1990-1992 Ford Probe: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Ford Probe and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Optional antilock brakes
- Fuel economy (4-cylinder)
- Acceleration (GT and LX)
- Cargo room
- Handling/roadholding
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Noise
- Torque steer (GT)
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced for 1989, Ford's sporty, front-drive hatchback coupe shared its chassis and powertrain with Mazda's MX-6. Three models were sold: GL, LX, and GT. A V6 engine and all-disc brakes arrived for '90 in the mid-range LX, which could now be ordered with antilock braking. The GT stuck with its 145-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, but could now have an automatic transmission instead of the standard 5-speed manual gearbox. A non-turbocharged version of the 2.2-liter four, producing 110 horsepower, remained in the Probe GL. Rear shoulder belts were standard, and front shoulder belts became motorized.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Probe GT 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Ford Probe. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Ford Probe.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Ford Probe:
No mechanical changes were evident in 1991.
1992 Ford Probe:
A new Sport option package for the LX included a rear spoiler and 205/60HR15 tires on alloy wheels--the same tire size as the GT. The under-seat stowage area was dropped, and GL and LX coupes gained body-colored side moldings and monotone fascia/bumper covers.
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Ford Probe includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Ford Probe and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Ford Probe is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Performance from the gruff base 2.2-liter 4-cylinder (12-valve) engine is passable but uninspiring, especially with automatic. So, availability of a V6 was a welcome change--far more powerful than the basic 4-cylinder, but considerably more refined than the turbocharged GT. Hooked to automatic, the V6 engine's low-speed and mid-range response give the Probe outstanding flexibility. Mated to the 5-speed, the V6 adapts well to sporting, high-rpm driving. The turbocharged GT is very quick, but it can be an unpredictable handful under hard throttle, exhibiting "torque steer" that pulls the front wheels off course. The turbo's boost also kicks in too abruptly at low speeds. On the plus side, the GT's wide tires and sport-oriented suspension promise fine handling. All told, though, we've liked the well-rounded LX model best. When equipped with bigger (15-inch) tires, antilock braking, and analog instruments, the LX is the most appealing choice of them all. The Sport package, available in 1992, elevates the LX's already-capable road manners close to those of the GT, without losing much in ride comfort. Cargo capacity is ample, even with the rear seatback up, but liftover is high. A low roof offers little headroom for anyone taller than 6 feet. Few adults will enjoy climbing into the back, which is fit only for children. Controls fall easily to hand, and analog instruments are clear. Early models had reliability problems, but those seemed to be remedied by 1990.
Value for the Money
In midrange LX form, at least, the early Probe can be a passable sport-coupe choice. Best to steer clear of GT models, as the turbo four has a reputation for early failure.
In midrange LX form, at least, the early Probe can be a passable sport-coupe choice. Best to steer clear of GT models, as the turbo four has a reputation for early failure.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Probe GT 5-speed Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 2 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 38 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Probe includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Probe .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Condensation from the air conditioning leaks onto the front carpets because there is too much insulation around the evaporator. (1990-92)
Audio system:
Whining noises in the radio speakers are caused by the fuel pump in the gas tank. An electronic noise filter must be installed on the fuel pump. (1989-92)
Dashboard lights:
The engine speed sensor harness may short to the crankshaft pulley illuminating the check engine light. (1993)
Exhaust system:
Loose heat shields over the muffler and catalytic converter cause a rattling or buzzing noise. (1990-93)
Hard starting:
The air inlet ducts tend to crack or the clamps get loose causing hard starting, hesitation, and rough idle on cars with 2.2-liter engines. (1990-92)
Water leak:
Water contaminates the fuel pump cut-off switch, which causes the passive restraint shoulder belt to remain in the engaged position. (1990)
Water leak:
Water gets into the wiring harness connectors in front of the radiator, which can drain the battery causing a no-start, failure of the under hood light, problems with the headlights and retractors, or lack of air conditioning or blower. (1990-91)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $630 |
| Alternator | $605 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $980 |
| Brakes | $235 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $475 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $565 |
| Exhaust System | $475 |
| Radiator | $440 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $735 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $170 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford Probe details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1992 | |||
| Probe GL, LX | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Probe GT | $1,400-1,700 | $900-1,100 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Probe GL, LX | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Probe GT | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000 | $200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Probe GL, LX | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Probe GT | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford Probe include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door hatchback | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.0 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.8 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2730 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 41.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.9 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base GL Probes used a 2.2-liter, overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine, rated 110 horsepower. A turbocharged, intercooled 4-cylinder went into GT Probes, while the mid-range held a 140-horsepower V6 engine. Either 5-speed manual shift or a 4-speed automatic transmission might be installed. For 1992, the V6 engine gained five horsepower and five pound-feet of torque.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| Turbocharged ohc I4 | 2.2 / 133 | 145 | 190 | 5-speed manual: 21/27 4-speed automatic: 19/25 |
5-speed manual: 22.5 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 2.2 / 133 | 110 | 130 | 5-speed manual: 24/31 4-speed automatic: 21/28 |
5-speed manual: 25.3 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 140-145 | 160-165 | 5-speed manual: 19/26 4-speed automatic: 18/24 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 21 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford Probe include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1992 Probe |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1992 Ford Probe directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
Throttle levers on some cars may have been bent during assembly, so throttle could stick.
1990-92:
Rail of automatic shoulder belt can wear, causing cable to jam and render belt inoperative.
1991 GL:
Brackets that mount automatic shoulder belt retractor assembly may have a spot weld of inadequate strength; belt could fail in a collision.
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