Why was the Probe Ford's "New Coke" moment?

[@lastsplash6]

The styling on the second generation Probe was ahead of its time.

[@khajiit8221]

100% agree it is a great looking car. I remember people saying it was "Too American". But I always liked them, especially a 24V in dark blue, best looking in my opinion.

[@chuckwhitson654]

I bought a 3-4yr old gt with low mileage but a bad turbo, and continued to dump money into it for another year before giving in to my girlfriend who though I told her it was junk she drove it with very few problems to my surprise, until it caught fire on the highway and burned completely ( no surprise) I have never missed the car or the girl

[@RUfromthe40s]

that is the truth, the first time i saw it ,i wouldn´t guess it was a ford , it looked like a modern car

[@RUfromthe40s]

@@chuckwhitson654 it seemed you could had fix it cheap, if the problem was the turbo ,this because i saw so many proebes in europe that nobody seemed to have problems with this particular car the 90´s one or the second model , the first time i heard of it ,but in reality they disapear very fast, maybe they work good for some years and later it atrts to have problems but this after 10 years of driving them, and if it was a kind of mazda rx-7 ,one of the car i ´ve enjoyed the most was a late 80´s mazda rx-7 i had, only sold it because i hadn´t room to store it, but my father had the previous model ,wich i kept for being a reliable car,mazda where i live is one of the most looked for cars but till 1990 ,after they start to appear as bad and cheap materials made car, like the 1990 model seems today 20 years more recent than the 1996 model ,this regarding all models from the same time ,i had mazdas because they were good looking and very good cars to drive and seemed at the time a high-end brand only good materials employed and very reliable ,the rotor engine in the rx-7 was a problem to those who never did maintenance, it´s an important thing to do with a wankel engine ,1.3L more than 200 h.p. (the twin-turbo model)

[@theoneap2828]

I agree, great looking car for its time

[@gordythecreator]

Love those last line of Probes. The woman exec did an AWESOME job designing. Ahead of its time design wise

[@jettagliturbo]

Yes, Absolutely, super ahead of it's time Gordy.

[@muria64]

Your style is both entertaining and super informative, putting everything into historical context. Well done! Subscribed! Please do the sn95 mustang. It would be a great counterpart to the probe.

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

I agree, it had better stance than the SN95 Mustang, which was very awkward looking IMO

[@gordythecreator]

They're so hard to find! Hopefully all of them didn't get crushed rip

[@Icebergslim333]

@@80s_Boombox_Collector Better stance than the SN95??? Bro you done lost your mind.

[@rorymacve]

I always had a soft spot for the second generation Probe, mostly because it didn't look anything like a Ford. When I was a kid in the 90s I always thought it was some kind of exotic. :)

[@scootergeorge9576]

It was a Mazda.

[@user-nu5ib2ri9o]

@@scootergeorge9576 Essentially it was a Japanese design, assembled in the US to be sold in Europe -- a strange combination that worked surprisingly well.

[@david1731048]

Me too. I was 10 in 1995 and I soooooo wanted one of these. Be nice to tick it off the bucket list, but now it's almost impossible to find one even if i wanted to!

[@edword7195]

Me also its looked like a proper sports car like Nissan 300, Toyota or even towards a 944 unlike say the Calibra , the probe looked good to me, but they did lack street cred compared to some more bland cars

[@ScottSellsSoCal]

I would go and test drive all the v6 5 speeds I could find at different dealers. It revved really easy and drove great. It was expensive though. Damn, I was like 19 years old....

[@taylorc2542]

The 2nd gen Probe GT is one of the best looking Fords ever.

[@mael-strom9707]

A north-south layout V6 rear-wheel-drive could have been a replacement for Europe's Ford Capri more so than North America's Mustang. A marketing opportunity surely missed.

[@louyork553]

Agreed. Especially in black. ❤️

[@stylepoint1200]

Agreed

[@monkeywkeys3916]

Yes I came to notice they were a slick affordable machine. Underrated

[@iamdaviddor]

Now if only Ford would revive the Probe nameplate. Have it with radical styling again and all electric.

[@rachelkohl9106]

I've replied to a few comments on here, but for those who loved this car, I did too! My dad got a '91 when it was two years old. It was even the car to take me home after I was born. It was my first car to learn how to drive in (it's also a manual). When it was time for me to get a different car because the Probe was running into issues from old age, I asked to keep it and restore it. So we did. We rebuilt the engine and finished that a couple of years ago. It's since had a fresh coat of paint, the interior is in the process of being cleaned and restored, and it's got a new stereo and speakers! It's gone to a couple of car shows now. That car won't be in a scrapyard if I can help it!

[@chrisrobichaud9529]

The Ford Probe has always had a special look! Looks like a car that always looks young !!!

[@stevefox3763]

Never had one and probably never will, i did like the look of the facelift probe though. Been a ford driver all my life but time is running out for the brand with me, i drive a Mk3 V6 Mondeo and not something newer because its the last ford with a V6 here in the UK, when this car finally reaches the end i will be forced to another brand who do still have V6 engines.

