on a name! LOL to that i would say " Do you drive The Name or do you drive The Car Itself?" thats what matters

@drplando14 3 месяца назад

In college back in 99 I bought a 96 ford probe w manual transmission (4c). Had it until 2014 and put 250k miles and never had any issues, just maintenance. Loved it

@jwc3104 3 месяца назад

2nd gen probe in White and blue, looks totally rad, it still looks good in 2024.

@marquisbrunson 3 месяца назад

I had a 94 ford probe. I loved it.

@2H2521 3 месяца назад

Yet again, excellent information & history on another Ford vehicle! This channel is nothing of absolute super. The second generation Probe is one of the coolest & most futuristic looking cars of the 90’s, it was so ahead of its time with its styling. I think it’s one of the best looking cars Ford ever had. Cool SVO in the background too.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thank you for the kind words and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

@putzmeisterdeluxe1204 3 месяца назад

I live in sweden and my girlfriend has a 95 Probe gt with the 5-speed manual, she bought it in 2011 and only drives it during the summer. It's her first car. Everything works, no rust and it handles great. 🙂

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thanks for sharing! I don't think I will hear many complaints about these cars.

@ford_probe_garage_studio 2 месяца назад

They are awesome handling vehicles 👍👍👍

@pgtmr2713 3 месяца назад

All they had to do was make it RWD and it would be hanging with 240s. Well, beating them. They could've gone with Maverick for the name, OR thrown darts at letters blindfolded to come up with a better name. I like the 2nd gen exclusively, more refined, better looking, more options, paint colors were wild. They put a lot into it, both Ford and Mazda.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

I don't think it was bad as it was. I think the launch (awful) and the fact that the market for sports cars was shrinking is what did it in. SUV's were becoming popular with younger buyers.

@georgeburns7251 3 месяца назад

Probe was actually a name used on Fords race car at that time.

@bikingD 3 месяца назад

Probe, MX6 and 240 all hung together. They were sporty woman's cars when new. My ex had a 240 new and was a nice car. Guys if they wanted a performance Japanese sporty cars at the time bought Talon's and Eclipse's.

@komradkolonel 3 месяца назад

I didn't write a letter but I was one of those that thought a FWD Mustang with a turbo four was an abomination. The bosses at Ford were wise to listen up and not make the Probe the new Mustang. Ford did need the Probe not only because they had invested so much money into it but also because they really didn't have a car to compete with the Toyota Celica, Dodge Daytona, or Mitsubishi Eclipse from that time. The Probe fit into that class perfectly.

@aaronbrandes7456 3 месяца назад

My grandmother worked for Ford and bought the first gen Probe GT and me being a teenager at the time was blown away by its performance!

@DanTheMailman330 3 месяца назад

I didn't realize they were comparable to an automatic 5.0 mustang in the quarter mile!

@michaelmartin2276 3 месяца назад

My oldest sister bought a Probe GT. It was fun and fast and very reliable. She drove it for 12 years.

@patagualianmostly7437 Месяц назад

@@DanTheMailman330 Pretty sure it handled a lot better too. I don't get the obsession with V8's...Much heavier......

@Hobotraveler82 3 месяца назад

Love the looks of the second gen. Maverick would have been better than Probe. 😊

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Totally agree

@victorxavier9977 3 месяца назад

I had a 93 Probe GT as a daily driver until an old guy T-boned me and totaled the car. I enjoyed it for the short period of time I had it.

@JCVACCARO 3 месяца назад

My girlfriend had a Probe GT 5 spd in 89. It was ok but no Mustang GT. My friend's 89 Shelby Daytona used to absolutely smoke her Probe. Boy do I remember all the talk about this replacing the Mustang. Mustang guys gals were pissed.

@doggerracing5243 3 месяца назад

Thanks for another interesting model review. I bought a Probe GT in 93. I really enjoyed that car. Silky smooth engine with a refined independent suspension, good brakes and an excellent 5 speed transmission all wrapped in a body shape that was easy on the eyes. It had some shortcomings, but it was a fun and reliable daily driver.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thanks for sharing and I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

@DanTheMailman330 3 месяца назад

Rwd with the high reving Mazda v6 orbthe turbo 4would have been a winner.😢 A more sophisticated svo mustang...

