Ford Probe
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1989–1997
Assembly	AutoAlliance International
Predecessor	Ford EXP
Successor	Ford Cougar (Europe) Ford ZX2 (North America)
Related	Mazda MX-6 Mazda 626

The Ford Probe was a coupe produced by Ford, introduced in 1989 to replace the Ford EXP as the company's sport compact car. It was sold in the European, Australian, and North American markets. As 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 of the time. During that time, Ford's marketing team had deemed that a front-wheel drive platform (shared with the Mazda MX-6) would have lower costs for production, and also because the platform had been gaining popularity with the consumers. 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. 1994-registered Ford Probe seen in Thornbury, near Bristol, England. ... Automakers, also known as carmakers, automobile manufacturers, motor manufacturers, or the automobile industry are companies that design and manufacture automobiles. ... “Ford” redirects here. ... AutoAlliance International (AAI) is the name of a joint venture automobile assembly firm co-owned by Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation. ... First shown at the Chicago Auto Show and introduced in April 1981 as an early 1982 model, the Ford EXP and Mercury LN7 were the first two-seaters that Ford offered in 25 years. ... The Ford Cougar is a mid-sized coupé sold in the European market between 1999 and 2002. ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... The Ford Escort is a sub-compact car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. ... North American redirects here. ... The Mazda MX-6 was a front-wheel drive sporty coupe produced by Mazda between 1987 and 1997 to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Beretta, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX and Honda Prelude. ... The Mazda 626 is an automobile produced by Mazda for the export market. ... 1995 Buick Riviera coupe A coupé (from the French for cut) or coupe is a two or four-seater car with a fixed roof and two doors. ... “Ford” redirects here. ... First shown at the Chicago Auto Show and introduced in April 1981 as an early 1982 model, the Ford EXP and Mercury LN7 were the first two-seaters that Ford offered in 25 years. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Hot hatch. ... For other uses, see Europe (disambiguation). ... North American redirects here. ... 1995 Buick Riviera coupe A coupé (from the French for cut) or coupe is a two or four-seater car with a fixed roof and two doors. ... Ford Capri Mk III 1. ... First shown at the Chicago Auto Show and introduced in April 1981 as an early 1982 model, the Ford EXP and Mercury LN7 were the first two-seaters that Ford offered in 25 years. ... For other Ford Mustang models and concepts, see Ford Mustang Variants. ... The Integra, sold as an Acura in North America, and as a Honda elsewhere, was a small, sporty vehicle sold both as a sedan and hatchback. ... Front-wheel drive is the most common form of engine/transmission layout used in modern passenger cars, where the engine drives the front wheels. ... The Mazda MX-6 was a front-wheel drive sporty coupe produced by Mazda between 1987 and 1997 to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Beretta, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX and Honda Prelude. ... The Liberty V8 aircraft engine clearly shows the configuration A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders. ...

Background

Starting in the late 1970s, Ford and Ghia started exploring a series of futuristic designs under the "probe" series of concept cars.^[1] 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, who's hatchback styling is reminiscent of the ponycars. 1981's 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 were used on the Ford Taurus.^[2] 1982's Probe IV was a more radical concept car with an extremely low Cd, and evolved into 1984's equally radical Probe V.^[3] Ghia (Carrozzeria Ghia SpA) is one of the most famous Italian automobile design and coachbuilding firms, founded in 1921 in Turin by Giacinto Ghia (1887 - 1944). ... The Ford Sierra was a large family car built by Ford Europe between 1982 and 1993, originally designed by Uwe Bahnsen, Robert Lutz and Patrick le Quément, . Released on 21 September 1982, it replaced the Ford Cortina/Taunus, and was itself replaced by the Mondeo. ... a Merkur XR4Ti at a car show 1985 Merkur XR4Ti The Merkur XR4Ti was a short-lived American-market version of the European Ford Sierra XR4i. ... The Ford Taurus is a mid-size, front wheel drive car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in North America. ...

