Ford Probe GT 2.5 V6
The Ford Probe has one of the most fascinating backstories in American automotive history. In the mid-1980s, Ford seriously considered replacing the rear-wheel-drive Mustang with a front-wheel-drive sport coupe developed jointly with Mazda. When Mustang loyalists caught wind of the plan, the resulting outcry was so fierce that Ford kept the Mustang and launched the new car as the Probe instead.
Built at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan — a joint venture between Ford and Mazda — the Probe shared its platform with the Mazda MX-6 and 626. The GT model featured Mazda's excellent KL-DE 2.5-liter V6, a DOHC 24-valve unit that loved to rev and produced 164 horsepower (later 170 hp with variable intake runners). This engine was genuinely enjoyable, with a smooth, linear powerband and an eagerness that belied its modest displacement.
The second-generation Probe (1993-1997) was a significant improvement over the first, with more aggressive styling, better structural rigidity, and improved suspension tuning. The GT's four-wheel disc brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and relatively light weight made it one of the better-handling front-wheel-drive cars of its era. Road testers consistently praised its balance and predictability.
The Probe's aerodynamics were exceptional — the second-generation car achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.31, making it one of the slipperiest production cars of the 1990s. This, combined with the V6's power, gave the GT genuine highway legs.
Despite its objective qualities, the Probe suffered from the Mustang controversy stigma and the perception that a front-wheel-drive Ford sport coupe was somehow illegitimate. Sales declined steadily through the 1990s, and Ford discontinued the Probe after 1997 without a replacement. Today, clean examples are becoming rare as many were driven hard and poorly maintained, and the Probe is slowly gaining recognition as an underappreciated gem of 1990s sports car design.
Rust is a significant issue, particularly in the rear wheel arches, quarter panels, and around the hatch opening. The KL-DE V6 is reliable but check for oil leaks from the rear main seal and valve cover gaskets. The timing belt is a critical maintenance item — failure causes catastrophic engine damage. Listen for throwout bearing noise on manual transmission cars. The automatic transmission (CD4E) is problematic and best avoided. Check for worn strut mounts and control arm bushings. Interior trim is fragile; broken switches and cracked dash are common.
The Probe was assembled alongside the Mazda MX-6 at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. The first generation (1989-1992) used a 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as its performance engine; the second generation (1993-1997) switched to the 2.5-liter V6. A Probe GTS concept was shown with a turbocharged V6 but never reached production. Ford cancelled the Probe after 1997 as part of a broader restructuring.