Ford Probe

The Ford Probe was a car produced by Ford between 1989 and 1997, with an update in 1993. It was sold in both European and North American markets. A somewhat sporting coupe, the Probe was intended to fill the market niche formerly occupied by the Capri in Europe, and was considered a possible replacement for the Mustang in the North American market.

The Probe is nearly identical to the Mazda MX-6, and both cars share the Mazda GD platform (1988-1992) and GE platform (1993-1997). In North America, the Probe and MX-6 were assembled together by the Ford/Mazda joint venture, Auto Alliance.

Sales were not up to Ford's expectations, and the car never did replace the Mustang in North America. In fact, Mustang fans objected to rumours that the Probe would be badged 'Mustang III' (a particularly odd scenario since, if it had gone ahead, it would have been the fourth-generation car). The Probe was not cheap, and for the money more prestigious marques of sports coupe were available. The styling was not universally liked. In the UK, the innuendo of the car's name did not endear itself to prospective buyers. Sales of the Probe in the UK finally collapsed when it was the car of choice for Steve Coogan's loathsome salesman character Gareth Cheeseman .

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.

See also

Ford Cougar, the Mondeo based replacement for the Probe in Europe.

External link

• Performanceprobe.com - information on the Ford Probe from specs, to styling, competition and the history.
• Probetalk.com - the Forums section is more useful than the rest of the site.
• Fpoc.co.uk - the UK Ford Probe Owner's Club