In the 1980s, a predicted increase in oil prices has 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 in 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 Mustang but as the Ford Probe. Ford may mean a number of things: A ford is a river crossing. ... For other Ford Mustang models and concepts, see Ford Mustang Variants. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... For other Ford Mustang models and concepts, see Ford Mustang Variants. ...

The Ford Probe is a product of the joint Ford and Mazda venture called the AutoAlliance. It was designed and manufactured in the AutoAlliance International Incorporated assembly plant located in Flat Rock, Michigan, the same plant that manufactured the Mazda MX-6 and 626 coupes. AutoAlliance International (AAI) is the name of a joint venture automobile assembly firm co-owned by Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation. ... The Mazda MX-6 was a front-wheel drive sporty coupe produced by Mazda between 1987 and 1997 to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Beretta, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX and Honda Prelude. ... Events July 2 - In the early morning, Li Shimin, the future Emperor Tang Taizong of China, eliminated two of his brothers, Li Yuanji and the crown prince Li Jiancheng in a coup détat at the Xuanwu Gate in Changan. ...

The Ford Probe was introduced to the US market in 1989 and was nearly identical to the Mazda MX-6 when introduced. Actually, 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.

As it was initially planned to replace the successful and popular Ford Mustang, Ford expected the Ford Probe to be a success and boost the sales for the company. But the car fell short of Ford’s expectations, as it was not able to match the success of the Ford Mustang and in fact never got near the expected sales figures. The style of the said coupe was not universally liked. It was neither affordable, making other buyers choose a more prestigious brand for the price they would pay for the Ford Probe.

Sales were not up to Ford's expectations, selling only 837,273 units in its eight year production run. The styling, while modern, was not universally accepted. Sales of the Probe were finally discontinued in 1997, selling only 32,505 units.

Probe

First generation
Production	1989–1992
Platform	GD
Engine(s)	2.2L 120 hp (89 kW) I4 2.2L Turbo 145 hp (108 kW) I4 3.0L 145 hp (108 kW) V6
Wheelbase	99 in (2515 mm)
Length	177 in (4496 mm)
Width	67.9 in (1725 mm)
Height	51.8 in (1316 mm)
Fuel capacity	15.1 US gal. (57.1 liters) (12.5 Imp. gallons)

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 futuristic concept cars of the early 1980s, the likes of which have been seen in films like Judge Dredd, Back to the Future Part II and Total Recall. It was a coupe based on the Mazda GD platform, and was powered by a 2.2 L SOHC I4 cylinder Mazda F2 engine. The base engine produced just 120 hp (82 kW), but a 145 hp (108 kW) with 190 lb·ft (258 N·m) of torque with the turbocharged version. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (1630x985, 1049 KB) Modified version of [1] Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1. ... An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. ... Air foil bearing-supported turbocharger cutaway made by Mohawk Innovative Technology Inc. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The liter (spelled liter in American English and litre in Commonwealth English) is a unit of volume. ... This article is about post-1824 imperial units, see also English unit, U.S. customary units or Avoirdupois. ... Judge Dredd is a 1995 action film based on the Judge Dredd strip in the British comic 2000 AD. Certain elements of the film were altered from the comic series, but it still did not find wide mainstream appeal. ... Back to the Future Part II is a 1989 film and the first sequel to the 1985 film Back to the Future. ... For other uses, see Total recall (disambiguation). ... The Mazda G platform is an automobile platform for midsize cars. ... The F engine family from Mazda is a straight-4 piston engine. ...

