1997 Ford Probe 24V 2.5 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Stylish, high performance sports tourer

Faults:

Water pump replaced.

Usual scuffed driver's seat.

General Comments:

Lovely growly V6 engine, giving out some serious power. Acceleration is 0-60 in about 8 seconds, which is pretty acceptable for this car, as it is rather heavy.

Looks fantastic, totally stands out in the car park from all the other boring boring BMWs, Mercs etc etc yawn! For a car that is 10 years old, it certainly still holds its own on styling and performance.

Inside is a little but plasticy, but still modern looking, with the swooping dashboard.

Only downside is that it is a high maintenance car, you will need to put the time in looking after it. Do not rely on garages to know anything about it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 2005

27th Jan 2008, 20:41

I have just purchased a Probe and I like it so far. It's a V6 2.5. Have you any tips to look after or is it just pot luck?

In reply to 27th Jan 2008, 20:41

25th Nov 2019, 14:50

It's definitely not just luck, you need a good looked after car for it to last. History is essential, and so is a good independent garage that knows these cars well (do NOT take a car of this age to a Ford dealer). The V6 24v is the one to have - the 4 cylinder 2.0 16v is arguably more reliable, but lacks the performance this car needs and the looks suggest.

Speaking of looks, the UK Probe of the 1990s is one of the most underrated cars out there - stylish and smart, plus reliable as any if you look after it. A lot of people did not like the American looks, but I think it is a great looking car, I mean, have you seen the average modern car today? The Probe is hardly bad looking.

1997 Ford Probe from North America

Summary:

It doesn't seem to be very reliable, but it looks good.

Faults:

The sunroof gets stuck shut and the weather stripping on it had to be replaced.

The lifters had to be replaced. (Which cost $1,000.) I was later informed this is the reason Probes were not made anymore.

The left passenger window isn't flush with the car so it leaks.

The car gets stuck in second gear half the time.

General Comments:

The car is very comfortable and rides well.

However, there always seems to be something going wrong or breaking on it.

The acceleration isn't much better than my grandmothers old Toyota.

The best thing about this car is that it turns heads.

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

Review Date: 7th May, 2005

1997 Ford Probe GT from North America

Summary:

I think it's a nightmare for someone who doesn't have the money to put in for a lot of repair work

Faults:

Clutch had to be replaced which cost 600 dollars.

Windows sound like they're slightly rolled down when driving.

Sunroof shakes when the door is shut.

Trunk lid stays open when it wants to.

Paint tends to scratch very easily.

Rear wiper motor needed to be replaced.

Rear brakes and rotors replaced.

Wiring needed to be repaired.

Stock CD player replaced because CD wouldn't come out.

Muffler replaced.

General Comments:

I have had the car for not even a year and I have put more money into the car than what its really worth.

I love the way the car handles on the road.

The car is very quick and is fun to drive.

Since I have bought both of my Probes used with over 100k miles on them its hard to say whether they were crappy cars or just taken care of poorly.

A word of advice when you buy one with over a 100,000 miles on it then chances are you are going to have many problems following.

I recommend this car to a first driver who wants something a little sporty and cheap, but keep in mind the repairs are not cheap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th April, 2005

4th May 2005, 22:35

Any car with over 100,000 miles WILL have problems. Anyone who does not see that coming is foolish. Yes a car built on a Mazda engine will be more expensive, same for any import. This car is a very good car, and a car with high mileage will need work.

29th Apr 2006, 00:52

To the person who commented before, high mileage has nothing to do with it.

My 1997 probe only had 60,000 miles on it when I bought it and I've had pretty much all of the same problems and more!

We've had to replace the exhaust, battery, brakes, starter, and now something else has gone wrong with it. The passenger side window rolls down by itsself and the car jerks/kicks like crazy.

To whoever wrote this review:

I feel for you. I'm in the same exact position. We've put twice as much money into this car than we paid for it.

7th Jun 2006, 11:50

This is a great car! the only thing I don't really like is the headlights they get stuck easy they don't have very good motors! other than its s good car.

7th Jun 2006, 16:03

Considering it's a cheap sports car, it will get thrashed. So when you buy it with "low" miles its basically the same as a high mileage car because of the abuse. You shouldn't be surprised.

19th May 2007, 08:47

NO CAR is cheap to fix @ $85 bucks an hour for a mechanic plus parts. You just hope they don't break to often and when they do, it's not something major.

22nd Feb 2008, 21:42

One who purchases an older car must learn how to repair it. Most repairs are not complex. A good manual, a decent set of tools and a little patience saves a ton of money.