1994 Ford Probe 2.0 liter 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Excellent reliable transportation with versatile features

Faults:

Tie Rod ends have needed replacing along with both half shafts at about 200,000 km.

Starter replaced at 300,000 km.

Exhaust muffler replaced at 220,000 km.

General Comments:

Car is now 10 years old and performs well with almost 400,000 km on it. The interior and Paint are showing some age now with wear spots and fading. I bought it for handling and looks, and turned out to be reliable and economical as well. It was designed for driver, but not thought out well as commuter car. Example of that is limited storage pockets, cup holders etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th October, 2004

10th Mar 2005, 08:16

I agree. My probe was a very nice car. It did have a lot of miles 180,000. And it had very expensive little things that needed to be replaced.

1994 Ford Probe GT 2.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Unique stylish and peppy compact!

Faults:

Dented Catalytic converter, previous owners fault - $250.

Bent rim, previous owners fault - $120 used.

Water pump - $320.

Clear coat flaking off spoiler - not repaired.

General Comments:

I have wanted a second generation (93-97) probe since I started driving at 16.

Slewk sexy unique styling, in my opinion.

Excellent handling. turning and lane changes are effortless.

0-100kph in 7.5 seconds. That will beat the pants off most stock ricer cars, such as honda / civics.

Power seats with lumbar and side support make this the most comfortable car I've ever driven.

Stock sound system sounds great, in dash EQ / spectrum analyzer is cool for gadget types.

Cup holder is in an odd place, in manual versions it would impede shifting slightly.

To try and sound a little more unbiased in my review here is a list of common issues with these cars:

Frame-less windows can cause water leakage if the seals go, and makes the car more subjective to break ins.

Flip up lights can be a nuisance if the motors in them go. During the winter they must be set in the up position to prolong the light motor life.

Lower engine mounts, when/if they go, will cause the car to vibrate excessively at idle.

Although made by ford, the engine/internals were made by Mazda, this can cause repairs to be more pricey. Using aftermarket parts can reduce those costs tho.

All probes years/makes can be subject to wiper issues. The motor ceases or malfunctions causing the wipers to become stuck in an up right positions.

Finish / clear coat tends to flake off on the spoilers.

Common rust areas are the trunk / hatch area.

I love this car and plan on keeping it for a long time :)

If you want a unique stylish and peppy compact, this would be a great drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2004

13th Jan 2005, 20:24

Very honest and a good review. Thank you.

4th Nov 2005, 00:53

**Update**

I'd like to update this entry a bit. Since I can't edit it, I'll post it here.

- Car now has 151000kms.

- Peeling clear-coat on spoiler and rust on hatch was repaired; $610.

- Car has not developed any new rust spots since our first (Canadian) winter together. Many of the lower panels and bumpers on these cars are plastic, so rust around the wheels and such is not an issue.

- Check engine light comes on and off as the car drives; this is due to an exhaust oxygen sensor. Almost all Probes (or any car really) of this age will need these replaced by now. Not a large issue, reduced gas mileage and an annoying orange light in the dash. A new one is about $120 and an hour of labour to install.

- Rear caliper pistons seized when brought in for a brake job, $320 (this includes new calipers, labour and Wagner brand brakes). Mechanic partially to blame as he didn't soak these when he removed them, so they would not go back in.

- Radiator went (got clogged if I remember correctly), and was causing the car to overheat; that was a $340 job.

- New engine installed at 142000kms, I found out there is a direct drop in engine (called KL-ZE, original is a KL-DE) for these cars that are 197hp & 200tq. No problems with the old one, just wanted more power. $900 and 18 hours shop labour.

I'd suggest visiting http://www.performanceprobe.com/; it is an excellent information resource on Probes, and also has an active forum.

9th Apr 2009, 18:14

Nice job on the KLZE, but they're not 200tq. They put out 197hp and 165tq, only 5 more than the stock GT engine. Also, I doubt an automatic Probe GT will do 0-60 in 7.5, that seems to be a pretty typical time for the manual version, which is significantly faster. Yours probably would do at least that though, with the ZE. Good review though, and sounds like you've got a pretty sweet car! (I have a white '94 GT 5spd myself and I love it!)

31st Dec 2010, 18:50

Agree with the last comment - Good review.

It's likely that you've got rid of the car by now. Would be interested to know how the auto transmission held up.

I also have an auto Probe with the KLZE engine. Despite being auto, I find it quite powerful, and it's quick off the line.