1989 Ford Probe GT 2.2 turbo from North America

Summary:

Great car for the money

Faults:

The master cylinder had an internal leak; $45 for a re-manufactured one.

Had to rebuild the turbo at 171000 miles; not a big deal.

General Comments:

Awesome car, extremely reliable, excellent handling, this is a very fast car for only having 145 horsepower. I can hit about 140 mph easy. All I have done is set the blow off valve to 12psi. Destroys all ricers on the road.

Inside is very high tech. I love the computer that tells you the mpg, temp, etc.

The only bad thing is that it is a little thirsty in the city, but does decent mileage on the highway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2011

1989 Ford Probe GL 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Built Ford tough

Faults:

A very good car. I'm very hard on cars, and Fords I've owned take a lot of abuse.

This Probe was given to me by the original owner because it had blown a head gasket. That was fixed.

It has blown the flasher fuse twice, and the lighter fuse once.

One head light needed replacing.

One of the struts blew out, so I replaced them with Monro Sensatrac struts. That definitely improved the handling. I also changed the stock tires to 185/65/14 tires. That also helped with the handling.

The rear brake master cylinder starting leaking, so that was replaced. About a three hundred dollar job I think, but the rear drum brakes were done as well. The front master cylinder also started to go, so I replaced that as well.

The alternator belt shredded one day. So that had to be replaced.

The original exhaust is starting to rust, but it's 18 years old.

The suspension needs a little work, but I'm unsure of what it needs.

I have recently replaced the spark plugs with NGK iridium plugs. I've changed the front pads with Raybestos. The heater switch has also failed.

A very good car; I'd keep it forever if it had power windows.

General Comments:

I love it. It can beat many so called sports cars like the Nissan 240SX in day to day traffic. It handles well.

It is a sports car, so rear seat room is limited, but nobody ever sits in the back, so no problems.

I wish fuel economy was a little better. 19 mpg city.

This guy in a Jetta rear ended me and caused 2 thousand dollars worth of damage to his car. I got a scratch on the bumper.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2009

1989 Ford Probe LX 2.2 from North America

Summary:

It just won't die

Faults:

Tires needed replacement at 35,000 miles, again at 90,000, and yet again at 150,000. ($300 a pop)

Front brake needed new pads at 40,000 miles, 90,000, and again 140,000. (each cost $120). New rotors cost an $70 extra last time.

Rear each shoe needed replacement at 70,000, and again at 140,000 with new drum. (Set me back $500 with a new drum).

Muffler + catalytic converter went at 90,000, and again at 150,000. (Cost : $450 each)

Radiator needed replacement at 130,000 miles ($90 at ebay, and did it myself).

Suspension/spring needed replacement at 148,000. ($1,500 I lowered with Ebach)

At lease replaced headlights, turn signal lights 5 times each in the last 20 years.

General Comments:

Too costly to drive, it averages out about $600 a year if I junk it now.

The body and frame hold up well in cold dry Northern Ohio, no salty sea winds like sunny California to damage the chassis or electronics.

It just passed Ohio eCheck with flying colors and still get 26 mpg city and 31 freeway. Everything works including power antenna/headlights.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd January, 2009

5th Apr 2009, 22:48

I had a 1989 Probe LX (loaded with ALL options). Aside from timing belt replacement and alternator belts, nothing, I mean NOTHING ever broke. The A/C, heater core, CV joints/boots, radiator, and major power accessories were original. The ONLY expensive items were the driver side power window regulator, 3 alternators and one transmission in - drumroll please... 215,000 miles. I sold the car in 1998 to my cousin who drove it THREE more years and sold it. It had a lifter tick occasionally but a dose of Marvel Mystery Oil took immediate care of it. The body held up great, the white paint was durable, the grey velour seats were bulletproof, all the digital instruments worked great and the only cosmetic snafu; the black window trim turns to crap in the sun.