Ford's sporty hatchback, the Probe, was released as a 1989 model.
Year-to-year changes[]
1991[]
The original Ford Probe had three trims -- GL, GT and LX.
1993[]
The 1993 Ford Probe, which was redesigned from its previous model years, was unveiled at the 1992 North American International Auto Show on January 9, 1992, and went on sale in dealerships on July 9, 1992.
1995[]
The Probe received a mild freshening for 1995. Available in base and GT trim, the biggest change on both models concerned new optional wheels. New 15-in. unidirectional, 3-spoke aluminum wheels were available for the base Probe and new 16-in. unidirectional, aluminum 5-spokers for GT. Other exterior changes involved a new taillight design and a restyled rear treatment for the GT.
Inside was a second cupholder on the console, new seat fabrics and restyled door panels.
The Probe was a front-drive "Mustang alternative" for younger buyers. The line also offered an alternative to the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring, Eagle Talon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Nissan 240SX, Toyota Celica and Mazda MX-6.
Although their bodywork was different, the Probe shared its mechanical components with the MX-6 and was built in the same factory as the Mazda in Flat Rock, Michigan.
The base Probe was motivated by a 118-hp Four, while the GT received its oats from a dual-cam, 164-hp V6.
Probe offered real sports car performance (not just appearance) for the money, with its quadralink independent rear suspension and stabilizer bars at both ends. The GT had a special sport suspension to complement its added power.
Both models came with dual airbags. Antilock brakes, larger wheels and high-performance tires were standard on the GT and optional on the base Probe. Other options on both models included leather front seats, power sliding sunroof and a power driver's seat.
1997[]
The last Ford Probes went on sale in July 1997.
1998[]
Shortly before the Probe's discontinuation, its successor, the Escort ZX2, goes on sale as an early 1998 model.
Retail prices[]
As of October 17, 1993:
- $13,685 (1994 Ford Probe)
- $16,015 (1994 Ford Probe GT)
As of May 2, 1994:
- $13,905 (1994 Ford Probe)
- $16,235 (1994 Ford Probe GT)
As of late 1994:
- $14,180 (1995 Ford Probe)
- $16,545 (1995 Ford Probe GT)
As of June 15, 1995:
- $13,930 (1996 Ford Probe)
- $16,450 (1996 Ford Probe GT)
As of May 19, 1997:
- $14,355 (1997 Ford Probe)
- $16,855 (1997 Ford Probe GT)
- $12,580 (1998 Ford Escort ZX2; cool version)
- $13,145 (1998 Ford Escort ZX2; hot version)
Shipping prices[]
- $360 (1994 and early 1995 models)
- $375 (1995 and early 1996 models)
- $400 (1997 models)
- $415 (1998 models)