This generation was available in several trim levels, which 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:

GL was the "bare bones" model, offering the base 120 hp (89 kW)/130 ft·lbf F2 2.2 L engine and few options, but most Probes sold in the U.S. were equipped with air conditioning. LX added power windows, power locks, and power mirrors, as well as an optional manually operated moonroof; starting in 1990 the LX was available with the 3.0L "Vulcan" V6, also used in the Ford Taurus, Ford Ranger, Ford Tempo, and Ford Aerostar. The Probe GT included all options from the LX, but also stepped up to the F2T 2.2L turbocharged, intercooled engine, which put out 145 hp (108 kW) and 190 lb·ft (258 N·m) of torque delivering a significant performance boost. It also had 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS and 3 way adjustable suspension and a speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering (VAP). VAP provides sharp on-center feel and reassuring feedback as cornering forces increase. The Ford Essex V6 engine V6 and V-6 redirect here. ... The Ford Taurus is a mid-size, front wheel drive car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in North America. ... The Ford Ranger name is used on two distinct and unrelated pickup truck lines by the Ford Motor Company The Ford-designed compact pickup truck (documented here), which is sold in North America, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. ... Second generation Ford Tempo coupe Second generation Ford Tempo sedan The Ford Tempo was introduced in September of 1983 as a 1984 model, based upon a stretched and modified Ford Escort platform. ... The Ford Aerostar was Fords first attempt at building a minivan, and was introduced as a 1986 model in summer 1985. ... A colorized automobile engine The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of fuel and an oxidizer (typically air) occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber. ... An anti-lock braking system (ABS) (translated from German, Antiblockiersystem) is a system on motor vehicles which prevents the wheels from locking while braking. ...

The more energetic GT powerplant adds an IHI RHB5-VJ11 turbocharger and an intercooler to the intake tract, as well as a knock sensor and electronic boost control to the engine-control system. The entire arrangement is calibrated to provide strong midrange output; the maximum boost pressure rises to 9.3 psi in the vicinity of 3500 rpm, tapering down to 7.3 psi elsewhere. The results are 145 hp (108 kW) power peak at a relatively low 4300 rpm and 190 lb·ft (258 N·m) of torque at 3500 rpm.

The Probe GT's chassis and suspension system is based on a Mazda design, but its suspension tuning is the result of extensive Ford testing and calibration to achieve the optimized handling characteristics exclusive to the Probe. Both front and rear struts are nitrogen-gas pressurized, and the stabilizer bar sizes were optimized for hard cornering. The Probe GT also offers a special Automatic Adjusting Suspension, a computer-controlled system utilizing variable damping shocks that adjust to best accommodate acceleration, braking, and cornering forces. A sort of forerunner to active suspension control, the system permits three different shock damping modes-Soft, Normal-Auto and Sport. The Soft mode provides the smoothest ride, while the remaining two modes are used for higher-performance driving. In these modes the microprocessor monitors vehicle speed, acceleration, braking, and steering wheel angle, and automatically adjusts the shock absorbers for better handling while reverting to a comfortable ride on smooth roads. Above 50 mph (80 km/h), the front shocks are automatically tightened to "firm" in Normal-Auto and to "extra-firm" in Sport to provide increased high speed stability.

The 1991 Probe was given a 4-star crash rating when subjected to collision tests. ^[4] While the opposing subject often took severe damage to the point of requiring total loss, the Ford Probe sustained nothing but body damage.^{[citation needed]}

Engine Specifications

1993-1997 Probe

Second generation
Production	1992–1997
Platform	GE
Engine(s)	2.0L 118 hp I4 2.5L 164 hp (122 kW) V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed G5M standard transmission Optional 4-speed CD4E automatic transmission (I4 engine) 4-speed GF4A-EL automatic transmission (V6 engine)
Wheelbase	102.9 in (2614 mm)
Length	178.9 in (4544 mm)
Width	69.8 in (1773 mm)
Height	51.8 in (1316 mm)
Curb weight	2894 lb (1313 kg)
Fuel capacity	15.5 US gal. (58.6 liters) (12.9 Imp. gallons)

