Was the Ford Probe supposed to be the Mustang?
The Ford Probe was not intended to be the successor to the iconic Mustang, despite widespread misconceptions. While the two sports cars shared some design similarities, the Probe was developed as a distinct model with its own unique identity.
The Probe's Origins
The Ford Probe was first introduced in 1989 as a joint project between Ford and Mazda. It was designed to be a more affordable, front-wheel-drive sports car that could compete with the growing popularity of Japanese sports coupes like the Toyota Celica and Nissan 240SX. The Probe was built on the same platform as the Mazda MX-6, but with distinctive Ford styling and engineering.
Confusion with the Mustang
Despite the Probe's distinct origins, many consumers initially mistook it for the next generation of the Mustang. This was likely due to the Probe's sleek, aerodynamic design and the fact that it was a two-door sports car, similar to the Mustang. However, the Probe was a completely separate model, with a different target market and performance characteristics.
The Mustang's Continued Legacy
The Mustang, on the other hand, remained in production throughout the Probe's lifespan, maintaining its status as Ford's iconic muscle car. While the Probe was discontinued in 1997, the Mustang has continued to evolve and remain a popular choice for sports car enthusiasts.
Lessons Learned
The confusion surrounding the Probe and Mustang highlights the importance of clear branding and communication in the automotive industry. While automakers may seek to capitalize on the success of established models, introducing a new vehicle with a similar design can lead to consumer confusion and undermine the unique identity of both products.
Ultimately, the Ford Probe was a distinct model that was never intended to replace the Mustang. While the two cars shared some design elements, they were separate products with different goals and target audiences.
Was the Ford Probe supposed to replace the Mustang?
Yes, the Ford Probe was originally intended to replace the Mustang with a front-wheel-drive, Mazda-based platform, but strong backlash from enthusiasts led to a reversal of the plan. The Probe was ultimately sold as a distinct model, and Ford developed a new rear-wheel-drive Mustang instead, though the original plan to have the Probe replace the Mustang is now a well-known piece of automotive history.
This video explains how the Ford Probe was almost the new Mustang: 1mMy Old CarYouTube · Jun 5, 2021
- Initial plan: The Probe was conceived as the fourth-generation Mustang, using a front-wheel-drive Mazda platform to offer a more fuel-efficient and modern alternative to the classic pony car. The idea emerged in the 1970s due to the oil crisis and pressure from Japanese automakers.
- Public backlash: When the plans leaked in 1987, Mustang enthusiasts protested the idea of a front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder or V6-powered Mustang that was heavily influenced by Japanese engineering.
- Plan reversal: Ford listened to the public outcry and decided to develop a new, rear-wheel-drive Mustang, while the Probe was launched in 1988 as a distinct sport compact coupe.
- Final outcome: The Mustang continued as its own line, while the Ford Probe was produced until 1997, ending its run as a separate model.
What car is the Ford Probe based on?
Mazda MX-6
Based on the Mazda MX-6 as a sport compact coupe, the Probe was intended to fill the market niche formerly occupied by the Capri in Europe, and it was originally intended to be the fourth generation Ford Mustang in the North American market as a direct competitor with the Acura Integra, Isuzu Impulse, Nissan 200SX, and ...
Why did Ford call it a Mustang?
The Ford Mustang is named after both the P-51 Mustang fighter plane from World War II and the wild horses of the American West, though the horse imagery became the dominant theme. While Ford designer John Najjar's initial inspiration was the WWII fighter plane, the marketing team later pivoted to focus on the image of wild horses to evoke a sense of freedom and the American spirit.
- The P-51 Mustang: The car's name was originally suggested by designer John Najjar, who was a fan of the WWII fighter plane. The name was chosen because it was associated with power and performance, and it was rooted in American history.
- The horse: The name was later successfully pitched as a tribute to the wild mustang horses of the American West, which embodied the car's intended image of freedom and untamed spirit.
- The logo: The horse theme was so successful that the iconic galloping horse logo was created, solidifying the link to the animal and the American West, even though the plane was the original inspiration.
Why did Ford discontinue the Probe?
The Ford Probe was discontinued primarily due to declining sales, which were caused by the Mustang's successful redesign and a shift in consumer preference towards other vehicles. The Mustang's return to its traditional rear-wheel-drive, V8-optional muscle car format made it far more appealing to buyers than the front-wheel-drive Probe, which had been intended as its replacement but was met with backlash. Additionally, the Probe's reliance on Mazda for parts made it vulnerable to supply chain issues from Mazda's economic situation in Japan, making a redesign financially unfeasible given the low sales.
You can watch this video to learn about the history of the Ford Probe and how it compared to the Mustang: 57sHello RoadYouTube · Apr 11, 2024
- Declining sales and market competition: The Probe's sales dropped significantly after the redesigned Mustang (SN95 generation) was released in 1994, as the new Mustang recaptured market interest. The Probe also lost sales to competitors like the Mazda Miata.
- Backlash against the "Mustang replacement": Mustang enthusiasts were largely opposed to the front-wheel-drive, Japanese-engineered Probe as a successor, preferring a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive car. This resistance led Ford to develop a new, traditional Mustang instead.
- Supply chain issues: The Probe was a Ford-Mazda collaboration, and a significant portion of its parts came from Mazda in Japan. When Japan's economy declined, Mazda reduced parts production, and the lack of parts for its Probe GT model contributed to its demise.
- Lack of financial viability for a redesign: Due to low sales and the supply chain problems, Ford deemed it financially unviable to redesign the Probe for a third generation.
