Ford Probe
Encyclopedia
The Ford Probe was a coupé
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 1991 Probe was given a 4-star crash rating in collision tests conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
.
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 transmission
s 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 inches (381 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 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 it's 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, right behind an $80,000 Mercedes-Benz and an $80,000 BMW. In the article, the Probe listed at about $15,000.
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 Probe GT's.
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.
In most other markets outside North America
, trim levels were labeled as simply 16v (I4) and 24v (V6).
1995
1996
1997
.
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.
Coupé
A coupé or coupe is a closed car body style , the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time...
based on the Mazda GD platform
Mazda G platform
The Mazda G platform is an automobile platform for midsize cars. It has been used by a number of vehicles from Mazda in Japan and abroad.Prior to 1981, Mazda coded the rear wheel drive Capella platform as "S1" in the VIN code...
, and powered by a 2.2 L SOHC 4 cylinder Mazda F2 engine
Mazda F engine
The F engine family from Mazda is a mid-sized straight-4 piston engine with iron block, alloy head and belt-driven OHC. Introduced in 1983 as the 1.6L F6, this engine was found in the Mazda B-Series truck and Mazda G platform models such as Mazda 626 as well as many other models internationally...
.
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
Judge Dredd (film)
Judge Dredd is a 1995 American science fiction action film directed by Danny Cannon, and starring Sylvester Stallone, Diane Lane, Rob Schneider, Armand Assante, and Max von Sydow. The film is based on the strip of the same name in the British comic 2000 AD...
, Back to the Future Part II
Back to the Future Part II
Back to the Future Part II is a 1989 American science fiction comedy film and the second installment of the Back to the Future trilogy. It was directed by Robert Zemeckis, written by Zemeckis and Bob Gale, and starred Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Thomas F. Wilson and Lea Thompson...
, and Total Recall
Total Recall
Total Recall is a 1990 American science fiction action film. The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Ronny Cox & Mel Johnson, Jr.. It is based on the Philip K. Dick story “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale”...
.
The first generation was available in several trim levels that differ depending on the market the vehicle was sold in. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, the Probe was available in GL, LX, and GT trim levels:
- The GL was the base model with the 110 hp/130 lbft 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, and power mirrors, and different other interior options, as well as an optional flip-open air roof. Starting in 1990, the LX was available with the 3.0 L "Vulcan" V6 engineV6 engineA V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
, that was also used in the Ford TaurusFord TaurusThe Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States. Originally introduced in the 1986 model year, it has remained in near-continuous production for more than two decades, making it the fourth oldest nameplate that is currently sold in the North American...
, Ford RangerFord RangerThe Ford Ranger is a pickup truck produced by the Ford Motor Company. The "Ranger" name had previously been used for a premium styling package on the F-Series full-sized pickup trucks since 1965. The name was moved to this line of North American compact trucks for the 1983 model year.In North...
, Ford TempoFord TempoThe Ford Tempo is a coupe/sedan car model that was produced by Ford Motor Company for model years 1984 to 1994. It was a downsized successor to the boxy Ford Fairmont that introduced "jellybean" styling, which would later be shown on the larger 1986 Ford Taurus. and was replaced in 1994 by the...
, and Ford AerostarFord AerostarThe Ford Aerostar is a minivan produced by Ford Motor Company for the North American market; the first such design by Ford, it was sold from the 1986 to the 1997 model years. It was sold in both passenger van and cargo van configurations in two body lengths with both rear wheel drive and all wheel...
. - The GT included all the equipment of the LX, but featured the F2T 2.2 L turbochargedTurbochargerA turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
, intercooled engine that produced 145 hp and 190 lbft 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 (0.503317282389 bar) in the vicinity of 2,500 rpm. The GT version also came with 4-wheel disc brakes with ABSAnti-lock braking systemAn anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
, 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
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
.
Engine specifications
| Mazda 2.2 L SOHC 12 Valve I4 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Inline 4 |
| Displacement | 132 cu in (2.2 l) |
| Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Engine-control system | Mazda with port fuel injection |
| Power (SAE net) | 110 hp @ 4700 rpm |
| Torque (SAE net) | 130 ft.lbf @ 3000 rpm |
| Mazda 2.2 L Turbo SOHC 12 Valve I4 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Inline 4 |
| Displacement | 132 cu in (2.2 l) |
| Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 |
| Engine-control system | Mazda with port fuel injection |
| Power (SAE net) | 145 hp @ 4300 rpm |
| Torque (SAE net) | 190 ft.lbf @ 3500 rpm |
| Ford 3.0L Vulcan OHV 12 Valve V6 | |
|---|---|
| Type | V6 |
| Displacement | 183 cu in (3 l) |
| Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Engine-control system | Ford EEC-IV |
| Power (SAE net) | 140 hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Torque (SAE net) | 160 ft.lbf @ 3000 rpm |
1993–1997 Probe
In 1990, 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 EuropeEurope
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
in the spring of 1994, filling the gap left there by Ford in that market sector since the demise of the Capri
Ford Capri
Ford Capri was a name used by the Ford Motor Company for three different automobile models. The Ford Consul Capri coupé was produced by Ford of Britain between 1961 and 1964. The Ford Capri coupé was produced by Ford of Europe from 1969 to 1986...
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
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Two automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
s were available to the Ford Probe. At first both engines shared the same automatic transmission, the Ford F-4EAT transmission
Ford F-4EAT transmission
The F-4EAT was a 4-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission developed by Mazda and JATCO starting in 1990. It was also later produced by Ford Motor Company from 1991 to 2003. It is referred to as the F4A-EL by Mazda and Kia...