@DanTheMailman330 3 месяца назад

Should have named it the Falcon.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

That would have been a great choice!

@bobuncle8704 3 месяца назад

Seen them, never been in one. Anyone opi knew to have one was pleased with it. I’ve always been a Mustang or F series guy.

@sfoonsfo 3 месяца назад

A story idea.... that Mercury Cougar (Probe gen 3)

@billnorris3305 3 месяца назад

Buddy had a 1995 GT. Fun car. Pretty reliable. Had issues with the parking brake. I remember him parking it on a slight incline and watching it roll into the street. One other time we got out of the car and heard this weird noise coming from the back. We got out to look just in time to catch the passenger rear glass that somehow fell out.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching!

@Dwilso621 3 месяца назад

Got my sub, thanks for this! I’ve had 3 2nd gen Probes. Love them, not so much the 1G. The Probe community is a loyal and passionate group. Haha.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Awesome thank you for subscribing!

@damyanpopov1341 3 месяца назад

I have owned a 94 Probe GT for over 3 years. Fixed a lot of things on it and it is now looking great inside, outside and under the hood. Great car and I love it! Great handling car with enough power to have fun when you really get on it. I replaced the entire exhaust system on it and it tends to turn heads wherever I go. Magnaflow for the win :) I have been approached more than once at the gas station with people asking what the car is or commenting how they haven't seen a Probe in ages! Currently restoring a 95 Probe GT with my father we picked up a few months ago. It wasn't running when we got it, but it is now! Ford Probe Facebook groups are a great community and resource. We are always helping each other out and discussing Probe stuff!

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thank you for sharing! I have to admit that I am impressed with the positive comments regarding Probe and the community of owners. Very few negative comments regarding the car and plenty support those they own them. Glad to hear all of this!

@keenhr8t4blues 2 месяца назад

Enjoyed your video, Thanks! I'm still driving my 95 Probe GT atx, bought it new in 95 and am grateful it still runs great with 115,000 mi. I miss Probetalk, glad I printed out a bunch of stuff when it was still online. I abhor facebook but if I get desperate, I might consider resorting to it for info. Every other car I drive, even if new, is torture comparatively. It's an ugly downright shame suv's pushed them out of the market. I also get many comments from people that previously owned one, and they all say they'd rather still drive a Probe instead of their new car.

@skip741x3 20 дней назад

@@keenhr8t4blues Thats really low mi for a 29yr old car! Mines a 94gt bought new and I still own and drive it daily.. mine is about 280k at this point

@tonybrown6775 3 месяца назад

I remember when that car came out. A friend of mine his dad bought one. Remember ridding in it sometimes. Definitely different.

@youknowit888-kt4en 8 дней назад

I remember the Probe... I had a fully loaded, black 88 GT 5MT and I really did like it. Was a fun car to use going back and forth to work. Then I remember leaving the 97 Probe GT & 96 Mustang GT in the dust with my silver 97 Grand Prix GTP Coupe 😂 blew the doors off of everything Ford had on the road then. Still have the Mighty GTP, and she can still hold her own. Recently found another 88 Probe GT 5MT, thus time with red paint for sale and I'm thinking about buying it...🤔 1 owner, all original with 91K miles that's been sitting for over 20 years, so it needs a lot of work, but its undercoated body is super clean... if I buy it, I think I will swap the drive train with a 2018 Ford Focus RS... idk...

@houseofno 3 месяца назад

What really damaged the Probe's reputation is that it was underpowered compared with several of its competitors. Even the Nissan 240 SX overpowered it by ten to fifteen horsepower once Nissan upgraded the 2.4 to the twin cam version putting out 155 hp. The Celica All Trac Turbo was a 200 hp beast. But the car that was really putting the smack down on the Ford Probe were the Diamond Star twins, which depending on the model and year, was putting out anywhere from 195 to 210 hp. These could also be had with all wheel drive, as with the Toyota Celica All Trac Turbo. Ford could have put the 220 hp SHO V6 engine in this and really wiped out the competition.

@MrSloika 3 месяца назад

The Probe was knee capped by Ford because they didn't want a car that was faster than the Mustang. By the time the 2nd gen Probe came along Ford had a monster hit with the Explorer and they let the Probe die on the vine. It really was the correct biz decision. SUVs and pickups were machines that printed money for the car companies. Today not a single car company sells a hatchback coupe in the US.

