Engine, handling, stereo, 5-speed, front seating, hatchback, looks

fit-and-finish, stereo, back seats, brakes, part-cost, overdone wear-n-tear
I explain much more below

Well, I have mixed feelings about reviewing my old Probe. I apologize ahead of time for the length but perhaps I can help some would-be buyers out there.

I was in love with it since they first came out but since I was paying $25K a year for school, I had to wait. In 1996, I finally picked up a used '93 MTX with every conceivable option and about 50K miles. This car was a dream from every vantage. Great looks, great stereo, great grip, responsive acceleration and a very well designed “cockpit.” The seats were among the most comfortable I’ve sat in (this from a former valet driver) and I thought everything was well proportioned. It was from this point that my car tested my loyalty and love.

My logbook reads like a what’s – what of automotive repair. I started with buying 4 new tires which were needed anyway. I went with some Yoko AVS4s. First mistake. These were extremely noisy and eventually began developing some irregular wear, not just across the face but also cusping which added to the noise. Seemed to be a reputation of the tire. I had replaced the front shocks and the wear had still developed. I eventually replaced them with some Dunlop SP8000s. Still a lot of squeaks and shakes all around.

Before that, my parking brake failed in the “on” position. I had to take it into the shop twice just to have it released. I didn’t replace it, just decided not to use it again. The rest of the brake system fell into deep despair as I went back and forth with a supply shop buying and assembling various sets of pads and discs. I think I was smelling brake dust in my sleep! I recall that I eventually ended up with some non-metallic type pads.

The subwoofer failed for me also but not quite before the CD player started spitting out some error message that required me to disconnect the battery (setting off the alarm) and reconnecting it. This went on randomly for months until one point when it never came back on. Ford had a record of this error and the guys in Ford’s radio repair (Royal Radio, Detroit) had seen many come in but it never made it to recall. Replacement was $600 and repair $300. So in goes a new Alpine for $275. The subwoofer failure is an issue with the wires between the cone and the clips. Seems they won’t extend far enough and snap. I picked up some silver wiring for this and soldered it in. This proved to be temporary. After 2 other times, I finally bought a new MTX 6 ½”. Problem solved. A great system overall with excellent sound and amplification. I miss it now. The hydraulic arms for the trunk failed at some point too but by some luck fell under a recall. Can’t remember when or why but the key locks failed in the doors and trunk so if my battery ever ran out in the keyless entry, I was screwed.

Next came the sparkplug wires. The car developed an engine stutter, particularly noticeable during acceleration. A reliable shop said there was a bad connection with the wires. Little did I know they were the most expensive set on the market – around $120! This is not an American car – all the parts are Japanese and their cost reflects it. I bought a new distributor and a set of Bosch wires, they lasted about 4 months when the problem came again. Seems they wouldn’t get a solid connection and somewhere along the line, oil was leaking into the plug wells. I think it damaged those wires too. New gasket, new wires. Getting at the rear plugs is damn-near impossible.

Basically, after 96K miles and thousands of dollars later, I couldn’t handle it anymore. The car still drove great but just too much trouble. I bought a new Cougar which is a much more solid car overall but drives/ handles completely different. I like the gearing much better in the Probe not to mention the front seats. But that's for another review.

I give her 3 for value - a fun and fast car for low $$ but the upkeep is aweful. I'm afraid that I wouldn't recommend anyone buy one if you want to keep your sanity.

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1999 Cougar

This car handles! I seriously doubt you can find a car in this class that has the same balance of power and cornering ability. To me straight-line speed is not as important as how the car behaves through the twisties, and this car doesnt disappoint. Sure a 5.0 or z28 will blow your doors off at the stop-light, but as soon as you get to that 1st turn you'll be looking at his headlights in your mirrors. I've read people's reviews saying poor gas mileage but for a v6 im pretty impressed (unless of course you drive with your foot on the floor.. then even your honda civic gets thirsty).
Surprising footnote to all you in cold climates... I wasnt sure about this car for winter driving but I was pleasantly surprised. Heavy weight keeps this car moving.. haven't got stuck once.
By the way, mash the throttle and turn off the stereo. Exhaust note is sweeeet.

Rattles rattles rattles. Subwoofer died the day after i got the car. Also was told that I have to replace the ignition wires by my mechanc (cas has 73 000 km). Cost around $80. Power is lacking below 2500 RPM, but at 2600 feels like a turbo kicks in (my car is all stock). Brakes could be a bit better but so far I havent hit anything.
Also wind noise gets bad from the drivers window above 60 MPH.
Did I mention the rattles? Rear hatch noise would dirve me crazy if I didnt have the stereo so loud all the time.

