The Ford Probe: A Defense

Let’s be honest, car stereotypes are hilarious. The nature of a stereotype is to be misleading, but it’s still fun to say Hondas are slow, Mustangs eat crowds, and the Bugatti Veyron is the greatest car in the world.

The sports liftback known as the Ford Probe has become a bit of a joke among car guys. However, I must confess, my ‘94 Probe GT is the best car I’ve ever owned.

1. Styling

Whenever I look at her, I can’t help but smile. Those curves. That face. That ass. Those headlights.
It always amazes me when I show it off to friends, how the words “ugly” and “outdated” and nowhere to be found. Instead, “Sweet”, “JDM”, and “Those headlights!”. My point is, it’s not near as ugly or embarrassing to ride around in as we’re all made to believe. I mean look at it. It’s Hip. It’s Cool. Cooler than your Jetta anyway.

Fun Fact: A heavily modified 1st Gen Probe is seen in Back to the Future II right outside the Cafe 80’s.

2. Power

Yes, The base 2nd Gen-Probe was somewhat underpowered, but horsepower wise, the GT is an amazing entry level sports car. In North America, the GT received the 165hp 155Ft-Lb Mazda KL-DE, The same engine rumored to be soon swapped into Alex’s Project MX-5. The 2.5L V6 featuring a Variable Resonance Induction System (VRIS) pulls the 1300kg Probe to 100kph in a hasty 7 seconds in the 5-speed manual trans. In my opinion, it has that sweet spot of power/weight. Not too much, not too little. Enough that when you put your foot down in 5th, you can definitely feel it. Not too much so you have time to enjoy the acceleration from 0 to 10 over the speed limit. It gives you that time to savor the music coming out the pipe. Redline is 7000Rpm, which according to Wikipedia is conservative considering the engine design. It’s by no means a Mk4 Supra, (I wish), but hey, It’s faster than every Miata before 2004.

3. Interior

Look at it! It’s Basically a Supra!
What do you mean no?

Some came with sunroofs too, So that’s something.
Oh! It also has dual airbags, so it’s safe.
While it’s got plastic everything, rattling interior panels, and only one cup holder, to me all the controls are logically placed and ergonomic in design. It’s even got electric seats with bolster and lumbar support. Not bad for a car that cost $15 000 new in 1993.
Yeah, It shares the lack of leg and headroom in the rear seats with the supra too. So I guess just make sure your two other side chicks are short so they can fit. Or else just commit to one. That works too.

Looks a bit like the 240sx as a bonus.

4. Mods

There are TONs of mods you can do to your Probe and totally rice it out (Kidding).
One quick Google search will reveal numerous different body kits that all scream “RICE”. Yeah, Best avoid those.
Sound: Best car I’ve ever heard. On my Probe, I’ve got a MagnaFlow Muffler that sounds absolutely magical at 7000rpm. Fellow car guys (And unsuspecting females) find it nearly impossible to hide their smiles.
Suspension: Four coil-overs help significantly with body roll, ride-height, cornering speed, and greatly improve the driving experience. In my opinion, the stock springs are pretty loose (Perhaps just my driving technique).
Want more power?
Pistons: Changing the stock non-interference pistons to the interference ones of the Japan version known as the KL-ZE (Compression ratio of 10:1 vs 9.2:1) is a great way to add ~25hp
Goes without saying, change that exhaust. May or may not provide power gains but for the amazing music opened up from that tiny pipe, It’s worth it.
Turbo: Haven’t done this myself, but apparently people run up to 11psi and 250hp? Can’t say I know a lot about this though.

5. Me

I bought my ‘94 ford Probe earlier this year for a steal of $1100 and have had no regrets. It had 146 thousand kilometers and besides some little dings was in wonderful condition. I love driving it. It sounds amazing, just enough power for me, and Pop-up headlights: Very nearly the best thing. I absolutely love driving it. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.

The worst thing is the name.
Whoever came up with it should be sacked.
Probe: What were they thinking.

In conclusion: They’re not nearly as bad as we’re made to believe.

Thoughts? Comments? Opinions? Bleach has a very long attention span so I want to hear from you guys.