@skip741x3 20 дней назад

I think those diamond star cars were doing 6.5 to 60 more or less, a good full sec faster than the gt probe...

@theplayernkc 28 дней назад

1st Gen Probe was a decent looking car, I thought it was cool how the door mirrors were blended into the finder. 2nd Gen Probes are a very good looking car, much better than the 1st Gen. Can't say I dislike either Gen, but glad Ford didn't kill off the Mustang for it or run it along side as another version of the Mustang. The Mustang Mach-E isn't bad either, but using the Mustang name on it was a misstep on Ford's part IMO. I think the Mustang Mach-E would sell better with a different name.

@berts4877 Месяц назад

My first new car was a red '93 Probe GT with manual transmission. It was a blast to drive on twisty roads and the V6 was smooth. One time when my parents had just moved to Arkansas after retiring, I drove my Probe GT and my brother followed in my dad's '94 Lincoln Mark VIII which we were bringing to him. When we got to the twisty roads, I was able to pull away from my brother on sections with a lot of turns, but if there was a straight section he caught back up. It was like a 100 mile roller coaster.

@riftedgegaming1810 Месяц назад

I'm curious. I had a Ford probe back in the day. As far as I know it was a 1990 probe lx. It had the 3.0 V6 Mazda motor but it had an auto trans that you could switch to a manual shifting mode. I can't seem to find that. Did I have a rare car or what? It was white with hub caps. All I'm seeing for 90 was manual

@lancer.5603 2 месяца назад

I owned a ‘93 Probe GT in white, 5-speed, and that thing would flat out run. 24v DOHC would wind up and could handle like it was on rails. Even still today the Gen2 Probe GT of that generation is a sleek and sexy looking car. I then traded that in for a 95 Probe GT in Chameleon Blue. This one was fully loaded. I am still quite a fan of this car. I’ve sometimes thought what if I could search and find one for sale to buy just to have one again.

@gregoryleo4640 2 месяца назад

Mercury Cougar replaced Ford Probe at the Flat Rock manufacturing plant. But inside Ford dealerships, the Probe was replaced by Escort ZX2.

@michaelsimko7694 3 месяца назад

The Probe had a very similar exterior design to some other cars of the 80s and 90s. The second gen looks very similar to an RX-7, Integra, Supra, and Aurora. Even a very similar front fascia to the BMW 850.

@The_Night_Driver 3 месяца назад

My sister had a late 90s probe, she never changed the the oil even once.she would rarely even top up the oil. She would drive it weeks at a time with the oil so low it would not even show on the dipstick. Same goes for coolant and steering fluid. That car ran for years like that and was 100% reliable until she traded it in for a new car.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

That is impressive. I feel bad for the cars in her future.

@thebionicbassplayer 3 месяца назад

Alot of people treat their cars like your sister, but then complain that the model is garbage when it prematurely breaks down. That shows the Probe was a reliable vehicle.

@skip741x3 20 дней назад

thats brutal bro! LOL. ive got to check the oil level every 3 or 4 days of driving becuz that v6 is both burning and dripping oil at near 300k mi... I'd never ever let it get to the low mark on the stick or so low it wouldnt even read though, man, thats just cruel

@EffequalsMA 3 месяца назад

I was at the drag strip mucho years ago and we are bsing in the pits and buddy want to run me in his gen 1 probe gt. I'm saying sure in my v8 ox 5.0 with a blower on. I hole shot the he'll out of him and then he steam rolls me at about 880 and blows past me. Yup big turbo built engine under hood etc. Car broke 130 in the quarter and looked completely stock. Can't fool anyone twice with that gig. Anyway, that's me Probe story 😁

@marvinkuznitz6250 3 месяца назад

I had a '93 GT in black with the 2.5L V6 and 5 speed manual. Great fun to drive when it was new but eventually became a reliability nightmare. I think the early ones had lots of materials problems that hopefully got worked out. Ford was zero help even for things that seemed like they should be a class action lawsuit. Last Ford I owned and moved on to better things.

