Used 1993 Ford Probe Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Owned for 11 years
I bought the car with 12,000 miles on the odometer, and have been driving it for the last 11 years. The handling is tremendous; every freeway on ramp is a blast. The V6 winds out nicely, and the car still looks contemporary today. The seats are very comfortable. At 147,000 miles, it still has the original clutch, and the engine feels tight. Problem areas: the distributor quit at 50k miles; the rear brake calipers have been replaced a couple of times due to locking; the paint is fading despite regular wax jobs; the hatch has rattled since day 1; the valve cover gaskets leak; and the wind whistles around the passenger door seal.
Never EVER Again
Never again will I buy a probe. In just a year of owning this car, I've had to replace both CV joints (one more than once), replace the whole radiator, replace the distribitor, replaced the front brake pads a few times, the rotors once, repair on the head gaskets, and replace the timing belt. Right now, the transmission is almost completely gone and I have a blown water hose. When it rains, it pours with this vehicle. Price for repair is outrageous. Thank goodness they don't make this cars anymore!!
Love my Probe
Great car, reliable, slick looking. I like to call it my "SUV in disguise" because with the back seats down and the trunk cover removed, I can fit a nine-foot surfboard, 2 six foot surfboards, and a mountain bike all inside! And, it gets great gas mileage (30+ highway) so it's not too much of a crunch at the pump with gas prices hitting $4.00/gallon. It handles the road wonderfully and has a great turning radius.
Probes rule
This car is strait up awsome. the only proble i've noticed is it needs a little more low end torqe. But I've put custom exhaust, intake, and fuel system so my GT is absolutly untouchable on the street I've got 150,000 miles, and the cars got at least 150K togo. I would recommend the Ford Probe GT to anyone (GREAT CAR).
Stay Away from these junkers
This car was great when I bought it. It quickly emptied my wallet keeping it on the road. Timing belts and cooling system problems.
Bad Guilded Car - Expensive Repairs
This car has caused me much grief over the years. I have ended up spending as much money on the car as it is worth. Wheels alone cost $112 each! Every time I had to get the car fixed, which was often, it would cost much more than other cars, many times in the hundreds of dollars. What's worse, Ford didn't respond back to my concerns on their website. I have had a horrible experience with this Ford vehicle and will never buy a Ford vehicle again. I'm trying to sell it now just so I don't have to worry about repairs anymore. With the poor quality and high cost for repairs, I strong advise anyone NOT TO BUY THIS CAR. This car is just not worth the hassle.
Probe
This car has excellent handling and combined with a powerful engine is really able to go place. Few mods and your racing with the best of them.
The Probe
This is a great first car. Never had a car that handled the track better that was 100% stock. GOOD car to race, FUN car to drive. Seems to last forever.
I love this car!
This is the second one I have owned. I sold the first several years ago to get a rare Mustang. When I decided to get a daily driver I had only one vehicle in mind, another 1993 Probe GT. I have not been disappointed with either of the GT's I have owned one. I love the styling, interior and exterior, the handling and the ergonomics. I've had good fortune with reliability as mine has been very good to me over the years.
Great Car
This car is absolutly wonderful! it is fun to drive and handles like nothing else for the price!
BEST CAR EVER OWNED (unlike grand prix)
I own a 93gt and it had a little over 100k on it. It has had its regular oil change and all, but besides that I haven't invested a dime into it. I used to own a 2000 Grand prix gt in silver with horrible paint job. Down here its quite disturbing to have to see your cars paint chip off. I guess quality matters. Probes interior and the 5 speed tranny are a tremendous change and a upgrade from lame 200hp in a 3.8 GM engine. One thing I think Ford/Mazda should have improved was the fact that it doesn't provide you with cheap aftermarket(after warranty) parts. But, sofar I haven't had to use my warranty.
Probe
The Probe is a awesome car to drive - very fun but very reliable. I have had hardly any problems with it; nothing big for a '93. Comfortable seating. Big space in the hatch. All in all two thumbs up.
THESE CARS ARE GETTING OLDER.
