Whats Ford Probe? (1st gen)

If you're interested in accurate information, the internet will give you answers, put shortly put and in my words Ford Probe is a hidden gem of the late 80s early 90s classic sport automotive engineering.

It was made in 89-92, with at least one notable facelift towards the end. The engine variations available out there was the 2.2L naturally aspirated, 2.2L turbocharged, and a 3.0 Liter V6 "Vulcan". The cars were assembled in Michigan USA in the AutoAlliance factories, which's a joint company of Mazda and Ford. Ford Probe is actually in many ways a Mazda, which may mislead alot of people; the motors and gearboxes are from Mazda, suspension, headlights, brakes.. (aside from the 3.0L Vulcan -engine)

Hell alot of it was Mazda. I've understood that the body is however Ford design (more or less) and I certainly hope the sheet metal they used was American Ford rather than Japanese Mazda ! Heh.

Ford Probe was originally intented to perhaps replace the Ford Mustang if well received. Needless to say, that didn't happen; the real fans of the Mustang were not happy with the FWD, the relatively small engine nor the turbo. Even though FWD started to be a very popular platform back then, this was perhaps the one thing that made Probe rise and fall. A sports car back then (in some level even to this day) can't be an FWD, or so they say. I personally don't 100% quite follow it, although I understand the FWD cons and the RWD pros, and whats its about, and can't really disagree with the fun factors. But while thats for the pro of RWD, there's no turning down FWDs, from my behalf, anyway.

Having driven my Ford Probe for a while I have to say its most likely the funniest car I've ever driven. It handles like a charm, the torque comes very early and in a good way surprisingly (peaking at about 4k RPM) making it feel a lot more powerful car than it actually is and overall its great joy.

They're relatively cheap, but like almost anything in Finland, only to an extent. 2,5k € will get you a fair one (one worth saving) at the moment, 2010 end When it comes to cars, 2500€ may sound much but up here you can't get anything but more or less "old junks" with that sum.

So it is no wonder that a studying car hobbyist like me or anyone down to earth guy/girl might find this car interesting, I certainly did, and it wasnt long till I started to see beauty in this car behind the price and the turbo. Its in the viewers eyes, they say.