Ford Probe

Infobox Automobile
name=Ford Probe


manufacturer = AutoAlliance International
parent_company = Ford Motor Company
production = 1989–1997
assembly = Flat Rock, Michigan, USA
predecessor = Ford EXP
layout = FF layout
successor = Ford Cougar (Europe)
Mercury Cougar (North America)
related = Mazda MX-6
Mazda 626
designer =

The Ford Probe was a coupe produced by Ford, introduced in 1989 to replace the Ford EXP as the company's sport compact car. The Probe was fully based on the Mazda G-platform using unique sheetmetal and interior. The instrument cluster and pop-up headlight mechanisms are borrowed from the FC RX-7. While it was sold worldwide as a 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 and the Toyota Celica. During that time, Ford's marketing team had deemed that a front-wheel drive platform (borrowed Mazda GD and GE platforms) would have lower costs for production, and also because the platform had been gaining popularity with the consumers. Mustang 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.

Background

Starting in the late 1970s, Ford and Ghia started exploring a series of futuristic designs under the "probe" series of concept cars. [ [http://www.aus-cartalk.com/probe/history.htm History of the Ford PROBE, Concept Cars] ] 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, whose 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. [ [http://www.carstyling.ru/cars.1981_Ford_Probe%20III.html 1981 Ford Probe III] ] 1982's Probe IV was a more radical concept car with an extremely low Cd, and evolved into 1984's equally radical Probe V. [ [http://www.carstyling.ru/cars.1985_Ford_Probe%20V.html 1985 Ford Probe V (Ghia)] ]

In the 1980s, a predicted increase in oil prices 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 to 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.

The Ford Probe is a product of the joint Ford and Mazda venture called the AutoAlliance. It's unique body panels and interior were designed and manufactured in the AutoAlliance International Incorporated assembly plant located in Flat Rock, Michigan, the same plant that manufactured the Mazda MX-6 coupe and Mazda 626 sedan for the North American market.

The Ford Probe was introduced to the US market in 1989 and was nearly identical to the Mazda MX-6. 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. The style of the said coupe, while modern, was not universally accepted. It was neither affordable, making many buyers choose some other more-prestigious brand for the price they would pay for a Ford Probe. It was not able to match the success of the Ford Mustang and in fact never got near the expected sales figures, selling only 837 273 units in its eight year production run. In 1997, sales dropped to only 32 505 units, and it was finally discontinued.

Probe

Infobox Automobile generation
name=First generation
production=1989–1992


platform=Mazda GD platform
wheelbase=Auto in|99|0
length=Auto in|177|0
width=Auto in|67.9|0
1989-1990 GT: Auto in|68.5|0
1991-92 GT: Auto in|68.3|0
height=Auto in|51.8|0
1991-92 LX: Auto in|51.9|0
1991-92 GT: Auto in|52.0|0
transmission=4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
engine=2.2 L Convert|120|hp|kW|0|abbr=on I4
2.2 L Turbo Convert|145|hp|kW|0|abbr=on I4
3.0 L Convert|140|hp|kW|0|abbr=on V6
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 Auto lbft|190 of torque with the turbocharged version.

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 Convert|120|hp|kW|0|abbr=on/Auto lbft|130 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 3.0 L "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 2.2 L turbocharged, intercooled engine, which put out Convert|145|hp|kW|0|abbr=on and Auto lbft|190 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 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 Convert|145|hp|kW|0|abbr=on power peak at a relatively low 4300 rpm and Auto lbft|190 of torque at 6000 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 convert|50|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on, 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. Cite web|url=http://www.safercar.gov/Cars/1125.html|title=NHTSA|accessdate=2008-02-29|work=safercar.gov] While the opposing subject often took severe damage to the point of requiring total loss, the Ford Probe sustained nothing but body damage.Fact|date=January 2008