The second generation Ford Probe debut in late 1992 as a 1993 model in North America, while in other parts of the world it debut as a 1992 model. It was assembled by AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Michigan. Two trim levels were initially offered, GL and GT, each with two preferred equipment packages that were offered by Ford, 046A and 047A for the GL or base model, 050A and 051A for the GT model. Image File history File links FordProbeGT.jpg‎ File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Ford Probe ... An automobile platform is a shared set of components common to a number of different automobiles. ... The liter (spelled liter in American English and litre in Commonwealth English) is a unit of volume. ... This article is about a unit of measurement. ... The Ford Essex V6 engine V6 and V-6 redirect here. ... “Gearbox” redirects here. ... The CD4E was a 4-speed automatic transaxle for front wheel drive cars in the 1990s. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Kerb (sometimes mis-spelled as curb by Americans) weight is the total weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, all necessary operating consumables (such as motor oil and coolant), a full tank of fuel and not loaded with either passengers or cargo. ... The liter (spelled liter in American English and litre in Commonwealth English) is a unit of volume. ... This article is about post-1824 imperial units, see also English unit, U.S. customary units or Avoirdupois. ... AutoAlliance International (AAI) is the name of a joint venture automobile assembly firm co-owned by Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation. ... Flat Rock is a city located in Wayne County, Michigan. ...

The GL or base model started at just over $13,000 USD and came standard with a 2.0L I4 engine, performance instrument cluster with tachometer and full gauge compliment, and electronic AM/FM stereo radio. The sportier GT model started at $15,504 USD ^[6] and came standard with a 2.5L 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. Both engines featured double overhead cam designs with the choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. ^[7]

The 4-speed automatic transmission was prone to failure. 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 2.0L 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. Problems with these transmissions include overheating, blue O/D light flashing, harsh gear shifts, blowing out the pump gasket, the failure of the forward-clutch assembly, and line pressure occasionally going off the scale. ^[8] The F-4EAT was a 4-speed computerized, electronically controlled automatic transmission produced by Ford Motor Company. ... The CD4E was a 4-speed automatic transaxle for front wheel drive cars in the 1990s. ... Batavia Transmission is an automobile factory owned by Ford Motor Company in Batavia, Ohio. ...

In 1994 there was a "Feature Model" Probe which included Wild Orchid exterior paint, unique floor mats that had "PROBE" embroidered into them, and black GT cloth bucket seats with unique purple inserts. ^[9] Wild Orchid Probe Picture

A new SE (Sports Edition) trim level also debut in 1994 which included the GT front fascia (without fog lamps), GT body-color bodyside cladding, unique 15" aluminum wheels, P205/55R15 BSW and Sport Edition "SE" nomenclature. ^[10]

In 1997 (the Probe's final year of production) a GTS trim level was offered. It had no more performance than the regular GT, but exterior modifications were distinct. Dual racing stripes available in either white, black or silver 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. Chrome wheels and a spoiler were also included in the package, as well as having a "blank" center reflector which lacked "GT" lettering that was characteristic to the Australian and European models which were available in either 16V and 24V versus "GT","SE",or base model in North America. North American redirects here. ...

In Japan, the 2.5L V6 was the higher performance KL-ZE. In Europe and America, the 2.5L V6 was a lower performance KL-DE (often incorrectly referred to as the KL-03) and the 2.0L was the FS or FS-DE. The primary difference of the Japanese version is that it lacked an emissions control component called Exhaust gas recirculation that is required by law in North America and Europe. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is a NOx (nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide) reduction technique used in most gasoline and diesel engines. ...

Originally, the Probe was only supposed to be on a one-year hiatus, as there were plans to bring it back in 1999 based on the Mondeo chassis. However due to a rationalization of the coupe models the Probe design was released as the Ford Cougar in Europe and the Mercury Cougar in the USA. The Ford Mondeo is a large family car sold by the Ford Motor Company in various markets throughout the world. ... The Ford Cougar is a mid-sized coupé sold in the European market between 1999 and 2002. ... The Mercury Cougar was an automobile sold under the Mercury brand of the Ford Motor Companys Lincoln-Mercury Division. ...