[@glasshalffull2930]

We still have my wife’s ‘94 Probe and it looks sporty. Got a new coat of paint this year and though things go wrong with it, I enjoy tinkering on it.

[@altarikeverett1885]

I had a probe love that car and the funny thing to that is I turn around and my next car was a Mazda 626 Good times.

[@torstenscholz6243]

Great work as always. I always liked the Probe and never understood why it got that much hate, it's certainly an underrated classic that's a lot better than people make it out to be. Granted, the first generation looked a bit dull, but the second generation's design was pretty great and well ahead of its time and still holds up well today.

[@sandonlettieri7218]

I still own a 93 GT, after 22 years. I feel like it is such an underrated car, probably due to the shoes it was intended to fill. I am also biased.

[@Jamesbond22855]

I have 2, I'm a bit biased as well. 1993 GT, rusted to fuck, and a 1994 wild orchid waiting to have my turbo/chassis parts swapped over. I love these cars

[@sarabarnes5660]

Still have my '93 Probe GT 5 speed I purchased new. Still a great car, quick and economical. Never had any serious problems with it over all these years.

[@mitcl8915]

@Derek Gardin my 94 GT 5 speed has been garage kept all these years and not a spot of rust. The big problem with these was my RIO Red paint faded after a couple years. Other than that an awesome car

[@ford_probe_garage_studio]

I still have mine also since new 1994 GT. Doing some neglected repairs now.

[@ford_probe_garage_studio]

@@mitcl8915 Same here. Garage kept my 1994 GT since brand new, no rust. Good to see others are out there.

[@thejohnmarkproject]

Every KZbin Car Channel: "The Ford Probe was a failure." Every viewer: "I love the Probe." (the probe will be back)

[@ford_probe_garage_studio]

- So true. Ford Probe will be back someday.

[@here_for_the]

Having owned a '90 Gen1 new ...& built a 1996 Gen2 RWD racecar. I can say ur absolutely right. MANY dubbed it a failure who didn't love it. Those who did want 1 again. A proper & fitting name woulda helpa a bit.

[@brianp6965]

The best thing about owning a '96 SE was when I needed a dealer part, I could cross-shop the Mazda and Ford dealers. Sometimes the Ford part was cheaper, sometimes the Mazda part was... but they always fit, wherever I got them.

[@brucemartin974]

Still have my '93 Probe GT 5 speed I purchased new. Still a great car, quick and economical. Never had any serious problems with it over all these years.

[@rachelkohl9106]

I still have my dad's '91! Just finished restoring the engine and giving it a refreshed paint job :-)

[@prevost8686]

That’s because the only thing about it that was Ford was the badge on it. The rest was Mazda.

[@bigperm913]

Valve cover gaskets were the only thing I had to replace, great handling car

[@jamesb8305]

Thats because Ford didn't make it. The Japanese did.

[@mitcl8915]

Still have my 94 GT 5 speed! Agree still an awesome car

[@coriolass]

I'm still somewhat convinced that the "new Coke" was a marketing ploy by Coca-Cola to replace cane sugar with corn syrup in it's recipe with minimal backlash.

[@donsolaris8477]

Yes. for sure...In North America it has corn syrup, but in Europe they still use cane sugar I think...

[@jonnycando]

@@donsolaris8477 in Mexico too.....

[@gedaman]

@@jonnycando Mexican coke is so much better. Maybe the glass bottle has something to do with it too.

[@jonnycando]

@@gedaman the bottle and real cane sugar!

[@PaulEdgewatertheman]

Wow! Never thought of that. I gotta believe you're right!

[@tina2cool4u]

I love my Blue 95 Probe Gt with a manual transmission, it still looks great and drives like a dream.

[@Lavoss05]

This was the car I wanted but they where all sold out everywhere in late 95 so ended up ordering a black 96 GT ......still have the car today but would never buy a black car again, even today sports cars come in that Blue color as the 95 probe or close to it and I always wished I was able to get that 95 blue.....in 96 Ford went to Blueberry Blue which looked blue but as the sun shined on it a purple hue could be seen in the color so I ended up ordering Black.

[@thetruthwillout9094]

The 24v Probe was my first car after I passed my test, luckily my dad gave it to me. Still one of the best drivable cars I have ever driven. I loved that car.

[@TheDonSapius]

I personally love the Probe, I've always wanted one and WILL get one someday. I know someone who him and his dad have a hobby of finding, restoring and selling nothing but Ford Probes.

[@user-nu5ib2ri9o]

Try to get one with a solid body. The drivetrain was used in many contemporary Mazdas and can be procured and swapped without a hassle. KL-ZE (200hp) conversion is one of the most popular mods. KJ-ZEM (220hp) is even cooler, but the engine is very hard to find.

[@Grulaz]

@@user-nu5ib2ri9o it makes me wonder...does it share any parts with rx7?

[@user-nu5ib2ri9o]

The quick answer is “no”, it has more in common with 626, mx6, mx3 and the likes.

