When did Ford stop making the Probe?
Ford discontinued the Probe sports car in 1997 after a 10-year production run. The Probe was originally introduced in 1988 as a replacement for the Capri sports car, but it never quite lived up to expectations and was ultimately phased out in the late 1990s.
The Rise and Fall of the Ford Probe
The Ford Probe was first unveiled in 1988 as a joint project between Ford and Mazda. It was designed to be a more affordable and fuel-efficient sports car that could compete with the Toyota Celica and Nissan 240SX. The Probe was built on the same platform as the Mazda MX-6 and shared many of its components.
Initially, the Probe was well-received, with its sleek, aerodynamic styling and decent performance from its four-cylinder and V6 engine options. However, sales began to decline in the early 1990s as the car was perceived as more of a "secretary's sports car" than a true enthusiast's vehicle. Ford attempted to revamp the Probe in 1993 with a redesign, but it failed to reignite consumer interest.
The Decision to Discontinue the Probe
By the mid-1990s, Ford decided to phase out the Probe in favor of a new sports car model, the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. The Mustang had a stronger brand identity and was seen as a more authentic sports car, appealing to a different demographic than the Probe.
- The Probe's sales had declined significantly, with only around 30,000 units sold in its final year of production in 1997.
- Ford wanted to focus its resources on the more popular and profitable Mustang line.
- The Probe was also seen as too similar to the Mazda MX-6, which shared the same platform, and lacked a distinct identity.
Ultimately, the decision to discontinue the Probe was driven by a combination of declining sales, a desire to prioritize the Mustang brand, and a lack of a clear market positioning for the Probe within Ford's lineup.
Are Ford probes rare?
Very few Probes were produced with the GTS package and are considered today to be extremely rare.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Ford Probe have?
The performance Ford Probe GT delivers increased horsepower and torque at 145 horsepower and 190 pound-feet, courtesy of an intercooled turbocharged version of the 2.2-liter four-cylinder. Although output is very modest in both cases, the Probe did achieve Ford's fuel efficiency goals.
Why did Ford discontinue the Probe?
So why was the Probe ultimately discontinued? It boiled down to poor sales. By 1997, the Probe's final year, Ford sold less than 20,000 units compared to 108,000 Mustangs. Ford did such a poor job of positioning and marketing the Probe it was almost destined to fail.
How much is a 1991 Ford Probe worth?
The value of a used 1991 Ford Probe ranges from $1,377 to $8,321, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
How much is a 1991 Ford Tempo worth?
driven per year, with no color or options selected. 1991 Ford Tempo trade-in prices range from $808 - $5,520. Get a more accurate value for your car with the Edmunds appraisal tool.
How much is a 1993 Ford Probe GT worth?
A 1993 Ford Probe GT Hatchback 2D has a current resale value of $1,474 and trade-in value of $627.
What is a 1990 Ford Probe worth?
The value of a used 1990 Ford Probe ranges from $1,307 to $7,022, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
What car replaced the Ford Probe?
The Escort ZX2, released shortly after the discontinuation of the Probe, was considered the Probe's successor. In June 1998, Ford released what would have been the new Probe as the 1999 Mercury Cougar.
What replaced the Ford Probe?
The Escort ZX2, released shortly after the discontinuation of the Probe, was considered the Probe's successor. In June 1998, Ford released what would have been the new Probe as the 1999 Mercury Cougar.
What is a Ford Probe worth?
Prices for a used Ford Probe range from a high of $5,525 to a low of $2,195. Remember that mileage and condition can affect price.
