1995 Ford Probe GT 2.5L V6 from North America
Summary:
The most fun, and mostly practical, car I've ever owned
Faults:
Totaled once before at 75kmi, mainly body and airbag damage.
O2 sensor blew at 90kmi.
CV boot blew at 101kmi (gravel kicked up and wore down the part), again at 112kmi (faulty workmanship from previous fix).
Exhaust fell apart at 101kmi (East Coast winters' salt on road took toll), again at 112kmi (faulty workmanship from previous fix).
Starting problem at 105kmi. Eventually figured out a spark plug cover had to be removed for 3 minutes to let trapped fumes escape before engine would turn over. No fix found since problem was isolated one day before it was totaled.
General Comments:
Corners amazingly well, can take 25mph exit ramps at 45+mph with the med-high performance tyres for euphoric G-force fun.
Has high acceleration response.
The sexiest body style I have yet to compare with the simple streamlining and flip-up headlights.
Overall feel of driving was 'like a glove' to the road and in the seat. Driver seat contours with internal inflatable lumbar and sides of body supports. Very handy to keep one in their seat when making tight turns. Shifter at perfect height and distance.
Red body, gray interior, with black highlights made it very visually appealing inside and out.
Stock exhaust made people's heads turn when starting engine in parking lot. I absolutely loved the sound in a ceilinged parking deck.
OK in snow, had to drive 5mph slower than I would in a sedan.
22 mpg city/28 mpg highway on premium fuel and Techron treatments.
I found it easy to do all the typical 3kmi checkups of changing oil, fluids, rotating tyres.
Good sized trunk with flip-down seats, able to fit 1/2 of the dorm room easily.
Expensive parts when not buying used or looking in a junkyard. "A fun dance, but not a cheap date," as my mechanic said.
I cried when I had to give it up due to a side impact totaling it. Worse than losing a girlfriend. If I was not off-roading so much now I would definately own one again.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th January, 2004
5th Jun 2004, 11:34
I have driven my Probe GT for 138,000 miles - the precipitation problem can be minimized (in fact I would say pretty well eliminated) by using bridgestone firestone's S 02 tires. It really makes a huge difference.