[@jettagliturbo]

That is awesome! Really? Where are they located, sounds like me.

[@the_kombinator]

There's one near me for $2,000 www.autotrader.ca/a/ford/probe/north%20york/ontario/19_11485994_?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=3_3_3&pc=L6T%203X9&sprx=100 YOu can probably get that down to $1200 - I just bought a Hyundai Pony for $1500 down from $2500 in quite good (running) condition. Do it now before they become too rare.

[@Auto_Funk]

In hindsight the Probe was a great piece of design... It's actually aged better than alot of it's competitors in period I reckon. Great vid from Big Car as usual!

[@torstenscholz6243]

The Probe is one of those cars that was hated at first but truly has stood the test of time and proved to be far better than people made it to be. The design of both generations was innovative and ahead of its time, still holds up pretty well and still looks rather dynamic and elegant, and it had great driving dynamics, too.

[@scotiajinker8392]

My wife & I got one of these new in 96, v6 24 valve 2.5 ltr in alpine green, it was a fantastic car.

[@TheDonSapius]

How long did y'all have it for?

[@scotiajinker8392]

@@TheDonSapius we had it 30 months . I can’t stress how good a car it was.

[@TodorKatsarski]

Beautiful color!

[@jaxandmore440]

The Mazda 2.5L was infamous for blowing through oxygen sensors and the automatic transmission was failure prone. It was the same powertrain used in the Ford Contour. I'm guessing your 30mos was a lease. That was definitely the way to go.

[@scotiajinker8392]

@@jaxandmore440 my car was a 5 speed manual, you assume wrong , we bought the car outright.

[@sparky6086]

I remember, that it's drag coefficient was impressive. A colleague had one. He didn't have any trouble with it.

[@twincities867]

Your colleague had a drag coefficient? Or a Probe? (What was your colleague's drag coefficient?)

[@sparky6086]

@@twincities867 My colleague was a "he", rather than an "it" signifying the Probe. Although, he and the Probe both had drag coefficients, he Probe's was slick, can't remember the exact number, but my colleague was rather large & human shaped, so in his upright configuration, his drag coefficient was like that of a wall.

[@johnkleinsmit7179]

@@twincities867 basic troll. you feel better about some internet grammer checking.

[@tedecker3792]

It’s drag (queen) coefficient was quite impressive.

[@wallisparnell4464]

At 80 mph, the computer showed incredible mileage on cruise.

[@n40798]

12:05 The design of the second generation still holds up today

[@vladpiranha]

It's heartening to see so many comments expressing what I'd always feared was an unpopular opinion.

[@pb6198]

It looks terrible, especially compared to Japanese cars of exactly the same time

[@calvinnickel9995]

@ Paul Bartley No. Clearly you’ve never seen the 4th gen Prelude. Or the 6th gen Celica. Ugly ugly ugly.

[@FirstNameLastName-kf1qc]

@@calvinnickel9995 mr2 and rx 7 fd look a lot better

[@kawaiishibe5304]

@Jay'sWorld! saw the 7th gen celica just now, with a black paint and 2000 import inspired bodykit

[@bx19tgd]

I saw one of these at a scrapyard a few days ago, with one light up and one down. It was quite sad to see :(

[@keithmcclellan4350]

Always thought that was standard equipment.

[@riverraisin1]

It was winking at you.

[@miker3174]

What junkyard? People need parts!

[@chaff5]

The 2nd gen Probe was like a budget minded RX7. It still looks good today if you can find one in decent shape.

[@chaff5]

@Mable's Fatal Fable The 93 Probe GT won car of the year.

[@wallisparnell4464]

Betting anyone that has a low mileage one, has an eventual collectible. They were all beautiful, efficient cars.

[@dreaminginvalhalla1914]

It isnt even thaaaat expensive,

[@aurorajones8481]

Ive always loved the Probe GT. Thanks for illuminating the story behind it.

[@redey1290]

The first gen Probe looks pretty cool, but the second gen Probe, holy crap that thing looks stunning even today.

[@ford_probe_garage_studio]

👍👍👍👍

[@stevenjoy3537]

I must be the only one alive whose initial thought to the probe name, was a space probe like Voyager, not medical.

[@TheDonSapius]

No, me too actually.

[@shaunw9270]

Yes me too , the space connection 👍

[@mauritsvw]

@@shaunw9270 And me.

[@the_kombinator]

I always thought it was abstract - probing the future, probing the limits, etc.

[@jaxandmore440]

Me too. I guess they were associating the futuristic design with space exploration. I sort of get it, though abstract.

[@mattg8369]

The styling of the second generation Probe, esp in GT trim, has really held up well.

[@TheTarrMan]

I used to have a 2nd gen Probe. I miss that old thing. Great fun to drive.

[@paddycoleman1472]

I had a Probe as a rental car when I visited California on business in the early Nineties. Loved it - a great car at the time.

[@ryanpatterson9526]

I always liked the 2nd gen Probe GT. I was just too young and broke when they were new.