@bradbradley353 3 месяца назад

Friend of mine bought an original Gt. Beautiful car. He however, thought because of the road and track article it would easily handle my new 90lx notch…it didn’t…suffice to say I think my 2.73 geared notch hurt his feelings. Still it was a very nice car and deserved to be marketed much better…

@John-kx3ng 3 месяца назад

Had a 1990 Ford Probe GL and absolutely loved it! I know it was the base model but being 20 years old at the time I thought it was so cool.Had it for 4 years and other than normal maintenance no problems with mine. Btw I knew it was a Mazda! Lol

@CollideFan1 3 месяца назад

Calling a Probe a Mustang is just as bad as calling that POS electric thing a Mustang. Plenty of names we can call cars, let's not insult the legacy of the classics. Probe isn't that bad looking of a car. Would be better of it was rear wheel drove with a 4 banger turbo or supercharged v6. I'm one of those old school muscle cars enthusiasts. Can't stand front wheel drives

@jimlafreeda43 3 месяца назад

Funny I remember working on the 1st Gen Probe at Sears but not the 2nd.....I moved to a different role in 1994 so that might be why. The 2nd Gen had a much better look in my opinion. Very sporty!

@PJAvenger 3 месяца назад

I liked the look of this car, but it needed a few things. A better name (Torino maybe?), a twin turbo V6 - and AWD. Oh hell, Ford is going to make an SUV with that info. Dayum.

@maxymax3425 3 месяца назад

I drove one for about a month from a company job transfer back in the mid 90's. I was presently surprised how smooth it drove and the large roomy back. I think compared to a V6 Mustang, is a better car- more modern feel.

@gsdfan8455 3 месяца назад

I had a good friend that had a Probe gt. I don’t remember what year it was, but it was a blast. My ‘86 Mustang SVO would absolutely smoke it though.

@billkerstein1637 3 месяца назад

The 1989 model looked ok as a GT and performance and all was good for a 4 cylinder car. The '93 up GT really improved its looks and interior and all but the performance didn't match is good looks. I stuck with my reliable 10k '86 Fox 5.0 5speed and won lots of races and had tons of cheap fun and mods. Probes were much more expensive to fix like a Mazda and where are they all now? Foxes are still very abundant in all forms.

@RobertBoston-n4d 3 месяца назад

Well

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thanks for watching. I saw several Probes at Carlisle last weekend and a ton of Foxes. In the Probes defense they were treated as transportation and used up. Many Mustangs were pampered by their owners from new and that makes a big difference.

@RoadRunnergarage8570 3 месяца назад

I believe I have seen model kits of the Probe... Maybe one day if I locate one at a decent price...

@jermainec2462 3 месяца назад

I never liked how Ford treated Mazda ... but you can tell how much mazda was in the probe. I'm glad they are separate these days

@aleks1939 3 месяца назад

I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I always liked the looks of the 1st Gen more than the 2nd Gen. The 2nd Gen looked too much like a Geo to me.

@MichaelMontalvo-if4wv 2 месяца назад

Nearly got this car as my first 5 years ago but went with a 92 Honda Hatchback. Greatly wise of me

@CrustyCodger 2 месяца назад

Drove a 1994 PGT for 25 yrs, never let me down. Apart from a bad igniter in the distry early on, only had to change a couple timing belts & water pumps. 249,000 miles later scraped her because the paint was flaking. Engine had another 250,000 left in her. Great car!

@TonysFordsandMustangs 2 месяца назад

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience!

@tstahler5420 6 дней назад

I had a '94 Mazda MX-6, weren't they basically the same car? Loved that car.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 6 дней назад

They were basically the same car. Thank for watching!

@redalfa22 3 месяца назад

A 94 Probe GT was my first new car. While lacking the V8 charisma of my prior 79 Z28 and 82 Mustang GT, it more than made up for it with higher build quality and overall sophistication. The 2.5L V6 was pure joy with excellent handling as well. I would love to own another one!

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching.

@darrellhigley4523 3 месяца назад

Purchased new a 1st generation 1989 and loved it! Blue with blue. Drove until just under 300k, changed the alternator once, ford mechanic said to use a Mazda 626, 1/3 the cost and lasted from 100k and was in the car when I traded it. Simple maintenance provided a long lasting car… Still with I owned it!

