Was the Ford Probe fast?
The Ford Probe was not considered a particularly fast or high-performance sports car. While it had some sporty design elements, the Probe was primarily marketed as an affordable, stylish coupe rather than a true high-powered sports car.
Overview of the Ford Probe
The Ford Probe was a front-wheel-drive sports coupe produced by Ford from 1988 to 1997. It was designed to replace the Ford Mustang in Ford's lineup, though it never quite achieved the same level of popularity or performance. The Probe was marketed as a more affordable, fuel-efficient alternative to traditional sports cars, with a focus on sleek styling and a comfortable interior rather than raw power and speed.
Performance Specifications
The base model Ford Probe came equipped with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that produced around 110 horsepower. This was not a particularly powerful engine, and the Probe's 0-60 mph time was in the 9-10 second range, which was average for the time but not especially fast. Higher-end Probe models, such as the GT trim, featured a turbocharged 2.2-liter engine that produced up to 160 horsepower, which improved the car's acceleration and top speed somewhat. However, even the Probe GT was not considered a true high-performance sports car, as it still lacked the raw power and handling capabilities of dedicated sports cars like the Mazda RX-7 or Toyota Supra.
Comparison to Other Sports Cars
When compared to other sports coupes and hatchbacks of the era, the Ford Probe was generally seen as a more affordable, practical alternative rather than a pure performance machine. It offered a comfortable, well-equipped interior and decent fuel economy, but lacked the raw power, precise handling, and driver engagement of true sports cars. While the Probe had a sporty appearance, it was ultimately designed more for style and daily usability than outright speed and track performance.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ford Probe was not considered a particularly fast or high-performance sports car, despite its sporty styling and coupe body. It was marketed as an affordable, stylish alternative to traditional sports cars, with a focus on comfort, practicality, and fuel efficiency rather than raw power and speed. While the Probe GT offered improved performance, it still fell short of the capabilities of dedicated sports cars of the time.
What was the fastest Ford ever made?
The fastest Ford ever made is the 2017 Ford GT, which has a top speed of 216 mph. This is closely followed by the 2019 Ford GT and the 2013 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake (with optional package), both also achieving 216 mph. The 1967 Ford GT40 Mark IV reached a top speed of 220 mph.
You can watch this video to learn about the fastest Ford cars ever produced: 59sThe Man Cave Channel: CarsYouTube · Sep 12, 2024
- 2017 Ford GT: Achieved a top speed of 216 mph with a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine.
- 2019 Ford GT: Also has a top speed of 216 mph and uses a high-performance EcoBoost engine.
- 2013 Shelby Mustang GT500 Super Snake: Reaches 216 mph in its optional 850-horsepower configuration.
- 1967 Ford GT40 Mark IV: Can reach a top speed of 220 mph, making it one of the fastest Fords of all time.
Did the Ford Probe have a turbo?
Ford Probe GT rear The GT included all the equipment of the LX, but featured the F2T 2.2 L turbocharged, intercooled 4-cylinder engine that produced 145 hp (108 kW) and 190 lb⋅ft (258 N⋅m) of torque.
Is the Ford Probe fast?
The Probe hit 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, 0.2 quicker than the MX-6. Its quarter-mile clocking of 15.5 seconds at 89 mph also edges out the MX-6's 15.6-second/88-mph performance. And the Probe's 133-mph top speed is 4 mph faster than the MX-6's. Credit the Probe's wider and taller tires for the improved performance.
Was the Ford Probe any good?
The Ford Probe is considered a good car for its sportiness and handling, with positive reviews highlighting its "fun to drive" nature and strong performance, especially in the GT trim. However, its reputation is mixed, with some drivers citing reliability issues and a lack of comfort for taller individuals.
Pros
- Driving experience: Praised for being fun to drive, with excellent handling and responsive steering.
- Performance: The GT models offered competitive acceleration for their time.
- Gas mileage: Drivers noted it generally has good gas mileage.
- Versatile cargo: The hatchback design provides surprising cargo space.
- Affordable: It can be a great value for an under-the-radar modern classic.
Cons
- Reliability: Some models are known to have reliability concerns, with the automatic transmissions being particularly problematic.
- Comfort: The car can be uncomfortable for taller drivers due to limited headroom and legroom, especially in the rear seats.
- Common issues: Some models are prone to specific problems like sticking rear brake calipers, cooling system leaks, and corrosion on parts like chassis rails and the sunroof.
- Fuel: GT models especially can require premium fuel.
Overall
The Ford Probe is a good choice for those who prioritize a sporty driving experience and sleek style over maximum reliability and passenger comfort, especially in the manual GT trim. However, buyers should be aware of potential mechanical issues and consider a manual transmission model to avoid known problems with the automatic.