[@derbieber80]

probe was a underrated car . it has good performance and equipment for the money -- for sure not a mustang but a real good european car!

[@lervin78]

I always thought the second generation Probe GT had a great sounding smooth V6 engine.

[@pb6198]

If you think the probe is a smooth engined,FF V6. Check out the mitsubishi fto. A far better performance, handling and looking car. And with the 25 year import rule. You could get it in the US now

[@elkofcanada5003]

@@pb6198 Ah yes, for 3x the price of a domestic craigslist probe

[@pb6198]

@@elkofcanada5003 they are a crazy price in the us though. I paid £600 for a good example

[@pb6198]

@@elkofcanada5003 and frankly. It is 3 times the car. So that does figure

[@DrewLSsix]

@@pb6198 the FTO made the same power at the same weight but with less torque. The later high output version only just edged out the Probe in acceleration, while the Probe never got the high output version of the Mazda V6 the mx5 with that motor was faster still.

[@vwgti1985]

I feel that the Electric Mustang is another New Coke story waiting to happen

[@josephtaylor3857]

My first car was a '94 Probe GT. Loved it. Smooth V6. Japanese engine surrounded by North American styling, the best of both worlds.An excellent video. Thanks for not mentioning the automatic front seatbelts of the 1st gen Probe....these are best forgotten.

[@DrewLSsix]

Other than the wraparound glass being a common Ford element at the time I always thought the Probes looked right at home between the Miata and RX7, the only car of Fords that I think the Probe resembles from the front is the FWD Capri out of Australia.

[@raywalteroutdoors]

My second car as a 17 year old was a Ford Probe GT it was a sweet car for a teenager

[@ResidentRob]

I kind of loved the Ford Probe because it was so unloved.

[@Its_Shaun_the_Sheep]

I loved my 85 Probe 24v V6 2.5L Duratec.

[@rebeccafishlock226]

Love to see my car represented here!

[@TheDonSapius]

Oh! You have a Probe? What year?

[@rebeccafishlock226]

@@TheDonSapius 1995! Australian spec, so fully optioned with euro suspension and v6.

[@user-nu5ib2ri9o]

@@rebeccafishlock226 Respect!

[@ikuzoburandeon]

@@rebeccafishlock226 1993 V6 Riored V6, Euro with Blackline us spec lights, D2 coilovers and18" RX8 wheels. Shaved trunklid.

[@rebeccafishlock226]

@@ikuzoburandeon beautiful. I bought spares the other day from a man who had a '93 track car with a supercharged kl-ze, Ac delete, coilovers all round, uprated brakes, the works. All in that beautiful dark blue. Mines a bit of a dog on the outside, someone trashed the paint before I bought it, but I'm slowly getting the engine and suspension to where I want it, got some dgr coilovers on the mail and an lsd waiting to go in.

[@Kessler1996]

Your videos are always SO informative and engaging! The depth of research and archived advertising footage you cram into each episode is so impressive - you are such a valuable automotive KZbinr! (I also chuckled at your intensely polite blooper reel at the end, so wonderfully English)

[@BigCar2]

I'll have to do some swearing in the bloopers in the future!

[@tollytimepropulsion5252]

According to Dearborn lore, the 626 Coupe and Probe hatchback were styled jointly by Mazda and Ford. Executives decided to sponsor an internal styling competition that would inspire creativity. One team was to design a car that looked very much like a slightly updated version of the current Mustang and the other car was to be a very futuristic wedge that would fit Fords new aerodynamic theme. When the final designs were revealed, Ford was expected to pick the traditional Coupe that had a very athletic look. Ford executives were more impressed with the hatchback, and decided that the radical looks would attract a new demographic to the Ford family. Mazda decided to keep the other design that resembled their family sedan that was also being developed on the same chassis. I cannot verify any of this story personally, but you have to remember Ford was making big changes. The 1989 626 2 door could easily be made to look like a traditional Fox Body coupe with minimal changes. The Probe had no hint of any Ford styling at all!! The Ford Probe could have easily been labeled a Mazda. As I said, it's just a story......

[@bioodfox7805]

Mazda actually did have their own Probe. It was the MX-6. Shared most of the guts from the Probe's second generation, without popups. The 626 would not have worked because Ford had the Contour. A sporty 626 would not have fit alongside it.

[@jettagliturbo]

The Ford Probe, my love. I own two Probes. I own a 1993 Ford Probe GT and a 1996 Ford Probe GT. They are both fully built, twin turbo V6's. They are the best. Thank you for making this..

[@BigCar2]

You're welcome Daniel.

[@ford_probe_garage_studio]

- Keep the Probe alive!!!

[@sparky6086]

Love the Atlanta late 1960's/early 1970's expressway footage!

[@catjudo1]

That would explain the Fly Delta neon sign! My grandfather flew for Delta from 1953 until 1980 and was based out of Atlanta until 1968. My folks both grew up there and I grew up in Norcross, just outside the 285 perimeter.

