Ford Probe (1988-1997)
Production Total: 387,022
Recorded in UK 2024
2.0 16v Licensed=104 SORN=386
2.5 24v Licensed=164 SORN=490
The Ford Probe, a sporty liftback coupé, had its share of common issues. Here are some to watch out for:
1. **Pop-Up Headlamps**: Like many 1990s coupés, the pop-up headlamps could be problematic. Damage to the front end might prevent them from opening or closing correctly, leaving you without working lights.
2. **Corrosion in Wheel Arches**: Keep an eye out for rust in the wheel arches.
3. **Poorly Made Body Kits**: In the '90s, aftermarket body kits were popular. Some of these kits were poorly made and could cause issues.
As for reliability, the Probe ranks 8th out of 44 Ford models, with most complaints related to engine problems.
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Generations
The Ford Probe had **two generations**:
1. **First Generation (1988-1992)**: Introduced in 1988, the first-generation Probe shared its platform with the Mazda MX-6. It was designed as a sport compact coupe and aimed to fill the market niche previously occupied by the Capri in Europe. The instrument cluster and pop-up headlight mechanisms were borrowed from the FC Series RX-7.
2. **Second Generation (1993-1997)**: The second-generation Probe continued its collaboration with Mazda, based on the front-wheel-drive Mazda G platform. It featured updated styling and improved performance.
Unfortunately, the Probe was discontinued in 1997.
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Body Style/Variants
The Ford Probe was available in the United Kingdom as a **coupé** (two-door) model. It aimed to compete with sport-coupe imports like the Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, and Mitsubishi Eclipse². If you're interested in the Ford Probe, you might also want to check out the **United Kingdom Ford Probe Owners Club**, which welcomes enthusiasts and provides a community for discussion.
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Trim Levels
The Ford Probe was available in several trim levels during its production run from 1988 to 1997. Here are the main trim levels:
1. **GL**: This was the base model, equipped with a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 110 horsepower.
2. **LX**: This trim added more features such as power locks, power windows, and an optional flip-up moon roof. It also offered a 3.0-liter V6 engine.
3. **GT**: The top-of-the-line model, which included a turbocharged 2.2-liter engine in the first generation, providing a sportier performance.
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Engines
In the United Kingdom, the Ford Probe was available with **two engine options**:
1. A base **2.0-litre four-cylinder** unit producing **113 bhp**.
2. A more powerful **24v spec** (named for its valve count) with a **2.5-litre V6**, delivering **160 bhp** and capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in **8.5 seconds**.
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Performance
The Ford Probe, produced between 1988 and 1997, had several performance variations. Here are some key details:
### First Generation (1988-1992)
- **Engine**: 2.2-litre naturally aspirated, single overhead camshaft, 4-cylinder engine.
- **Power**: 110 bhp (112 PS/82 kW) at 4700 rpm.
- **Torque**: 176 Nm (130 lb·ft/17.9 kgm) at 3000 rpm.
- **Top Speed**: 190 km/h (118 mph).
### Second Generation (1993-1997)
- **Best Performance Version**: Ford Probe 2.5i V6 24v.
- **Power**: 161 hp.
- **Top Speed**: 137 mph.
- **Acceleration**: 0-62 mph in 8.0 seconds.
The Ford Probe was known for its sporty design and was a result of Ford's collaboration with Mazda, sharing the Mazda G platform. It was intended to fill the market niche formerly occupied by the Capri in Europe and was initially considered as a potential successor to the Ford Mustang in North America.
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Spares
If you're looking for **Ford Probe spares** in the United Kingdom and Ireland, here are some options:
1. **Breakeryard**: You can **buy new, used, and reconditioned Ford Probe parts** at Breakeryard. They offer a wide range of quality parts at affordable prices.
2. **Car Parts Network**: Start your search for Ford Probe parts in the UK with **Car Parts Network**. They connect you to over **270 scrap yards**, including specialist Ford Probe breakers.
3. **Ultimate Styling**: Ultimate Styling provides various Ford Probe parts, including wiper blades, wheel bearing & hub bearing kits, and oil filters.
4. **247 Spares**: At 247 Spares, you can easily search for Ford Probe Car Parts online and have them delivered directly to your door.
Remember to check their availability and compatibility with your specific Ford Probe model.
