1995 Ford Probe 2.0 16v petrol

Summary:

A sheep in wolf's clothing which wants to scare the other sheep

Faults:

Not much, immobiliser problem was the biggy. Also metal for one of the wings has degraded faster than it should have.

General Comments:

Nice car, looks gorgeous but the 2.0L is underpowered for the size and bulk of the car.

Handling is fantastic, it just seems to stick to the road.

Underestimated car which hasn't been given a fair go in the UK. Ford should have brought out a mk2 which addressed the niggling little problems.

Obviously 2.0L is cheaper to run than 2.5L but don't expect the running costs to be cheap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th August, 2000

22nd Feb 2001, 09:15

Go for a Calibra! A number of people I know who have had experience of both, would go for the Calibra every time. Read my review of a 1997 SE8.

2nd Jun 2001, 15:10

The Probe is marred by niggling problems but it still turns heads more than the Calibra which is now virtually ignored. I reckon its because of the superior Probe body styling. The lines are smooth and curved and from the A pillars to the front flip up headlights looks very similar to the Ferrari 456GT coupe. Also the Calibra is an attractive body but slung over the old Cavalier chassis and interior and many publicised road tests said the ordinary 8V 2.0i had better road handling than all the other faster versions where the old Cavalier chassis just could not handle the power - at least the Probe was a new creation from the ground up.

The Probe's wrap round rear screen and lights and curvy interior has bought it BACK into fashion - I think people are fed up of seeing slab sided ugly chunky designs like a lot of new cars are now - curves is best - ask Ferrari, Porsche, Lambourghini, Jaguar - they obviously think so. Incidently the odd looking angular Cougar isn't as good looking as the Probe either.

Nigel, email: mail@nhillyard.freeserve.co.uk.

1995 Ford Probe 2.0 petrol

Faults:

Car garaged at night and ALL winter.

Useless in the snow....

Distributor packed in at 23,000 miles. 602 UK pounds for replacement.

Another 2 Ford Probe owners (locally) had the same problem.

Rear muffler and centre pipe at 23,000 miles. Ford price 250+ UK pounds.

159 at local exhaust centre....

Driver's seat, bolster support plate cut through material... 300+ UK pounds for replacement... 50% discount from Ford UK due to the car being older than 3 years.....

General Comments:

Writing to Ford UK and car mags to see if I can retrieve distributor costs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th October, 1998

21st Apr 2001, 15:34

Rear calipers stick fast when the handbrake is used. Freed out for MOT last June (2000), but stuck again one week after MOT. Have not used the handbrake since (now apr 2001). Ford advise each caliper costs approx 250 pounds stg (total 500) plus labour. Non Ford parts can be fitted for approx 300 pounds per pair.

Distributer failed at 37000 miles, cost around 600 pounds stg to repair.

I would be interested if the other Probe owner has any luck retrieving this expense from Ford.

Back box replaced at a cost of approx 150 pounds stg.

I don't have a problem replacing the back box, it is an expected running cost. however the calipers and distributer problems are very expensive Ford design issues and I feel totally aggrieved that I as a owner have to pay for them.

Apart from that, I really enjoy driving the Probe, it performs well, is relatively good on juice, looks good and is fun to drive.

Bought Apr 1999 with 19000 miles, now Apr 2001 with 40000 miles. It can be seen the maintenance costs are very high compared to the miles driven.

22nd Aug 2003, 01:59

I to have had problems with the Distributer and it high cost of replacement £600-00. I now have an eletrical fault as yet undiagnosed, it just cuts out every now and then! The back box is steel whereas the pipes are stainless so they are wasted as you have to replace the lot when the box goes after 66,000 miles. Enjoy driving it tho' and it still looks good apart from the poor paint work.

29th Jul 2004, 05:25

If any one has any kind of problem with their Probe, they should visit the Ford Probe Owners Club www.fpoc.co.uk. They will tell you how to fix ANY of your niggling problems, and where to find cheap replacement parts.