[@robertjonas6216]

I thought I recognized that state capital building!

[@ford_probe_garage_studio]

This is the city I bought and still drive my Probe GT in. Too funny. He must have used Atlanta as a Coke connection. If not, then very ironic.......

[@sparky6086]

@@ford_probe_garage_studio I suppose, since he made the Coca-Cola/New Coke analogy, and Atlanta is the HQ for Coca-Cola, is why he used that footage.

[@runforitscooby]

I remember when I saw that 2nd gen Probe here in Australia and thought it was a gorgeous looking car and wanted one. I actually sat in one at the Melbourne Motor Show and loved it, but like everywhere the name Probe was the butt of jokes lol.

[@KP-viking88]

I had a 2.0 Probe in red, I loved it. I wanted the 2.5 V6 but found the 2.0 at such a good price and it was mint. It was a decent drive but did lack a bit of power

[@jagers4xford471]

I've had two Probes, a 97 GTS and now a 97 GT. I love this car. It looks great, it's fast and handles awesome.

[@PGT96drvr]

Owned 2 1996 Ford Probe GTs over the course of 10 years. No car fit me better and it was a blast to drive. Loved them so much that my handle over the last 20 years has been PGT96drvr.

[@ford_probe_garage_studio]

- They are great underrated cars. Very cool.

[@Speed.Racer.5]

I also owned 2. A 1993 Probe and a 1997 Probe GT. Loved those cars. They were beautiful and so fun to drive. Not great once I had to put a child seat in back, but I traded it for a 2003 Mazda 6. That car was the perfect 4-door replacement for Probe.

[@keithbird8910]

I had a Probe for about 6 years. (UK version 24v) Apart from the usual immobiliser porblem (fixed by by-passing it) it was a great car. I wish I'd kept it now.

[@evanmoonunit]

I had 2 v6 probes and I loved them dearly

[@Jamesbond22855]

I still have 2 V6 Probes, lol

[@pgtmr2713]

@@Jamesbond22855 2 here as well, and a third that was totaled in 01.

[@Jamesbond22855]

@@pgtmr2713 I bought an Orchid a few months ago to swap all my parts into

[@pgtmr2713]

@@Jamesbond22855 I can't remember if you are following my paintjob or not. That's the most recent stuff I've been doing right lately. I'm working on the broken driver's side ground effect. I think I have 2 or 3 subscribers with a similar thumbnail Got to get some close ups of yours for a thumbnail :-P

[@outdoorfuninthesun2393]

@@Jamesbond22855 2 here Both the same. GT's, green, 5 speeds.

[@nicoleqte]

I had an 89 Probe LX with the digital dash and the 4-cylinder with manual transmission. I loved that car! It looked modern, the digital dash was exciting, it was extremely fuel efficient, and it was incredibly reliable. I kept it for 8 years and sold it to a friend. It lives for at least 4 more years when we lost track of it. Ford never made another car that excited me. Haven’t spent any money with them since.

[@HemiChrysler]

I have a 1995 Ford Probe GT, 2.5 V6, automatic transmission.

[@TheDonSapius]

Lol, I'm jealous. How long have you had it for?

[@HemiChrysler]

@@TheDonSapius I bought it as a junk car 5 years ago. It has a bad transmission, but I have another unit to replace it when time permits.

[@the_kombinator]

@@HemiChrysler Hopefully you're replacing it with a manual - a day's job really.

[@HemiChrysler]

@@the_kombinator it didn't occur to me to change to a manual, but that would be cool; I would need the manual transmission, gearstick, gear change linkage, clutch pedal, and master & slave cylinders (if the clutch is hydraulic), or clutch cable. That is not a day's job, unless you're counting hours spread over a longer time frame.

[@the_kombinator]

@@HemiChrysler It is a day's job, I've done it on a Hyundai Pony, Accent (with a Beta swap), even an old Excel - weekend job if you're new but relatively skilled at this type of thing. My first swap took just under 12 hrs when I was 18 - dropped my gf off at her friend's house at 9 am in an auto, picked her up at 8:30ish in a manual. Sure it needed some buttoning up on the inside, but it was basically just me, a Chilton's manual, and some know how. Took me 4 hrs to remove the auto trans though, earlier this week I was able to do the same removal in 1 hr on the same make of car ;) It can definitely be done in a weekend, if not a day.

[@luiscarneiro736]

A beautiful video and a masterclass in marketing! Great, as always. Thank you!!

[@user-rRSCN]

Had the probe been RWD or AWD would've been a classic staple.