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thank you for sharing your experience

@cmoore7700 3 месяца назад

Bought a 96 SE Probe brand new The dealer put in a pop up sunroof and stripes down the side As it turns out my 4 cylinder 5 speed was one of the best cars I ever owned. I believe just brake pads, oil changes and tires. I believe I traded it with about 165 k on her for my 02 LeSabre which I still drive to this day Thanks for the topic Stay well

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Thank you for watching and for your comment.

@derangeddwayne5532 3 месяца назад

I think they could have brought back the falcon name and it would have fit the car. Had a blue 1989 lx I bought in 1990 after I totaled my 1988.5 Escort GT. Miss both those cars

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Absolutely agree. Thank you for watching my video. I have an Escort video on the channel as well. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5XMuCYTbw74.html

@sampsonleevon1982 3 месяца назад

I thought of star trek ie the name...a spy rocket...anyway from start to finish I wanted one...they seemed great, looked great and wasn't bland. Making me a Ford fan still.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

That's certainly how Ford looked at it is as well. A using a word that has a double meaning is never a good idea even if 10% view it the other way it is not a good thing. Thanks for watching!

@cardwellave2 2 месяца назад

I sure miss when car manufacturers had something for everyone’s taste. Everything is identical now in different sizes.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 2 месяца назад

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

@janvanek9745 26 дней назад

I Love my probe so much

@JP-gw9ts 2 месяца назад

Does anyone know how many of the 22k 1997s made were bought with the GTS package?

@TonysFordsandMustangs 2 месяца назад

@@JP-gw9ts I do not and Ford didn’t break it down for you.

@pierreroberge4927 2 месяца назад

I had a black 97 GT, 5-speed. Bought brand new. Loved that car. It would corner incredibly well with 225s. The V6 was super smooth and the sound coming out of the exhaust pipe was lovely.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 2 месяца назад

Thanks for sharing your experience!

@pierreroberge4927 2 месяца назад

@@TonysFordsandMustangs Thanks you are encouraging me to share more . I used to drive from Sunnyvale down to Santa Cruz on the 17, in California. This is a very curvy road and it was a lot of fun to drive in my Probe. At one point, I had a jeep with a bigger engine that could keep up with me in straight-aways. I think the Jeep must have had a 4 liter V6 or something like that at the time. At one point I had enough and floored it. There was something special with the Probe when you floored it. You could have the pedal 1/16 of an inch from the metal and it would not pull that same as flooring it. I assume there was a switch that would trigger a different mapping for the fuel/O2 sensor or something but you felt it. It felt like a mini turbo push. It was not, but felt like it a bit. Anyway, I floored and I left the Jeep behind on a steep hill going up. I was impressed. Of course I would have lost him in the curves. Good times. Coupled with a Valentine one, I never got caught. Black car, hidden headlights, Valentine one, even lidar could not get me.

@luisrazi 3 месяца назад

We had a ‘89 LX and it smoked the alternators every 12 months. Only issue it had , but that was enough for us to hate it.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Something was off with that car. I hear very few negative comments on the Probes.

@DSP1968 3 месяца назад

A great summary. I always thought there were very nice (if poorly named) cars.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

Agreed and thanks for watching!

@jamesmcintire3800 3 месяца назад

My uncle bought a new Mazda MX6 in about 93-94. That was a very good looking car with very attractive styling and a sporty ride. The MX6 was the twin to the Probe. But overall I was never a big fan of the Ford Probe.

@TonysFordsandMustangs 3 месяца назад

TO each his own I guess. Thanks for watching.

@skip741x3 20 дней назад

Those yrs mx6 were really nice looking cars ..they had a better Quality interior, not as cheaply made as the probe gt but they werent as sporty and driver oriented.. the ride was wayy softer and the handling not as crisp...engine tone not as sporty either..the probe gt was definitely more tuned for sport driving.. acceleration similiar..

@MrSloika 3 месяца назад

Owned an '89 LX. Not much power but it had all the options....flip up sunroof, power everything, digital dash. I replaced the original struts with Tokico blues and it handled surprisingly well and got over 30mpg on the highway.

@etiennegregoire3091 3 месяца назад

In 95 i had 2 SVOs my wife wanted a ProbeGT. We had it for years. Turn out to be a good car with the only issues the crank sensor connector of poor quality that would an occasional no start and oil leaks in the plug holes. I remember changing the timing belt on it...that was fun !!!