1993-1997 Ford Probe: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1993-1997 Ford Probe and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Cargo room
- Steering/handling (GT)
- Visibility
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Rear-seat room
- Ride (GT)
Vehicle Highlights
Redesigned for 1993, Ford's front-drive Probe again emanated from the same Michigan factory as the Mazda MX-6 and shared that car's chassis components. But each coupe is uniquely styled. Probe is a sleek 2-door hatchback, whereas Mazda's MX-6 is a 2-door notchback coupe.The Probe's wheelbase grew by four inches, overall length by two, but interior dimensions changed little. A driver-side airbag was standard. Base Probes carry a twin-cam 4-cylinder engine; GTs, a 2.5-liter V6. All-disc brakes bring the GT to a halt, while base Probes employ rear drums. Antilocking was optional on both models.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Probe GT Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1993-1997 Ford Probe. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1993-1997 Ford Probe.
Year to Year Changes
1994 Ford Probe:
A passenger-side airbag was added for 1994, joining the one on the driver's side. A Sport Option Package could give the base-model Probe an appearance similar to the more assertive GT coupe.
1995 Ford Probe:
Except for new taillights, little change was evident on the 1995 Probes.
1996 Ford Probe:
In response to criticism of the GT's harsh ride, engineers installed softer struts and springs.
1997 Ford Probe:
Toward the end of the model year Ford announced the Probe would be dropped for '98, along with three other slow-selling models.
Our road test for the 1993-1997 Ford Probe includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1993-1997 Ford Probe and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1993-1997 Ford Probe is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is excellent with the GT's V6 and standard 5-speed gearbox. Action from the 4-cylinder engine is adequate, at least with manual shift. Performance lags with optional 4-speed automatic, which is also slow to downshift. The engine's low-end torque simply isn't sufficient to move the car off with any degree of real vigor. Even the V6 engine feels somewhat sluggish with automatic. Base-model handling is secure and sporty. Firm suspension tuning and low-profile tires give the GT sharp, agile handling and a secure grip. In exchange, you can expect to endure a harsher, more jittery ride. A Probe GT jiggles on roads that feel smooth in the MX-6 LS. That level of roughness can lead to fatigue on a long trip. Base Probes are softer suspended for a better ride, without losing much handling competence. Ford softened the GT's suspension for 1996, but tires are still stiff so the ride isn't a whole lot better. Visibility is better than in most sport coupes, due to the low cowl and relatively slim roof pillars. Space is adequate up front. Space is scant in back for grownups. Cargo room ranks as generous, especially with the split rear seatback folded down, though the rear sill is quite tall. The modern dashboard is neatly laid out, though climate and radio controls don't fall too easily to hand.
Value for the Money
Significantly improved over the first (1989-92) generation, the latest Probe delivers plenty of punch and prowess for its price.
Significantly improved over the first (1989-92) generation, the latest Probe delivers plenty of punch and prowess for its price.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Probe GT Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 48 |
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.
Engine stalling:
If the engine stalls when the transmission is shifted into drive, the problem may be a cracked mass airflow snorkel tube. (1993-94)
Fuel gauge:
The fuel gauge may only read 3/4 full when the tank is full because the fuel return line is bent and interferes with the sender in the tank. (1995-96)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater core leaks. (1993-97)
Transaxle leak:
Transmission fluid may leak from the vent hole of automatic transmission. A revised vent tube is available. (1995-96)
Transmission leak:
Automatic transmission fluid leaks from the vent and gives the appearance of a leak at the cooler lines or main control cover. (1994-96)
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 | $875 |
| Alternator | $380 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,075 |
| Brakes | $275 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $590 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $780 |
| Exhaust System | $485 |
| Radiator | $430 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $770 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $180 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| Probe GT | $2,100-2,500 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| Probe SE | $1,800-2,200 | $1,200-1,500 | $300 |
| 1996 | |||
| Probe GT | $1,900-2,300 | $1,300-1,600 | $300-400 |
| Probe SE | $1,600-2,000 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1995 | |||
| Probe | $1,500-1,800 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| Probe GT | $1,800-2,100 | $1,200-1,400 | $300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Probe | $1,400-1,700 | $900-1,100 | $200 |
| Probe GT | $1,600-1,900 | $1,100-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 1993 | |||
| Probe | $1,300-1,600 | $800-1,000 | $200 |
| Probe GT | $1,500-1,800 | $1,000-1,200 | $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. | 102.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.7 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.8 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2690 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 18.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 34.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 28.5 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine powered base Probes in 1993, developing 115 horsepower. The GT coupe held a 164-horsepower V6, also of dual-overhead-cam configuration. Both engines are Mazda designs. No more turbocharged engines were available. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 4-speed overdrive automatic optional. Except for a slight horsepower/torque boost in 1995 for the 4-cylinder engine, and a mild V6 torque increase the year before, powertrains saw no change in this period.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 115-118 | 124-127 | 5-speed manual: 26/33 4-speed automatic: 23/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 22.2 |
| dohc V6 | 2.5 / 153 | 164 | 156-160 | 5-speed manual: 21/27 4-speed automatic: 20/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
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 | 1997 Probe |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| 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 1993-1997 Ford Probe directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1993:
Lower pivot pin that joins liftgate gas strut to body can separate from mounting bracket due to undersized rivet head; liftgate could descend suddenly, resulting in potential injury.
1993-97:
Certain SPX Filtran fuel filters may leak.
1994:
Passenger-side airbag on small number of cars can detach from, and deform, the mounting bracket if it deploys during an accident and no one is occupying that seating position.
1995:
On some cars, passenger airbag may not inflate properly; also, igniter end cap can separate, causing hot gases to be released.
1996:
Supplementary inflatable restraint caution label on driver's sunvisor does not contain proper warning that rearward-facing child safety seats should not be installed in front passenger seat position.
1997:
External spring in timing belt tensioner can break, get caught in belt, and result in engine stalling.
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