[@shauns7808]

I used to own two mark II ford probes , it was a very special car to drive and offered a surreal experience which you don't get from other cars. It was like driving to work in a space ship and detached you from reality as you drove it. I believe it was the best car I had ever driven, silent engine, American styling, it was nice

[@lgz2006]

Only if the Probe wasn't once given a name as a successor to the 3rd generation Mustang, it might be a hit for Ford

[@stnkpalm]

Thanks for this historical look at the Probe. I owned a 1988 Probe GT. I loved that car despite the turbo lag and torque steer. Manual transmission, adaptive suspension, wrap-around cockpit style dash, trip "computer", in dash CD player. All stuff we take for granted today we're amazing in 1989. I loved how the instrument cluster was mounted to the steering column and would adjust up and down with the tilt steering wheel. Always a clear view of the gauges no matter how you tilt the wheel. Sporty car with a hatchback design. I miss those days. If needed you could fit a ton of cargo in that hatchback trunk.

[@campingramen1841]

It would be cool to see a story on the Ford Pinto or the Pontiac Fiero, but a good video nonetheless

[@johnbailey3351]

I owned a 1993 Ford Probe GT and put over 10,000 miles on in while driving 100 mph+ on the German Autobahn . Good looking car, performance so-so, and an absolutely possessed electrical system. In 8-9 years put 6 batteries in it, replaced 4-5 head or tail lights, one set of spark plug wires, and one alternator.

[@totalrobot]

I remember tripping on acid with my best friend and when we looked at his Probe, it turned into a spaceship.

[@PRNTestDrive]

Great video, I really enjoyed the info and presentation! A friend of mine in High School had a Probe, he had it for a while. I can't remember the last time I saw one on the road.

[@coastaku1954]

"MAZDA: Set's the standard" *Shows a sedan with the most body roll I think I ever seen, understeering through a corner at 80mph*

[@dcarbs2979]

You've not seen a Lincoln Continental roll!

[@xenyx3170]

Such WAS the standard for the late 80s and 90s 😂

[@coastaku1954]

@@dcarbs2979 Oh I have, but you'd expect that of a land boat, not a small sedan!

[@riverraisin1]

Mazda did set the standard for automotive design for a while. Not so much in the quality department though

[@JTA1961]

@@dcarbs2979 Yeah... but that's with a body in the trunk.😀

[@manofthehour6856]

Big Car is always well-researched, informative, and well-presented on notable vehicles, and I appreciate these comprehensive histories on many of the important cars in our history. I remember some of the story about the Probe when it was first released, but its nice to get a more detailed presentation. The five-door concept actually looks nice even today. It reminds me of a five-door Renault Fuego, another very attractive styling job.

[@BigCar2]

Glad you liked it!

[@patrickbrooks9567]

my '93 gt still looks absolutely fantastic and is running strong, albeit with a fair amount of money thrown at it throughout the year. hehe

[@stevenjames1138]

Although I never owned one, I always wanted the second generation Probe GT. I still think it's a beautiful design. I wish it still existed, but... I'm really glad that Ford kept it separate and not a replacement for the Mustang.

[@nagisayoshikawa]

The second gen in purple looks amazing

[@Jamesbond22855]

Boysenberry or Wild Orchid?

[@chrisrobichaud9529]

A car that simply does not want to age !!!!

[@CrustyCodger]

Owned & daily drove a 94 PGT for 25 years & 260,000 miles. Best car I ever owned, never let me down, only weak spots was the gaskets on the water pumps & half shaft boots. Drove it to the recyclers with a sound engine & transmission, all the soft plastics & fabrics were breaking down & the paint was flaking off. Loved that car.

[@dminalba]

I can't think of a Ford Probe without thinking of the Steve Coogan character the loathsome Gareth Cheeseman

[@scootergeorge9576]

"Want to see my probe?" anonymous flasher

[@jimd385]

......”you’re a Tiger”

[@MarcoAntonio-ve7je]

Another excelent work, congratulations to you.

[@BigCar2]

Thanks Marco!

[@robhicks2117]

A buddy of my had a Probe GT in highschool in 1987. He let 2 of his cousins use the car while he was working at the grocery store one Friday night. They hit a tree on their way to pick him up from work. His 2 cousins died and 2 girls in the back were badly injured. Troy was driving and didn't have a license or i.d. on him so the cops looked at the registration and saw Wayne's name and address, went to his house less than 4 miles away and told his parents that he died in the car accident. Meanwhile Wayne got tired of waiting at the grocery store, didn't know what had happened and walked home. Then he has to knock on the door because he didn't have his house keys, they were on the key ring with his car keys and his mother thinking her son was dead, opened the door and she sees her son standing there alive and well. Wayne's mom felt like she had lost her son but didn't and Wayne still thinks it's his fault because if he hadn't of let Troy and Kevin talk him into using his car they would be alive today.

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

Pretty interesting they didn't make it to 89 ....but ok

[@lunarmodule6419]

I was very impressed with the look back in the day! Radically different from the "boxy" 80s K car style. It arrived on the scene like a UFO. My friends and I found it futuristic and cool. Thx

[@jaromor8808]

Design-wise, this 2nd generation is massively underrated, and IMO a solid specimen is a nice investment opportunity

[@perfectsplit5515]

I remember when the Probe was first released. It was all the rage in the car magazines - "the marriage of Ford and Mazda". I liked the fact that Ford finally had a sleek looking affordable sports car to rival the Nissan 300ZX, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7. The GT40 was more of an exotic car, to rival Porsches, and it was way too expensive. And I never really thought of the Mustang as a sleek sports car at that time.