Preferred Equipment Packages and Options

This is an example of equipment and options available on the 1993 model year, Canadian market vehicle. Vehicles destined for other markets may have had additional and/or deleted equipment from this listing. An example would be on the European market vehicle, a rear fog light was in place of one of the rear backup lamps in order to meet the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Transport Division Vehicle Regulation 38,^[11] and some vehicles were manufactured for right hand drive configuration. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE or ECE) was established in 1947 to encourage economic cooperation among its member states. ...

(Initial offerings for 1993 Canadian model year) ^[12]

P = Package feature O = Optional feature S = Standard feature

Paint and Trim Colors

(Initial offering, 1993 model year) ^[13]

Models

The F engine family from Mazda is a straight-4 piston engine. ... The straight-4 or inline-4 is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders aligned in one row. ... The liter (spelled liter in American English and litre in Commonwealth English) is a unit of volume. ... A cubic centimetre (cm3) is an SI derived unit of volume, equal to the volume of a cube with side length of 1 centimetre. ... The Mazda K family is a 60° V6 automobile engine, ranging from a tiny 1. ... The Ford Essex V6 engine V6 and V-6 redirect here. ... This article is about a unit of measurement. ... For other uses, see Watt (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Revolutions per minute (disambiguation). ... Miles per hour is a unit of speed, expressing the number of international miles covered per hour. ... Kilometre per hour (American spelling: kilometer per hour) is a unit of both speed (scalar) and velocity (vector). ...

Engine Specifications

(Initial specifications for 1993 model year) ^[15]

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. Motor Trend is one of the oldest automotive magazines still publishing. ... 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 automobile. ... Cover of Car and Driver from age of psychedelic lettering Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. ... Main article: Car and Driver Car and Driver magazine annually nominates a list of what it considers the Ten Best cars and Five Best trucks. ...

See also

• Ford EXP - the Probe's predecessor
• Mazda MX-6 - the Probe's "twin"

First shown at the Chicago Auto Show and introduced in April 1981 as an early 1982 model, the Ford EXP and Mercury LN7 were the first two-seaters that Ford offered in 25 years. ... The Mazda MX-6 was a front-wheel drive sporty coupe produced by Mazda between 1987 and 1997 to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Beretta, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX and Honda Prelude. ...

References

• Kevin Smith. "Ford Probe GT". Car and Driver (August 1992): 32–37. 

Cover of Car and Driver from age of psychedelic lettering Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. ...

Notes

2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... February 29 is a day added into a leap year of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... February 29 is a day added into a leap year of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 59th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... February 29 is a day added into a leap year of the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Probetalk.com
• North Eastern Probe Owners
• French Probe Site [Useful stuff about probe]
• Probesport.com The original Ford Probe aftermarket - PRD
• Performanceprobe.com Information on the Ford Probe specs, styling, competition and history, very friendly forum community, willing to help you with any problem.
• Probe Performance Club of Sweden [Swedish Ford Probe owners club]
• Florida Probe Owners Club Florida Ford Probe owners club, along with links and information.
• Probeclub.cz - First Czech Probe Owners Club
• (Dutch Ford Probe Club)
• FPOC UK - The original and largest UK based forum
• UKPOC - The most active and friendliest UK Probe Owners Club.
• BCPOC British Columbia's Probe Owners Club
• http://www.andie16v.co. uk 16v owners website info and links
• [http://www.probeschnupp.de.vu Information about the Probe (German and English + massive gallery)
• Probe-Enthusiast.com
• Probes Northwest Washington, Oregon, Idaho Probe Owners Club.
• Tennessee Probe Owner's Club
• Ford Probe Club of Poland (Ford Probe Klub Polska)
• SCPOC Southern counties probe owners club (UK)
• Ford Probe Specialty Online Store/Manufacturers
• Ford Probe Store, Specialist online store for Ford Probe & Mazda MX3/6, UK Based, ships Worldwide
• Club del Probe España
• Ford-PROBE.net Polish Ford-Probe owners club
• Estonian Probe Club Eesti Ford Probe klubi