1997 Ford Probe Base 4 cylinder.
Summary:
Never buy a Ford!
Faults:
Every week it's something new with this car.
We've had to replace the brakes, battery, starter, exhaust, and now something else is wrong with it. Not sure what the problem is now, but it will be in the shop this week.
The exhaust pretty much fell off and had to be completely replaced.
My AC worked for about 3 months after I bought the car then it stopped working. We put more Freon in it, but it didn't seem to help. I know it's probably going to cost more than the car's worth to fix, so why bother?
The lights are stuck. I went to turn them off one day and they decided not to go back in. It's a real pain in the ass having to turn them in by hand. It'll cost about $600-$800 just to route the wiring for the lights.
Some days my car doesn't even start or it'll die in the middle of the road, but every shop in town says it's fine.
My passenger side window rolls down by itsself. If I hit one tiny bump, the window goes down.
The gas tank doesn't open. Someone has to be with me to get gas, so they can hold the lever while I pry open the tank with a key.
When I try to get up to high speeds it jerks really bad and does not do good on the highway; especially in windy conditions.
The speakers blew out and the nobs on the radio are starting to fall off.
My check engine light is permanently on and no matter how many damn times we check the engine, it still lights up.
General Comments:
It does have some get up and go, but it kicks/jerks a lot. I'm afraid to get it up to high or the engine will probably fall out. I've seen it happen..
If you're the driver, this car is pretty comfortable. As for the passenger, hope you're short.
I'm 5'10 and have a lot of leg room when I'm driving, but it's virtually impossible to sit in the backseat. Even in the front passenger seat, my legs are up to the dashboard.
I guess it gets pretty decent gas mileage. Although, my gauge tends to move a lot and I never really know how much gas I have.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 29th April, 2006
12th May 2006, 01:53
I agree with him ^. Sounds like either you, or the person before you just treated that car like crap.
18th May 2013, 07:13
I loved my 96 GT. I recently sold it due to three kids. I had 120k on the engine with all original equipment and brakes. The car was ahead of its time and was a blast to drive. Too bad Ford did not want to do a Probe SHO car. Now that would have been fun.
No regrets buying it in early 97, and I never had to do anything to it other than tires and general maintenance.
29th Apr 2006, 16:02
You might want to consider doing some homework and brining a mechanic along with you before buying a used car. You cannot also say "don't buy ford" because of one very abused car YOU bought.