What Happened to the Ford Probe?
The Ford Probe, a front-wheel drive sports car, was introduced as a potential replacement for the Ford Mustang. However, it faced several challenges and ultimately met an early end. Here’s what happened:
Initial Plans and Challenges:
The Ford Probe was initially intended to replace the Fox Body Mustang and become the next generation ‘Stang. However, due to poor initial response and the Mustang’s continued popularity, the plan to phase out the Mustang and introduce the Probe as its successor did not materialize.
Market Challenges and Decline:
The changing market landscape, competition from other sporty compact cars, and the redesigned in-house Mustang’s dominance led to a decline in the Probe’s sales. It struggled to maintain its initial sales peak and faced challenges in remaining competitive in the rapidly changing marketplace.
Reasons for Discontinuation:
The Ford Probe faced challenges in both the United States and Europe, failing to meet sales projections and struggling to fill the market niche it was intended for. As a result, it was ultimately discontinued, with the last model being built in June 1997 .
Legacy and Potential Collectibility:
Despite its challenges, the Ford Probe is considered by some as a potential future classic and collectible. Its unique history and features make it an interesting prospect for collectors, with the potential to become a sought-after model in the future .
In summary, the Ford Probe faced difficulties in gaining traction as a replacement for the Mustang, struggled to maintain sales, and ultimately met an early end, but it still holds potential as a future classic.
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Contents
- How fast does a Ford Probe go?
- What is the sister car to the Ford Probe?
- What is the Mazda version of the Ford Probe?
- What is the rarest model a Ford?
- Was the Ford Probe designed by a woman?
- Did the Ford Probe have a Mazda engine?
- What car is the same as Ford Probe?
- Why did Ford stop making the Ford Probe?
- What is the top speed of the Ford Probe?
- How many Ford probes did they make?
How fast does a Ford Probe go?
The Probe hit 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, 0.2 quicker than the MX-6. Its quarter-mile clocking of 15.5 seconds at 89 mph also edges out the MX-6’s 15.6-second/88-mph performance. And the Probe’s 133-mph top speed is 4 mph faster than the MX-6’s.
What is the sister car to the Ford Probe?
The Mazda MX-6 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive coupé manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1987 to 1997 across two generations. Mechanically identical to the Ford Probe, the Capella/626 and its hatchback platform mate, the Ford Telstar, these cars shared the GD (1988–1992) and GE (1993–1997) platforms.
What is the Mazda version of the Ford Probe?
Mazda MX-6
The Mazda MX-6 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive coupé manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1987 to 1997 across two generations. Mechanically identical to the Ford Probe, the Capella/626 and its hatchback platform mate, the Ford Telstar, these cars shared the GD (1988–1992) and GE (1993–1997) platforms.
What is the rarest model a Ford?
1931 Ford Model A Town Car Delivery
The rarest of all Ford Model A body styles, the town car delivery holds a particular mystique in collector circles. Style 295-A was intended for urban commercial use as a light delivery vehicle likely for baked goods or floral use.
Was the Ford Probe designed by a woman?
Vandermolen later headed interior and exterior design efforts for the 1993 Ford Probe. Mimi Vandermolen studied design at Ontario College of Art and joined Ford Motor Company in 1970.
Did the Ford Probe have a Mazda engine?
As before, the 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, the second generation Probe is 60% Mazda and 40% Ford.
What car is the same as Ford Probe?
The Mazda MX-6 of this time frame was on the same chassis as the Probe, used the same engine as a Probe, and much of the interior was similar as well. It made sense for Mazda who needed boost in America and Ford who needed to get themselves modernized and better positioned in the game.
Why did Ford stop making the Ford Probe?
Why Was the Ford Probe Taken Off the Market? By 1997, Probe sales had dropped to less than 20,000 as buyer interest was lured away from the coupe and towards the Mustang it was meant to replace. It also lost sales to the Thunderbird and Mazda’s Miata, all of which had rear-wheel drive.
What is the top speed of the Ford Probe?
And the Probe’s 133-mph top speed is 4 mph faster than the MX-6’s.
How many Ford probes did they make?
It’s official demise, prompted by sales of enthusiast-targeted cars like the Honda Prelude and Toyota Celica, was announced in March of that year. At the end, Ford had produced nearly 310,000 Probes over ten years on its Flat Rock, Michigan assembly line.