| Ford Probe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mazda Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1988–1997 |
| Model years | 1989–1997 |
| Assembly | United States: Flat Rock, Michigan (AAI) |
| Designer | Jack Telnack |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sport compact |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related | |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ford Capri (Europe / Australia) Ford EXP (North America) |
| Successor | |
The Ford Probe is a liftback coupé produced by Ford, introduced in 1988 and produced until 1997. The Probe was the result of Ford's collaboration with its longtime Japanese partner Mazda, and both generations of Probe were derived from the front-wheel drive Mazda G platform that underpinned the Mazda Capella.
The Probe succeeded the Ford EXP, and the instrument cluster of the first-generation Probe and pop-up headlight mechanisms were borrowed from the FC Series RX-7.
Based on the Mazda MX-6 as a sport compact coupe, the Probe was intended to fill the market niche formerly occupied by the Capri in Europe, and it was originally intended to be the fourth generation Ford Mustang in the North American market as a direct competitor with the Acura Integra, Isuzu Impulse, Nissan 200SX, and the Toyota Celica. During that time, Ford's marketing team had deemed that a front-wheel drive platform (borrowed Mazda GD and GE platforms) would have lower costs for production, and also because the platform had been gaining popularity with consumers.
Mustang fans objected to the front-wheel drive configuration, Japanese engineering, and lack of a V8, so Ford began work on a new design for the Mustang instead. On March 17, 1997, Ford announced the discontinuation of the Probe.[1]
- ^ "Probe History". Performanceprobe.com. March 17, 1997. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012. Retrieved June 27, 2010.