Why was the Ford Probe discontinued?

The Ford Probe was discontinued for several reasons, which ultimately led to its fate as a front-wheel-drive sports car. The decision to discontinue the Ford Probe was influenced by various factors, including market changes, competition, and the shifting focus of Ford. Here are the key reasons for the discontinuation:
Market Changes and Competition
The Ford Probe faced challenges in a rapidly changing marketplace, where competitors were honing their sporty compact car options. The rise of competing models like the Honda Civic Si, Acura Integra Type R, and the DSM Talon/Eclipse turbo AWD coupes, along with the redesigned in-house Mustang claiming attention and promotion, contributed to the decline of the Probe’s sales. This led to a significant drop in sales, falling far below its peak sales earlier in the decade to barely more than 15,000 units sold by its final 1997 model year.
Perception and Pricing
The Ford Probe faced challenges related to its perception and pricing. Despite receiving accolades such as making Car and Driver’s Ten Best list and being named Motor Trend magazine’s Car of the Year, the Probe dwindled in production and was discontinued in 1997. Additionally, the asking price for the Probe was higher than expected, which may have impacted its market appeal.
Ford Mustang Replacement
The Ford Probe was originally intended to replace the Mustang and the European Ford Capri. However, the idea of replacing the beloved rear-wheel-drive Mustang with a front-wheel-drive sports car was not well-received by Mustang enthusiasts. This resistance from Mustang fans played a role in the decision not to push the Probe project as a direct replacement for the Mustang.
In summary, the Ford Probe was discontinued due to a combination of market changes, competition, pricing, and the resistance to replacing the Mustang with a front-wheel-drive sports car.
I hope this provides a clear understanding of why the Ford Probe was discontinued. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!

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.

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.

How fast was the Ford Probe GT?

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.