So far the only mechanical change I have had to make is muffler, but that is regular wear and tear. There are lots of these cars at my local junkyard (I can only assume that lots of kids got these as 1st cars.... big mistake from the parents) so parts are easy to find.
I would recommend this car to anyone who appreciates driving a unique vehicle with exceptional handling ability. On the highway this car is a blast to drive and can hold its own with most of the V8s out there. Don't expect to win many drag races in the city though as the power really is available above 2600 RPM. My car is 6 years old and it still gets looks.
I keep my back seats folded down at all times. There is no point in even trying to get someone back there. In an emergency I had to put a baby seat back there and had to move the passenger seat all the way forward so my 18 month old would have some legroom. Besides.. back seats folded down and you have a TON of space back there (2 90 pound dogs are very comfortable on long trips).
Make sure you get your Probe inspected WELL before you buy. These cars are either gems or lemons.

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So far have owned 12 cars from Innocenti (3 cylinder Italian Turbocharged funmobile) to 4x4s. Probe is the 2nd most fun to drive.

Quite tunable, contrary to popular belief. Great handling, sleek looks, decent gas mileage,

Not much, acquires squeaks and rattles over time.

I bought my Probe new in 1995 and used it as a daily driver for work/school in Maine. I chose this over a Mustang because I needed winter driveability and surprisingly so it performed admirably for about three years of snow, slush, ice, etc. It only had minor problems such as the dome light kept blowing out (???), and an idler arm broke (fluke). After moving to Florida, I got involved with the import performance scene and successfully modified my car with various internal and external engine mods, suspension mods (custom fab and otc), electronics, drivetrain, etc. It was built primarily for autocross racing , but it spent it's share of time running the 1/4 mile. I started tuning it when I turned 60,000 miles, and the last time I had it on the dyno it turned just under 225 HP. It doesn't seem like a lot, but that's coming from 165HP from the factory, with an almost nonexistent (at the time) aftermarket presence!! It could easily outrun Mustang GT's, Camaro's, Integra's, etc. Shortly after turning 112,000 miles it gave up the ghost. It threw a rod and blew the motor. I consider it amazing that this motor lasted so many miles of extremely harsh abuse on the tracks, as well as daily commutes to work, and biannual border to border trips from Florida to Maine. I have nothing but absolute rave reviews about the performance of this car, it's venerability, comfort, and appearance!!

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None

The car is great!! I get a lot of compliments on the appearance and quality of the car. I have kept up with Camaros and Mustangs alike. I love camaros but this little car can keep up. I hate mustangs with a passion but that is a different story. The engine is strong and peppy. The gas milage is average.

This car keeps me on my feet. I worry about the electric probs. It has screwed up once. I worry about the tranny, it has been great for me but the previous owner replaced it at about 75k. I pray and hope it doesn't go out for a long time. The car rattles in a bad way.

I have great experience with the car. The only probs had been brakes and CV joint which I replaced myself. If you have connections and know about cars, you are in good shape with this car. If not, you will pay out the a*s to a dealer or shop. They will rip you royaly!!!!!! I love the car and so do the girls. Its quick, sassy, sleek, and aa attention getter. I reccommend it to anyone!

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91 Chevy s-10....more reliable feeling while driving, but it's dead now
81 Monte Carlo..would blow it away..but not as sporty
79 Malibu Classic SS...this car is awesome!!!...but i love my probe

Looked ok but compaired to other sports cars it wasnt that sporty. With a spoiler it looks nice but without the spoiler the rear is ugly. The acceleration and milage was good. seats were comfy. Always started in the winter but it also always squeeked. Back seats fold down for a convienient bed. ;)

After 3 months I had to put new bearings in, new tires twice in 1 year, After a year the transmission went out and I had to get that rebuilt, something went wrong with the computer system after that. The sunroof didnt want to go down; someone had to push down the roof while I held the button. Speakers went out and sounded crappy. Radio didnt work that well sometimes not at all. muffler fell apart had to get a new one of those. Oh, I had to put in a new fan belt about 5 times throughout having the car and it left me stranded on the side of the road. Plus it squeeked throughout the winter months and would sometimes die on me at a stop sign so I couldn't have the stereo or heat or anything on but the car or it would die. Window cracked 2 times in 1 month. The left window wouldnt role up when it was roled down. Very poor heat! Sucked down any liquid I put in it. Did I mention the process of replacing the brake light?

I would never buy I a probe again they are a waist of money and time. I spent about 6-7 thousand in repairs so this car cost me about 10,500( I could have gotten a pretty nice car for that). People who have probes, I feel sorry for you. Everyone I know doesnt like their's except if there daddy bought them a brand new one right off the lot with maybe 100 miles on it, otherwise I hear complaints. I could go on and on. This was a waist of money and a mistake.

