Why did Ford stop making the Probe?
Ford discontinued the Probe sports car in 1997 after a 10-year production run. The Probe was initially intended to replace the iconic Ford Mustang, but it ultimately failed to gain the same level of popularity and customer loyalty as its predecessor.
The Rise and Fall of the Ford Probe
The Ford Probe was introduced in 1988 as a joint project between Ford and Mazda. It was designed to be a more modern, aerodynamic sports car that could compete with the growing popularity of Japanese sports coupes like the Toyota Celica and Nissan 240SX. The Probe was based on the Mazda G platform and shared many components with the Mazda MX-6.
Initially, the Probe was well-received, with its sleek, futuristic styling and decent performance. However, it struggled to find its place in the market, as many consumers still associated it more with the Mazda brand than with Ford. Additionally, the Probe was perceived as a replacement for the Mustang, which angered many loyal Mustang fans.
As the 1990s progressed, the Probe's sales began to decline, and Ford decided to revive the Mustang in 1994 to reclaim its position in the sports car market. The Mustang's return, combined with the Probe's waning popularity, led Ford to discontinue the Probe in 1997 after the 1997 model year.
Reasons for the Probe's Discontinuation
There were several key reasons why Ford decided to stop producing the Probe:
- Lack of brand identity: The Probe was seen as more of a Mazda than a Ford, which made it difficult for the company to build a strong brand identity and customer loyalty around the model.
- Competition from the Mustang: The revival of the Mustang in 1994 overshadowed the Probe and made it less appealing to consumers who were looking for a true Ford sports car.
- Declining sales: As the Probe's popularity waned, its sales numbers dropped, making it less financially viable for Ford to continue producing the model.
- Changing consumer preferences: The 1990s saw a shift in consumer preferences towards larger, more practical vehicles, which made the Probe's compact, sporty design less appealing to many buyers.
In the end, the combination of these factors led Ford to conclude that the Probe was no longer a viable product in its lineup, leading to the model's discontinuation in 1997.
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$1.5 billion USD
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Why did they stop making Ford Probes?
Mustang fans objected to the front-wheel drive configuration, Japanese engineering, and lack of a V8, so Ford began work on a new design for the Mustang instead. On March 17, 1997, Ford announced the discontinuation of the Probe.
How much is the Probe 16 worth?
between $150,000 and $250,000
The car is expected to fetch between $150,000 and $250,000. The M-505 Probe 16 was designed and built by brothers Dennis and Peter Adams, who cut their teeth at British sports car firm Marcos.
What's the rarest Ford in the world?
The 50 cars all in the teeth orange paintwork. The same as the original. There are some visual cues like the Saturn black spoiler.
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.
How much horsepower did the Ford Probe have?
The 1994 Probe ranges in power from the Hatchback 2D with 118 horsepower to the GT Hatchback 2D with 164 horsepower.
How many Ford probes are left?
These stats won't show how many FORD PROBE were made or sold but they do show how many FORD PROBE are left on the road. There are 31,070,555 cars & other vehicles with valid MOTs. There are 222 FORD PROBE left in the UK with an MOT. 0.0007% of all UK vehicles are FORD PROBE.
How much is a 1997 Ford probe GT worth?
1997 Ford Probe Pricing
The range-topping 1997 Probe GT Hatchback 2D starts at $2,490 today, originally priced from $18,735. KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
How many probe 16 were made?
Only three were ever produced. The first - AB/2, license plate MJO 145H – was sold to American songwriter Jimmy Webb. The second - AB/3, license plate PWV 222H - was sold to Cream bassist Jack Bruce, who then gave it to co-band member of Bruce & Laing, Corky Laing, as a birthday gift.
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.
