Ford Probe

Price Paid:  $18000.00 from Boggus Ford

Year / Model Reviewed:
2004 Probe SE

Strengths:
It's a pretty car and normally has good pick up and power-when it's running well. It's been fairly dependable,but, it seems when there's a problem--it's a real wallet buster.

Weaknesses:
Those have been identified in the Review Summary. The most frequent problem is the alternator. I don't use the AC often since I have such a short trip to work and the radio/cd player(not stock)-picks up engine noise and hums over the broadcast, so, it's not used either. I've been very,very good to this car-but it's not returning the favor.

Summary:
Bought the car in 1995. 294 miles on odometer for delivery from another city. Currently has 33,000 miles on odometer. I have replaced the alternator 4 times. The water pump went out and needed replaced recently, the brakes are a continuing problem. The car used to run so quietly you had to REALLY listen-but now sounds like a lawn mower. The linkage between the carburetor and transmission broke last year--over $800 to repair. The factory paint job did not last. The heat here in Texas had my teal metal fleck looking like a spotted heifer. Paint job at the local body shop---$1200.00. Yesterday, driving to work (3 miles)-an unusual noise???---RPMs went way up-vehicle barely moving--got to the office-called for a tow. The oil pump went out and the screen was occluded and burst.
They don't know yet if pieces of the screen went into the valves. Mechanic is quoting $847 at this time-but they don't know if they'll have to work on the valves until they get the oil stuff finished and can try to start the engine.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $10000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 Probe GT

Strengths:
-Genuine sporty feel
-Wide tires
-Safe handling charatceristics when driven hard

Weaknesses:
-Weight distribution
-Clutch durability

Summary:
I have an example from the last year of production. Over 7 years and 80K mi of ownership I have developed feelings for the car. It really is a fun car to drive. I think people often forget that this car was the class leader in the early-mid 90's, until the market responded with the revised Integra GS-R and turbocharged Eclipses. Even after that, the Probe GT compared favorably, at least in the eyes of American car enthusiasts. Most people know the car is an American-assembled Japanese-American mix with a Mazda chassis and powertrain. The engine is smooth and torquey and is mated with a very smooth 5 speed with slightly short gear ratios -- resulting in good acceleration but high 5th gear revs on the highway (4K RPM @ 80mph). Fuel economy is not very impressive compared to more contemporary engines (I get roughly 20mpg local) with the same output. Chassis performance is acceptable although not particularly stiff compared to today's sportier compacts. Ford was generous with the tire size at 225 front and back, which is somewhat of a crude way to solve handling and traction problems from this front heavy vehicle but it does get the job done. The suspension is noticably firmer than most cars, which is a great thing for enthusiasts since suspension is often one of the most compromised components in designing sporty coupes (although the Probe is tehcnically a hatch. The shape of the rear hatch gives the car a coupe-like appearance). From the outside, the car is styled and therefore the looks either still impress people or look very dated. I happen to like the exterior, but then again, I do own one. It is worth noting that at the time of production this car had the lowest coefficient of drag of any Ford.

From a driving standpoint this car delivers what one may not expect from numbers alone. The seats are supportive and at least in my GT, the lower back and adjustable lumbar hold the driver in place even under higher lateral loads. A nice medium between a regular and racing seat. I feel the steering ratio is a bit slow for my taste but works well at the limit in this front-driver. Clutch feel is very Mazda-like and the brake pedal is sensitive and will take adjustment time before you can modulate it well. Pedal placement is good and any configuration of your feet on the 3 pedals is doable. The car approaches its limits very gracefully and traction runs out gradually enough that you can adjust the gas to compensate. Textbook front wheel drive techniques work well with this car. Overall this car is much sportier feeling and fun to drive than faster cars such as today's Impreza WRX. In a straight line the car can do an honest 0-60 in the 7 seconds range and quarter in the 15's, which is fine by me. I do not drag race the car though, so during spirited driving on windy roads I would prefer lower weight and a little more weight distribution to the rear.

Maintainence issues have been so-so. I have had no major problems with my car, but apparently this is not the case with most Probe GT owners as this car is not known for reliability. But, I have driven the car hard for 7 years and I have taken care of it both in and out of use. I should note if you are just some moron looking for a car to dump the clutch at streetlights you should probably stay away from this car. If you are a true car enthusiast that can appreciate many aspects of the car you are driving, this car has lots to offer.

Price Paid:  $16000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 PGT

Strengths:
Handeling was at the top of its class.
Good exceleration when running right!

Weaknesses:
Problems, Problems, and more Problems!
Part prices are ridiculouse!

Summary:
I am sorry but this car was nothing but trouble for me from day one! I had to replace all 4 02 sensors, valve cover gaskets, Vaf air flow sensor 3 times!, throttle position sensor, spark plug wires 5 times!, both cv joints, catalytic converter, and finally the main ECU went! all this under 50,000 miles.

Similar Products Used:
I cannot quit think of any other car that this one compares to!

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 & Base

Strengths:
*Superb handling
*Excellent braking
*Smooth engine
*"cozy" interior
*Extremely rev-happy
*Engine holds up through high stress very well
*Inexpensive to purchase

Weaknesses:
*Expensive replacement parts
*Lacking in raw power
*Almost non-existant aftermarket items
*Plastic interior panels feel cheezy

Summary:
I paid about $7,500.00 for my first one (93) with
about 90,000 miles on it and it fell apart by
140k but I love it to death. Held up better than
any other sports car I've driven with 140,000
miles on it. Bought my second one this year (97)
to use as a project car. It had just under 1,000
miles on it. Thats pretty damn rare if you ask me.
It takes a while to find good mods but they ARE
there. You will not find a car with better looks
and performance for the same price.

Similar Products Used:
Mazda MX-6/MX-3 & 626,Eagle Talon, Honda Accord

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 Ford Probe BASE

Strengths:
*very smooth and sleek body
*popup headlights
*really good cornering, gripping of pavement
*roomy interior for car of smaller size
*great trunk size

Weaknesses:
*paint (heard way too many instances of paint problems, too)
*hard to shift into second sometimes (probably just my car)
*expensive to repair and insure
*needs more power at low rpms until about 3,500 rpms.
*noisy and bumpy ride

Summary:
The Dodge Intrepid was a great car for Dodge. More horsepower and quicker off the line than the Ford Probe. Smoother ride, too. However, I love my Probe. It is only a base model, but I dream about adding features to it. I love looking at it - great looking car. It's just plain fun to drive. The cornering and tight gripping make it a blast, and the engine provides a enough power to make it crazy to drive. If you can get one, any model, for a good deal - GET IT!!! It'll be one of the best buys of your life. If I had A LOT of money, I'd buy as many Ford Probes as I could get my hands on! That, and Dodge Stealths, Mitsu 3000GTs, and Corvettes.

Similar Products Used:
'95 Dodge Intrepid