[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-value-text”]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.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-overview-text” title=”Overview”]
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.
1991 Probe
No mechanical changes were evident in 1991.
1992 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.
[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Engines”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text title=”Engines” disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-engine-section-head”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-powertrains”]transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-powertrain-text”]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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_table style=”style2″ el_class=”used-engine-specs”]
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.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_content_box icon=”icon-road” heading=”Ratings” el_class=”ratings-box”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″]Model Tested: 1990 Ford Probe GT 5-speed[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″ el_class=”review-slideshow-caption”]Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-performance-ratings” title=”Performance”][mk_skill_meter title=”Acceleration – 7″ percent=”70″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Fuel Economy – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Ride Quality – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Steering/Handling – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Quietness – 2″ percent=”20″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Accommodations” el_class=”used-accomodations-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Controls/Materials – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Front – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Rear – 2″ percent=”20″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Cargo Room – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Other” el_class=”used-other-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Value – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-ratings-total”]
Air conditioner
Description: Condensation from the air conditioning leaks onto the front carpets because there is too much insulation around the evaporator. (1990-92)
Dashboard lights
Description: The engine speed sensor harness may short to the crankshaft pulley illuminating the check engine light. (1993)
Exhaust system
Description: Loose heat shields over the muffler and catalytic converter cause a rattling or buzzing noise. (1990-93)
Hard starting
Description: 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)
Audio system
Description: 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)
Water leak
Description: 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)
Water leak
Description: Water contaminates the fuel pump cut-off switch, which causes the passive restraint shoulder belt to remain in the engaged position. (1990)
1990
Description: Throttle levers on some cars may have been bent during assembly, so throttle could stick.
1990-92
Description: Rail of automatic shoulder belt can wear, causing cable to jam and render belt inoperative.
1991 GL
Description: Brackets that mount automatic shoulder belt retractor assembly may have a spot weld of inadequate strength; belt could fail in a collision.
[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”hidden-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_accordions style=”fancy-style” action_style=”accordion-action” open_toggle=”0″ container_bg_color=”#fff”][vc_accordion_tab title=”Equipment Lists”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Click on year to see equipment lists for all models offered for that model year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1990″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]Equipment list not available for 1990[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1991″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]Equipment list not available for 1991[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1992″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]Equipment list not available for 1992[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordions][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”visible-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Equipment Lists”]Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Pricing”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-pricing-text” title=”Pricing”]Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]