[@gummywurms226]

I wish I had thought about that when I bought mine. In 2012 I got an amazing one that had only 54k miles. I needed a car as a daily. I chose the Probe GT since I had an MX6 4cyl auto at one point. I got the Probe because it was a stick shift. Sadly I got into an accident during rush hour traffic, I got it fixed but, it now has a red hood 😐. Being used as a daily driver for 7 years in Colorado it definitely has seen better days. I plan on restoring it when I get a new daily. 😁 I absolutely love that car.

[@PaulEdgewatertheman]

I worked for Ford in 1989 and I sold a lot of Probes. I love your videos for their accuracy, so it pains me to point out that Firebirds and Camaros were never made or sold as FWD versions (3:15). I remember hearing that GM wanted to go FWD with their "F" bodies, but the market research indicated that it would be a very bad idea. Keep up the great work.

[@DrewLSsix]

You missed the notation he out on the screen pointing that out as he was talking. The rumors of a twin turbo AWD Camaro SS have always intrigued me though.

[@BennysBenz]

I remember when thier were rumors about the 'new' mustang the Ford Probe Mustang fans were losing their minds.

[@mael-strom9707]

Should have been marketed as Europe's new Ford Capri... Longitudinal V6 manual with rear-wheel drive.

[@Vincent-Vega24]

My mother bought an 1989 Ford Probe and It was hands down one of the best cars i have ever been in. It was fast, 5 speed manual and great on gas. I bought a probe in 1994 I think it was and loved it as well but I still think the 89 engine was better!!!! Great Video!

[@KJohansson]

Still remember when they introduced it in Europe and it was sort of a "meh" when they didnt market it as a Capri.

[@420031]

They may have gained sales in North America by naming it the Capri here too.

[@torstenscholz6243]

@@420031 The Capri was sold in the US as the Mercury Capri.

[@420031]

@@torstenscholz6243 yes, they did, but had they called the Probe the Capri, it may have been more appealing.

[@williamscheller5029]

I owned a 1993 Probe (2nd generation). It was Bimini Blue with a gray interior and overall a great car. I had the 2.0 liter engine and a stick shift. Acceleration was good for the era. Handled great and rode well on the highway. On flat highway it could hit 35 mpg. After driving it for 10 years, I gave it to my son. He drove it another 9 years. Though living in the midwest the body eventually rusted, the interior was bulletproof! Driving my probe is a fond memory.

[@ford_probe_garage_studio]

Great story. People forget it out handled the mustang of the era. Probe’s kept revving and really carved the road up. So fun.

[@Justin-Hill-1987]

The Probe was basically a Mazda in a Ford's clothing.

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

With a 24-valve V6 with a forged crank and a 2-piece aluminum block, designed for Mazda's aborted luxury line that would have competed with Acura/Infiniti

[@nondescriptstraightwhitema6138]

So like the ranger?

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

@@nondescriptstraightwhitema6138 I thought the Ranger only used a Mazda manual transmission

[@nondescriptstraightwhitema6138]

@@80s_Boombox_Collector b200. Right down to the sheet metal

[@80s_Boombox_Collector]

@@nondescriptstraightwhitema6138 In what years? During the 90s Ford was the one who built the B2000. The only Mazda thing about it was the manual transmission.

[@edmondocerza4292]

Great video as always. The Probe was an honest sports car with good looks, good performance and at great value. Big fan of the first and second generation. Ford in the late 80s really got its act together starting with the 86 Taurus which really push the bar high for American manufactures. The T-bird super coupe mustang 5.O GT and escort GT were all great cars in their respected class. The tempo and EXP were crap that eventually thankfully were discontinued.

[@michaeldickens7493]

I loved my 1990 probe GT I wish I could find another one

[@Dread_Pirate_Homesteader]

Same here

[@ford_probe_garage_studio]

- The Ford Probe is the best underrated car and future collectable. Not many are left.

[@grumpy9250]

I was a Ford mechanic at the time, I enjoyed driving it and don't remember many problems.

[@sahhull]

immobilizer is the route of most Probe issues from new

[@domahern1046]

@@sahhull I resoldered a few dry joints on the immobiliser board around the relays and no more engine cutouts. The car cut out approaching a level crossing once!!

[@paulday6875]

First generation when all you had was the super star II with the mecs adapter gave me many headaches with driveability and mil lights. Especially the turbo.

[@Jamesbond22855]

Cracked transmission cases are the biggest issue, an inexpensive brace keeps that from happening. I've been through 5 transmissions in the 6 years I've owned/modified mine

[@ivemey]

Probe would of sold better in Europe if they called it the Capri. Would like to see Big Car do a story on the Mercury Cougar / Ford Cougar (which also should have been called a Capri!)

[@BigCar2]

I’d like to do that in the future, along with the Puma.