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I have a contour now I havent had one problem with it in the last 5 months and I love it. Its extremely dependable and can get me from here to anywhere I want.

Decent looks, good on gas.

Where to start. Two major problmes with my probe--automatic trans and no turbo. The result a severly underpowered car. I constantly got beat by escorts and other compact cars.

All kinds of electrical problems with this car. SOME examples include: Windshield wipers did not function half the time, dashboard dimmer switch did not work, the dash lights would not come on sometimes. I had to replace the alternator belt about 8 times, went through five batteries in 4 years. The headlights had to be ajusted every year when i got it inspected. This car was a fraud. It looks sporty, and even paid more for insurance because they consider the probe a sports car, obvisouly they never driven my probe. With the Air conditioner running you are lucky to out accelerate a school bus. I would not recommend this car to anyone. The funny part is, now I have a 92 Nissan Sentra, it is alot quicker handles atleast 75% better and is 500lbs lighter, the Sentra is quick, but my insurance has gone down, because they don't consider the Sentra a sports car. I went with the Sentra because instead of sports car looks, i actually wanted sports car performance. I had the Probe in the shop more times than I can remeber, it was constanly breaking down.

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1992 Nissan Sentra XE. This is what i traded the probe in for. The nissan is a much better car. With the same 110hp as the probe, it out performs the probe everywhere except looks. The Sentra handles better, accelerates better and is about 500 lbs lighter. Definitly more reliable.

Peppy engine
Only went to shop twice in 11 years
5 year 50,000 mile warranty
No rust after 12 years in Minnesota ice and salt
Great sound

Transmission - but of course - Mazda uses a cheap transmission so when mine failed at 80,000 miles I upgraded. Very expensive -
Second, while it was still under warranty at 40,000 miles the transmission computer chip went out. A transmission company wanted to replace transmission. The Ford dealership found it to be the chip, still under warranty this expensive chip was 100% covered. It acted just like the transmission was out, so make sure you test the chip before replacing a transmission.

In it's first 9 years I found this car to be peppy and wonderful. Now after it's new (rebuilt) trani it doesn't seem to have the pep. But I've basically had 11 trouble free years and plan to keep it one or two more. If Mazda would just upgrade the transmission in their 626 I would buy that for my next car.

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Grand Prix - more problems than I can discuss

looks good
Factory tinted windows
power for 4 banger

fender bender first weak i had it

i would recommend it to someone who dont care much about horsepower or spending time at the drag strip.

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camaro with a 400 small block under hood....probe dont compare

I love the smooth and powerful pick away and the handling of this car, its a real headturner too, in metallic black with cracking looking spoiler,i fell in love with this car the moment i seen it, and with the 16 inch 225/50s u can hardly feel a bump in the road.

the first week i got it the distributor went cost me $700, and its a real petrol guzzler.

i definately would recommend the probe as its fast and a great looking car with all the pulling power u need both in the engine and the woman department, but it could do with another 30 - 50 bhp, 165bhp is a little short for a 24valve v6 2.5 but quite quick none the less.

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car is very fun to drive.. easy to work on plenty of upgrade options availiable from online. decent loos and cold ac.< i live in the hott deasert> motor is very tractable and smooth. quiet on the interior. my particular car is very clena and the paint is in excellent shep.. also the engine has no leaks. overall i like the car because the fun factor.. the handling and brakes seem reasonable. i really do love the v-6 motor. easyiest car to convert over to evans npg cooling.. just drain and refill. took me two hours co completely drain al water coolant and flush the cooling system. good driving postion as well as visability. very manuverable.. i think with the mods i have made for relaiability this car should last awhile.

lots!!!! 4th gear syncro grinds.. flimsy feeling doors and interior color scheme sux. also washed and waxed the car last night.. water does get into the interior through windows even when tightly rolled up. rear hatch does not like to release when the lever is pulled.. car is kinda rattly and squeaky. factory lights suck. gas milage also sucks.

i would recommend any 95 probe gt as along as it has been well kept.. otherwise a 91 or newer 300zx is a way better car.

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i have had a 90 ford taurus sho 5 speed.. the slutch and shifter on the sho was alot worse to shift.. my left leg is very strong now..lol.. sho felt tighter and just as nimble. also has alot more power and feels just as fast.. mine hit 100 mph easy. on the probe i can do it, but its pushing it hard. no room on the sho to work and the rear sparks are very hard to change. i like both.. the probe is a nice car overall. i do like it alot.. the sho motor in the probe would be a treat:) i think after supercharging the probe as well as a traction adder i think it would be a competative car.