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Specialists
**NORTHERN IRELAND FORD SPECIALIST LIST**
Ford specialist mechanics in County Antrim, Northern Ireland:
1. McMillan Specialist Cars
o Address: Unit 10, Plasketts Close Kilbegs Road, Antrim BT41 4NN
o Phone: 028 9335 4911
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00, Saturday 09:00 - 12:30
o Services: Maintenance, repairs, pre-purchase inspections, full restorations.
2. ACSR Ltd
o Address: 24 Antrim Road, Crumlin BT29 4DX
o Phone: 028 9446 2841
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30
o Services: Servicing, repairs, spares.
3. TrustFord Ballymena Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 14 Larne Rd, Ballymena BT42 3HB
o Phone: 0343 317 9500
o Hours: Monday to Friday 07:45 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
4. TrustFord Belfast - Mallusk Car & Transit Centre
o Address: 31 Mallusk Rd, Newtownabbey BT36 4PP
o Phone: 028 9083 7700
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Armagh, Northern Ireland:
1. NI Vans
o Address: Tandragee, Co. Armagh
o Phone: 028 3884 9777
o Services: Repairs, servicing, MOT, PSV for both Ford vans and cars.
2. McMullan Auto Services
o Address: Armagh
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Servicing and maintenance for all makes and models, including Ford.
3. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Armagh
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.
Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Down, Northern Ireland:
1. TrustFord Belfast - Newtownards Road Ford Store
o Address: 391-397 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3LH
o Phone: 028 9065 4687
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 18:00, Saturday 08:30 - 15:00
o Services: New and used car sales, vehicle servicing, Motability scheme.
2. TrustFord Belfast Fleet Service Centre
o Address: 16 Maryland Industrial Estate, 286 Ballygowan Road, Belfast BT23 6BL
o Phone: 028 9044 9450
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:30
o Services: Fleet servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
3. The Motor Gym
o Address: 18A Balloo Avenue, Bangor BT19 7QT
o Phone: 028 9145 3310
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing and repairs, specialising in Ford.
4. The Dent Man NI
o Address: Bangor, County Down
o Phone: Available upon request
o Services: Dent removal and car body repairs.
Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Monaghan Bros
o Address: 1-3 Main Street, Lisnaskea BT92 0JB
o Phone: 028 6772 1147
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Servicing, repairs, and MOT for Ford vehicles.
Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland:
1. Desmond Motors
o Address: 173 Strand Road, Londonderry BT48 7PU
o Phone: 028 7136 7137
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, MOT, repairs, and maintenance2.
2. Lloyd Cooke Motors Ltd
o Address: 1A Drumahoe Road, Londonderry BT47 3SD
o Phone: 028 7130 1234
o Hours: Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: Vehicle repairs, servicing, and maintenance.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in Londonderry
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.
Here are some Ford specialist mechanics in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland:
1. Pat Kirk Ltd.
o Address: 53 Brookmount Road, Omagh BT78 5HZ
o Phone: 028 8225 0777
o Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30, Saturday 09:00 - 13:00
o Services: General vehicle servicing, repairs, and maintenance.
2. Approved Garages
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: MOT, servicing, and repairs for Ford vehicles.
3. ClickMechanic
o Location: Various locations in County Tyrone
o Services: Mobile mechanics offering servicing and repairs for Ford vehicles.
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Racing
The **Ford Probe GTP** was a notable entry in the world of sports car racing during the mid-1980s. Here are some key details about this racing machine:
### Design and Development
- **Constructor**: The car was designed and developed by Zakspeed, a German racing team known for their engineering prowess.
- **Chassis**: It featured a lightweight and aerodynamic chassis, optimized for high-speed performance on the track.
- **Engine**: The Probe GTP was powered by a turbocharged 2.1-liter inline-4 engine, capable of producing around 600 horsepower. This engine was derived from the Ford BDA engine family, known for its reliability and performance.
### Racing History
- **IMSA GT Championship**: The Ford Probe GTP competed in the IMSA GT Championship, a premier sports car racing series in North America.
- **Performance**: While it showed promise with its advanced design and powerful engine, the Probe GTP faced stiff competition from other manufacturers like Porsche and Jaguar. Despite this, it managed to secure several podium finishes and was a competitive entry in the series.
### Legacy
- The Ford Probe GTP is remembered for its innovative design and the role it played in Ford's racing history. It showcased the potential of turbocharged engines and advanced aerodynamics in sports car racing.
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