Engine specifications

1993-1997 Probe

Infobox Automobile generation
name=Second generation
production=1993–1997


transmission=5-speed G5M manual
Optional
4-speed CD4E automatic (I4 engine)
4-speed GF4A-EL automatic (V6 engine)
platform=Mazda GE platform
wheelbase=1992-94: Auto in|102.9|0
1995-97: Auto in|102.8|0
length=1992-94: Auto in|178.9|0
1995-97 Base: Auto in|178.7|0
1995-97 GT: Auto in|179.5|0
width=Auto in|69.8|0
height=Auto in|51.6|0
1992-94 GT: Auto in|51.8|0
weight=Auto lb|2894
engine=2.0 L Convert|118|hp|kW|0|abbr=on I4
2.5 L Convert|164|hp|kW|0|abbr=on V6
fuel_capacity=15.5 US gal. (58.6 liters)
(12.9 Imp. gallons)

The second generation Ford Probe debut in December 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.

The GL or base model started at just over $13,000 USD and came standard with a 2.0 L 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 [Car and Driver, August 1992, Vol.38 No.2, Pages 32-37] and came standard with a 2.5 L 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. [Ford original sales brochure, Litho in Canada 4/92, Pages 20-21]

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 2.0 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. Cite web|url=http://atxprobes.com/atxinfo.html|title=ATX Info|accessdate=2008-02-28|work=atxprobes.com]

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. [Ford original sales brochure, Litho in Canada 9/93, Page 14] [http://file.kbb.com/kbb/VehicleImage/337x250/1994/XHFOPRO941.jpgWild 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. [Ford original sales brochure, Litho in Canada 9/93, Page 14]

The rear spoiler was made standard on the 1996 Probe GTs. Previously it was a very popular dealer installed accessory.

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 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. 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.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 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.

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.

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,Cite web|url=http://www.unece.org/trans/main/wp29/wp29regs/r038r2a1e.pdf|title=UNECE - Transport Division|accessdate=2008-02-29|work=unece.org] and some vehicles were manufactured for right hand drive configuration.

(Initial offerings for 1993 Canadian model year) [Ford original sales brochure, Litho in Canada 4/92, Pages 20-21]

Engine specifications

(Initial specifications for 1993 model year) [Ford Technical Publication Department, Ford Parts and Service Division, Technical Shop Manual, Copyright 1992 Ford Motor Company, Section 03-01A-96, 03-01B-106]

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

References

*

Notes

External links

* [http://www.ukpoc.co.uk UKPOC] UK Probe Owners Club and forums
* [http://www.probetalk.com Probetalk.com] - International online discussion forum
* [http://www.probesport.com PRD] - Ford Probe & Mazda MX6/626 aftermarket parts supplier
* [http://www.performanceprobe.com Performanceprobe.com] Online community
* [http://www.fordprobestore.co.uk Probe Store] - UK-based parts supplier for Ford Probe and Mazda MX3/6
* [http://www.probeaddiction.com Probe Addiction] - Customisation parts supplier for Ford Probe
* [http://www.fordprobe.fr Fordprobe.fr] - French language website
* [http://www.probeschnupp.de.vu Schnuppe in Love] - German language website

Owners clubs

* [http://www.bcpoc.ca British Columbia Probe Owners Club] (Canada)
* [http://www.clubdelprobe.com Club del Probe España] (Spain)
* [http://www.probeclub.cz Czech Probe Owners Club]
* [http://www.probeclub.nl Dutch Ford Probe Club]
* [http://www.estprobe.com Estonian Probe Owners Club]
* [http://www.fordprobe.pl Ford Probe Club of Poland]
* [http://www.fpoc.co.uk Ford Probe Owners Club] (UK)
* [http://kypo.org Kentucky Probe Owners Club] (USA)
* [http://www.probe-club.ru Moscow Probe Club] (Russia)
* [http://www.NorthEasternProbeOwners.com North Eastern Probe Owners] (US)
* [http://www.nwprobe.com North Western Probe Owners Club] (UK)
* [http://www.ford-probe.net Polish Ford Probe Owners Club]
* [http://www.probeperformanceclub.se Probe Performance Club of Sweden]
* [http://www.ukpoc.co.uk UK Probe Owners Club] (UK)
* [http://www.probe-klubas.com Lithuanian Probe Owners Club]