, but from 1994 onwards this changed. The V6 engine
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
continued to use the 4EAT, but the 2.0 L I4 engine used a different automatic transmission, the Ford CD4E transmission
Ford CD4E transmission
The CD4E was a 4-speed automatic transaxle for front wheel drive cars from 1994 to 2007. It was manufactured at Ford's Batavia Transmission plant starting in 1994...
. It was sourced by Ford, and manufactured at Ford's Batavia Transmission
Batavia Transmission
Batavia Transmission was a transmission factory owned by Ford Motor Company in Batavia, Ohio. The plant opened on July 24, 1980, and closed in September 2008. The plant produced front-wheel drive transmissions for Ford, Mercury, and Mazda vehicles...
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 inches (381 mm) aluminum wheels, P205/55R15 BSW and Sport Edition "SE" nomenclature.
In Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, 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 more power through higher compression pistons, aggressive camshafts, intake manifold and head. It also lacked an emissions control component called Exhaust gas recirculation
Exhaust gas recirculation
In internal combustion engines, exhaust gas recirculation is a nitrogen oxide emissions reduction technique used in petrol/gasoline and diesel engines. EGR works by recirculating a portion of an engine's exhaust gas back to the engine cylinders. In a gasoline engine, this inert exhaust...
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 it's 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, 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, and 3 spoke swirl-style alloys. "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 Probe GT's.
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
- Base • 1993–1995 ; 1997
- SE • 1995–1996
- GT • 1993–1997
- GT Wild Orchid Edition • 1994
- GTS • 1997
In most other markets outside North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, trim levels were labeled as simply 16v (I4) and 24v (V6).
Engine specifications
| Mazda 2.0L FS-DE DOHC 16 Valve | |
|---|---|
| Type | Inline 4 |
| Displacement | 121 cu in (2 l) |
| Power (SAE net) | 118 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque (SAE net) | 127 ft.lbf @ 4500 rpm |
| 0-60mph | 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 | 152 cu in (2.5 l) |
| Power (SAE net) | 164 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque (SAE net) | 156 ft.lbf @ 4000 rpm |
| 0-60mph | 7.0s |
| 1/4 mile | 15.5 at 89 mph (142 km/h) |
| Top speed | 133 mph |
Year to year changes
1994- The right side of the dash is redesigned to house a passenger side airbag
- The stripe on the dashboard is gone, but remains on the interior panels
- ABS light on instrument cluster is redesigned
- New Ford CD4E automatic transaxle for base and SE models
- CFC-free air conditioning
- "Feature Model" Probe GT is released
1995
- Redesigned tail lights ; the 4 cylinder model's are outlined in black, the GT's are outlined in red
- 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
- Door panels are redesigned and are now a 1 piece design. GT models get a cloth insert on the door panels.
- Cloth seats get new fabric that have a unique "wild" pattern
- GT models get the option of Saddle leather interior
- ABS is standard on Probe GT
- GT models receive 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
- Graphic equalizer is dropped
- "Feature model" Probe GT is dropped
1996
- Base model dropped ; SE is now the standard model
- Probe GT's tail lights are now outlined in black
- Illuminated exterior door locks are dropped
- Saddle color interiors are now available in cloth
- Spoilers are redesigned
- Floor lighting is dropped
- Probe GT gets more refined suspension in response to criticism of the harsh ride
- 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
US production numbers
| Model year | |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 119,754 |
| 1994 | 85,502 |
| 1995 | 59,261 |
| 1996 | 30,079 |
| 1997 | 16,777 |
| Total | 311,373 |
Remaining Probes on the road
| Model year | Base/SE | GT | 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 |
| 98,636 |
1999-2002 Probe
The last Probe rolled off the assembly line in June 1997. A 3rd generation Probe built on the same platform as the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique was to be released in 1999. In June of 1998, Ford introduced the new Probe as the 1999 Mercury Cougar. Unfortunately, as the Probe was born from what was to be the new Mustang, the new Cougar was born from what was to be the new Probe.Awards
The Probe GT was Motor TrendMotor Trend
Motor Trend is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, issued by Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles, and bearing the tag line "The Magazine for a Motoring World". Petersen Publishing was sold to British publisher EMAP in 1998, who sold the former Petersen...
magazine's Car of the Year
Car of the Year
Car of the Year is a phrase usually considered to have been invented by Motor Trend magazine in the 1950s for their annual award for best American automobile...
for 1993. It also made Car and Driver
Car and Driver
Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. Its total circulation is 1.31 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased prior owner Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S. in 2011...
magazine's Ten Best list
Car and Driver Ten Best
Car and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks.All production vehicles for sale in that calendar year are considered with these restrictions:# The vehicle must be on sale by January...
for 1989, 1993, and 1994.
The 1993-1997 Probe was one of the few Fords through the 90's that Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is an American magazine published monthly by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. It also publishes cleaning and general buying guides...
recommended.
The NASCAR Dash Series version of a 1990 Ford Probe driven by Jeffrey Collier
Jeffrey Collier
Jeffrey Clayton Collier, born October 5, 1954, is an American race car driver. He drove in the NASCAR Dash Series from 1988-1994. On February 13, 1990, Collier sat on pole for the Florida 200 at Daytona International Speedway with a new track record of 166.553 mph. Collier was driving a 1990...
set a new track record at Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, Grand-Am and Motocross...
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.