Is the Mazda MX-6 a Ford Probe?
The Mazda MX-6 and the Ford Probe are two sporty coupes from the late 1980s and 1990s that share a surprising amount of DNA. While they are not the same car, they are closely related due to a collaboration between Mazda and Ford. This partnership resulted in shared platforms and components, but each vehicle retained its own unique identity. Let’s dive into the details to understand their connection and differences.
The Shared Platform: Mazda and Ford Collaboration
During the 1980s, Mazda and Ford entered into a partnership to co-develop vehicles. This collaboration led to the creation of the Mazda GD and GE platforms, which were used for several models, including the Mazda MX-6 and the Ford Probe. Both cars were built on the same platform, meaning they shared structural components, suspension designs, and even some drivetrain options.
The Ford Probe was intended to be a sporty coupe that could replace the Ford Mustang in certain markets, while the Mazda MX-6 was designed as a sleek, performance-oriented coupe for Mazda's lineup. Despite their shared underpinnings, the two cars were marketed and styled differently to appeal to distinct audiences.
Key Similarities Between the Mazda MX-6 and Ford Probe
Here are some of the main similarities between the two vehicles:
- Platform: Both cars were built on the same Mazda GE platform, which provided a solid foundation for sporty handling and performance.
- Engines: The Mazda MX-6 and Ford Probe shared engine options, including Mazda's 2.2L turbocharged inline-4 and the 2.5L V6 engine.
- Manufacturing: Both vehicles were assembled at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, a joint venture between Mazda and Ford.
Key Differences Between the Mazda MX-6 and Ford Probe
Despite their similarities, the Mazda MX-6 and Ford Probe had distinct characteristics that set them apart:
- Styling: The Mazda MX-6 featured a more understated and elegant design, while the Ford Probe had a more aggressive and futuristic look, reflecting Ford's design language of the time.
- Brand Identity: The MX-6 was marketed as a Mazda product with a focus on Japanese engineering and refinement, whereas the Probe was positioned as a Ford vehicle with a sporty, American appeal.
- Interior Design: The interiors of the two cars were different, with Mazda emphasizing simplicity and ergonomics, while Ford incorporated more distinctive styling elements.
Conclusion: Related but Not the Same
In summary, while the Mazda MX-6 and Ford Probe share a common platform and many components due to the Mazda-Ford partnership, they are not the same car. Each vehicle was designed and marketed to reflect the unique identity of its respective brand. The Mazda MX-6 remains a classic example of Japanese engineering, while the Ford Probe is remembered as a bold attempt by Ford to create a modern sports coupe.
If you’re considering purchasing or restoring one of these vehicles, understanding their shared history and differences can help you make an informed decision. At Kevin's Autos, we have years of experience working on both Mazda and Ford vehicles, so feel free to reach out for expert advice or service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ford Probe supposed to be a Mustang?
It's also the final gas-powered muscle machine still on the market, but the Mustang very nearly didn't make it to see this glory, having been slated for replacement by the front-wheel-drive Probe at the end of the 1980s—a plan Ford eventually walked away from after an uproar from the Mustang faithful.
Is the Mazda MX-6 rare?
As a result, only a handful of MX-6s were ever produced (as opposed to the MX-5 Miata, which hit its 1M-mark last year). Unfortunately, many MX-6s have either ended up in junkyards or heavily modified, making it tough to find a well-preserved one with all of its original parts.
Was Mazda owned by Ford?
But the Mazda Motor Corporation near Hiroshima, Japan, is the manufacturer who makes Mazda. At one time, Ford owned part of the company, buying a stake in it in 1979 and eventually owning a controlling share by 1995. However, Ford had sold all of its shares in Mazda by 2015 as a way of streamlining its assets.
Why did the Ford Probe fail?
Why Was the Ford Probe Taken Off the Market? By 1997, Probe sales had dropped to less than 20,000 as buyer interest was lured away from the coupe and towards the Mustang it was meant to replace. It also lost sales to the Thunderbird and Mazda's Miata, all of which had rear-wheel drive.
What does MX stand for Mazda?
Mazda eXperimental
Short for “Mazda eXperimental”, the MX name was first used in 1981 for an out-there concept styled by Italian design house Bertone. Debuted at the Tokyo motor show, the MX-81 Aria was based on the contemporary 323, but had a wedge-shaped body designed by Marc Dechamps with a wedge-shaped body and large glasshouse.
Was the Ford Probe a Mazda?
As before, the Probe was to share its under-structure with Mazda's MX-6 and 626. Mazda engineered the engine, transmission, and chassis, while Ford engineered the body and interior. Technically, the second generation Probe is 60% Mazda and 40% Ford.
What car is the same as Ford Probe?
First Place: Ford Probe GT. Geneticists and automakers alike will study the Mazda MX-6 and the Probe GT for years to come. The cars share the same basic building blocks (with the Mazda 626 sedan, too), but like fraternal twins, they've grown up with distinct personalities.
What is the Ford version of the Mazda 626?
Ford Telstar
| Ford Telstar | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Mazda Capella Mazda 626 |
| Production | 1982–1999 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact car (1982–1987) Mid-size car (1987–1999) |
Are MX6s reliable?
MX6-LS is Very Reliable Car - Still Fun To Drive
Very fun to drive, even after having it for several years. This car handles extremely well, with newer tires. I've kept the maintenance up, replacing the water pump, timing belt, but the engine is very reliable. New brakes and calipers installed at about 110K miles.
Is the Mazda MX-6 a Ford Probe?
The Mazda MX-6 is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive coupé manufactured and marketed by Mazda from 1987 to 1997 across two generations. Mechanically identical to the Ford Probe, the Capella/626 and its hatchback platform mate, the Ford Telstar, these cars shared the GD (1988–1992) and GE (1993–1997) platforms.