[@sparky6086]

They should have called it the "Mustang III"! That would have worked!

[@phiksit]

Or maybe Colt... since is was newer and smaller. I guess Dodge wouldn't have liked that though :)

[@Beth9228]

I remembered seeing a 1988 Ford Probe in black with grey interior at this one car dealership that my father had gotten a 1988 Ford Taurus. I fell in loved with a 1988 Ford Mustang 5.0 red convertible with white leather interior,too. That car was pretty sweet. It had automatic transmission even a cassette player to the radio in the Mustang. I was 17 years old at that time and even getting closer to graduating high school at that time. I didn’t get my 1st car till mid October of 1999 which was a 1998 Ford Contour SE. That car had everything that I want in a car at that time. I got it before my driver’s license that same year. I had different vehicles from Ford over the years.

[@TotlKaos]

Had a 96 GT and I still say that was one of the best and most dependable cars I have had in my lifetime. The build quality was very good. Only problem was maintenance on the water pump / timing which had to be done. But the car never let me down.

[@Kacpa2]

I always liked 2nd gen Probe's look. It was infuriating to see one poor red Probe get abused and destroyed by bunch of idiots on yt replacing its oil woth wd-40 and leaving it at full throttle stationary for 10 monutes until it overheated so much that it caught fire....while mocking it for not being a 240sx.....This car didnt deserve and could be a perfect first car for some young car enthusiast instead.

[@mse2130]

Why would somebody do that? It's not a 240sx no, it's a mazda so it'll last twice as long as a crappy nissan lol

[@lanemorrow7417]

I had a '93 Probe GT and I will tell you, that car handled like no ones business. That V6 pulled strong right to the redline and while not setting any 1/4 mile records, it was no slouch. I enjoyed the car very much, mine was a 5 speed and I had a great deal of fun in it and surprised a fair number of people in it as well.

[@landoonterinvesting1153]

Say what you want the probe gt was years ahead of its time & one hell of a drivers car.

[@smplfyi]

As an ex car Nut, and now just interested, I am delighted with your videos. Every episode I learn something unexpected and new. Brilliant!

[@BigCar2]

Glad you like them!

[@b_altmann]

This shows how advanced the Citroën DS was

[@tonypuertollano9375]

Only thing with fords in 90s was most were rot boxs compared to peugeot Citroen

[@calvinnickel9995]

The DS still had tailfins.. lol. No.. the DS was, and always will be, weird.

[@jeffbauer3425]

I loved my 96 Probe GT 5 spd. Had it for 11 years with no major problems other than replacing the clutch . Damn good looking car.

[@murdamuzik4128]

I still love the probe I had everyone now I'm put one of the last probe that was made together still love them

[@digitaljosh1]

My first car!!! 93 probe GT V6 loved it!

[@visaziniskaktusas442]

please make fiat coupe story :)

[@user-nu5ib2ri9o]

+1

[@georgeh6856]

I am one of the few people who loved the Probe. I worked for a large company, so I got free enrollment in Hertz Gold club. One time when I flew back to see my parents, Hertz rented me (for the price of a small car) a red 2nd gen. Probe which had just come out. I stopped at a Burger King in a small town on the two-hour drive from the airport. After I ate and got back out to the rental car, a group of kids was standing around it amazed like it was some kind of supercar.

[@dkmorris713]

Wow! did you ever probe deep into this topic!

[@TassieLorenzo]

Boom-tish!

[@riverraisin1]

N'yuk, N'yuk

[@JTA1961]

You rectom ??

[@Cloakdasasin0]

I had a 1995 V6 MX-6 as my first manual. Loved that car.

[@johnjayalves6843]

I had a '94 with GT wheels and and tilt and slide back moonroof. I carried my entire college dorm items in the back while still stylin!

[@Anlushac11]

Had a 93 Ford Probe SE, 2.0L DOHC 4cyl, 5 speed manual. Had Probe GT 16" wheels and custom Probe talk rear swaybar. Still one of the best and most fun cars I ever owned.

[@patrickmartin3322]

Honestly this would have made a better Mustang than the new Mustang Mach E electric crossover thing

[@TheChill001]

thank god someone actually points it out, respect my man

[@johnleehudson]

Taurus x : does anybody remember me? Lol

[@James-rn7dx]

Both Probes were really great cars. My family members had two and I had a 94 GT myself. What a great and fun car to drive, to bad more people didn't figure this out.

[@SnabbKassa]

Wasn't this car also killed off in the UK by Steve Coogan?

[@paulwilliams2080]

Comedy destroys everything it touches. It is a form of vandalism uncaring for the economic damage it leaves in wake. It's smearing of C&A was another example. A good company that just said Fuggit and shut down in the UK after constant comedian attacks. Still successful across Europe.

[@richardmclaughlin5298]

Excellent job as usual. Love your "outakes" at the end!

[@BigCar2]

Thanks Richard!

[@VidzVideo]

I owned a second gen MX6 v6 manual. Great car. Still prefer the looks the to probe