Ford Probe

Ford Probe (1988-1997)

Ford Probe is a sport compact coupe that was based on the Mazda MX-6. One interesting fact about this car was that it was intended to be the fourth generation Mustang for the North American market. However, Mustang fans rejected the front-wheel-drive configuration proposed by ford, and that's the reason they halted production in 1997.

First Generation (1988-1992)

Generation one was powered by a 2.2 L SOHC 12-valve inline-4 four engine and were based on the Mazda GD platform. It came in three trim levels in the United States, The GL, GT, and LX. You could either get it with a 4-speed Mazda G4A-EL automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. Ford Probe

Ford Probe is a sport compact coupe that was based on the Mazda MX-6. One interesting fact about this car was that it was intended to be the fourth generation Mustang for the North American market. However, Mustang fans rejected the front-wheel-drive configuration proposed by Ford, and that's the reason they halted production in 1997.

First Generation (1988-1992) - 2.2 Motor Released.

Generation one was powered by a 2.2 L SOHC 12-valve inline-4 engine and was based on the Mazda GD platform. It came in three trim levels in the United States, namely, the GL, GT, and LX. You could either get it with a 4-speed Mazda G4A-EL automatic or 5-speed manual gearbox.

The GL trim came with the standard 2.2 L Mazda F2 I4 engine that produced 82 kW and torque of 176 N.m, and it came with air conditioning.

The LX came with additional features including a flip-up moon roof (which was optional), power locks and windows, electrically-adjusted side mirrors, and a storage tray under the passenger seat. The LX model initially came with the engine used in the GL, but from 1990, you could get one with the 3.0 L "Vulcan" V6 engine. Some additional features of the LX trim included a CD player and a fuel economy computer.

The GT came with all the features present in the LX. However, the engine for this trim was different. It came with an F2T 2.2 L turbocharged engine that produced 108 kW and torque of 258 N.m.

The first generation was up to standards when it came to safety. It received a 4-star crash rating in collision tests conducted in the United States by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 1991.
 
Second Generation (1993-1997)
 
The second generation was based on the Mazda GE platform. You could get it with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. After 1994, however, the 2.0 L I4 engine used Ford's CD4E 4EAT automatic transmission while the V6 powertrain continued using the 4EAT automatic transmission.

For the second generation, Ford was responsible for engineering the body and interior, while Mazda engineered the transmission, engine, and chassis. The car was broader and lighter than its predecessor.

The base model came with the 2.0 L Mazda FS-DE 16-valve I4 engine that produced 88 kW. The GT model came with additional features including fog lights, 5-spoke aluminium wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a power-adjustable front seat, low profile Goodyear VR50 Gatorback and several other cool features. It came with a 2.5 L 24-Vale V6 Mazda K engine (KL-DE) engine. It was used in the GL, but from 1990, you could get one with the 3.0 L "Vulcan" V6 engine. Some additional features of the LX trim included a CD player and a fuel economy computer.

There were special editions of the Probe: the SE, GT Plus and GTS. The updates did not necessarily improve on the mechanics; they were mostly about cosmetic improvement. The SE package offered in 1993 and 1994, for instance, merely added power windows and a rear bumper without an air slot (it also excluded fog lights).

The car bagged several awards including the 1993 Motor Trend Magazine's Car of the Year. It also set the record of the fastest closed-course lap for a non-turbo 4-cylinder engine-powered car in the 1990 NASCAR Dash Series which it holds to date.


The GL trim came with the standard F2 2.2 L Mazda F2 I4 engine that produced 110hp and torque of 176 N.m, and it came with air conditioning.

 The LX came with additional features including a flip-up moon roof (which was optional) power locks and windows, electrically adjusted side-mirrors, and a storage tray under the passenger seat. The LX model initially came with the engine used in the GL, but from 1990, you could get one with the 3.0 L "Vulcan" v6 engine. Some additional features of the LX trim included a CD player and a fuel economy computer.

The GT came with all the features present in the LX. However, the engine for this trim was different. It came with an F2T 2.2 L turbocharged engine that produced 145hp and torque of 258 N.m.

The first generation was up to standards when it came to safety. It received a 4-star crash rating in collision tests conducted in the United States by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 1991.
 
Second Generation (1993-1997)
 
The second generation was based on the Mazda GE platform. You could either get it with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. However, after 1994, the 2.0 L I4 engine used Ford's CD4E 4EAT automatic transmission while the V6 powertrain continued using the 4EAT automatic transmission.

 For the second generation, Ford was responsible for engineering the body and interior while Mazda engineered the transmission, engine, and chassis. The car was broader and lighter than its predecessor.

The base model came with the 2.0 L Mazda FS-DE 16-valve I4 engine that produced 118hp.
The GT model came with additional features including fog lights, 5-spoke aluminium wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a power-adjustable front seat, low profile Goodyear VR50 Gatorback and several other cool features. It came with a 2.5 L 24-Vale V6 Mazda K engine (KL-DE) engine. Used in the GL but from 1990, you could get one with the 3.0 L "Vulcan" v6 engine. Some additional features of the LX trim included a CD player and a fuel economy computer.

There were special editions of the Probe; the SE, GT Plus and GTS. The gist wasn't necessarily improving on the mechanics; it was mostly about an improved appearance. The SE package offered in 1993 and 1994, for instance, merely added power windows and a rear bumper without an air slot (it also excluded fog lights).

The car bagged several awards including the 1993 Motor Trend Magazine's Car of the Year. It also set the record of the fastest closed-course lap for a non-turbo 4-cylinder engine-powered car in the 1990 NASCAR Dash Series which it holds to date.