Why did Ford discontinue the Probe?

Why Ford Discontinued the Probe
The Ford Probe was discontinued for several reasons, as indicated by various sources:
1. Poor Sales and Market Positioning:
– The Probe was considered expensive and faced poor sales compared to other models in Ford’s lineup, such as the Mustang and Thunderbird.
– By 1997, the Probe’s final year, Ford sold less than 20,000 units compared to 108,000 Mustangs.
– Ford did a poor job of positioning and marketing the Probe, which contributed to its lackluster sales performance.
2. Competition and Changing Market Focus:
– The changing market and shifting focus at Ford led to the early end of the Probe’s run.
– As competitors continued to hone their sporty compact car options, the Probe lost its luster and fell far below its peak sales.
3. Initial Plan to Replace the Mustang:
– The Probe was originally meant to replace the Mustang, but this plan did not materialize, and Ford instead continued with the Mustang, introducing the frumpy-looking but V8-powered and rear-driven SN-95 Mustang.
4. Name and Branding:
– Some individuals speculated that the name “Probe” may have contributed to its discontinuation, as it was considered unappealing and potentially off-putting to consumers.
In summary, the Ford Probe was discontinued due to poor sales, competition, changing market focus, and the decision to continue with the Mustang rather than replacing it with the Probe [[3]].

Was the Ford Probe supposed to be a Mustang?

In most respects, this sleek little coupe is just one of the many oddities of Ford’s history. This car wasn’t especially popular, powerful, or memorable. That all being said, the Ford Probe was nearly introduced as a Mustang. Believe it or not, the battle over the sanctity of the Mustang brand has been fought before.

Did 1989 Ford Probe have cup holders?

The Probe did not have any cup holders. With the car parked and without a place to set her coffee, Liebeck balanced the cup between her legs and attempted to remove the lid to add cream and sugar. Disaster struck when she jostled the cup, spilling extremely hot liquid all over her lower body.

What car replaced the Ford Probe?

The Escort ZX2, released shortly after the discontinuation of the Probe, was considered the Probe’s successor. In June 1998, Ford released what would have been the new Probe as the 1999 Mercury Cougar.

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.

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.

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.

What was the Mazda equivalent 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.

Why did Mazda leave Ford?

The partnership between Ford and Mazda was strongest in the 1980s and 1990s, where most badge-engineered models were produced. However, disagreements about direction and a significant recession led Ford to begin selling off its interest in Mazda during the 21st century.

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.

Did Ford ever own Mazda?

Mazda is owned by the Mazda Motor Corporation, based near Hiroshima, Japan. Back in 1979, the Ford Motor Company bought shares in the company and owned over 33 percent of the company by 1995. By 2015, the shares were sold and the Ford Motor Company no longer owned part of Mazda.