I've had my PGT for about 2 yrs now, I haven't had any major repairs, just tires and a water pump, $63.00 for the pump at NAPA, and about four million dollars worth of labor (reduced to zero by doing it myself) The Probe GT could be considered a sports car, yeah they can be a pain sometimes, but they are getting older now, I expect to make repairs on a car with over 100K on them.
Decent, but cheap.
This car was my first...for the most part its been a decent car. But the paint is way too soft, the quality of the interior sux, and the exhaust has always got something up its a** because it falls apart everywhere. If its reliability we're talking about, then this car would be ranked pretty damn high in my books. Ive replaced the distributer 2x now and the problem seems to have finally faded. Ever since this issue and a faulty fuel pump, the car has been dependable. But I do agree with about every other probe owner about the outrageous prices to fix anything.
Love my probe
I have a 93 SE and I love it. It didnt wanna go uphill on take off but if you get a new upgraded exaust or some type of small Horse Power adjustment it doesnt take away from the fuel economy and also gives you that little boost. Sound system stinks in this model. Change to a cd player and change to pioneer deck speakers. Also mine came with a stock subwoofer in the back built into the right panel. If you take that out and take the wires from the back of it then buy a subwoofer it will BUMP!!! I have 3 JL audio tens in there now and it rattles my trunk! I have tried many things and it seems to be just fine pushing at 2 and 4ohms. if its shutting off while bumpin try to hook it up other ways.
great car
i have gone through many cars and this is one of my favorites to just cruise around in. Great power for a little car. Its fun to drive and there is many tuner options that can be achieved for this car that normally isnt thought of. i put a water pump and timing belt in and i havent had to touch mine. It has ran great.
DON'T waste your money
I have had this car for about a year and a half and it has been nothing but problems. It ran well for about five months but after that its just been money...the parts are SO- expensive (not worth it)
Nice car
I bought this car because of the great price I was offered. It had 50k on it and had sat a lot. I did have to replace some gaskets as could be expected. I have since replaced the exhaust and intake (by choice) and it is an excellent vehicle. The model I own has every amenity available. 1993 Car & Driver car of the year, road tested against the Integra and other models of its class. Although, new my vehicle listed for $30k and the Integra for $20k.
1993 Ford Probe GT
Best car I've owned. I have about 80K miles on it now, has never given me a problem. The Mazda motor is very reliable, the only thing I've done to it is change the timing belt and water pump (routine maintenance) and tune- ups/oil changes. It's quick, and insuranve is cheap. Highly recommended.
Worst Car ever
This was a really fun car to drive when it worked. The expen$$$$ive repair costs and the dual build of the cars (ford,Mazda)may be the problem. Engine repairs and normal fix's are outrageous. Definatly do not recommend!
Best Car Ford's Made!
I do not understand when I hear people say bad things about the Probe. I have had my '93 Probe GT for ten years and it has been the most amazing car. I have had no major mechanical issues and have only had to spend money on typical maintenance issues. This car is RELIABLE! I have had lots of fun upgrading intake/exhaust and taking her out on the open road. This is a great car and if you can get your hands on one that has been taken care of, buy it! I have often thought that I will never sell my Probe. It is one of the best cars on the road and its styling is timeless.
Fun car to drive
I am the original owner of this vehicle. I have had it for 9 years. The car has been fun to drive. It hugs corners well. The car got me a lot of attention when there weren't too many of them around so you know it has style. The majority of the repairs came within the warranty period: the first to go was the head gaskets. Then the transmission. After the warranty: it was the radiator. Then the liftback hydraulics. The most recent has been the brake master cylinder. I have chosen to not fix this and now the car is for sale. The tires are not cheap but with some shopping around, you can get each tire for about $110.
really really good car
very easy to drive, great handling, still runs really well, and the stereo works great.
Great Car..
i have had my 93 GT for about 4 years now. I have 180k miles on it and it still runs great. I didn't have to do much maintenance except scheduled ones, like tires, brakes, timing belt and water pump. Water pump was ok, but i changed it when i was changing the timing belt. All the electrical controls still work. Great design exterior and interior. It just looks cheap material inside. Engine is definitely satisfying. Despite those long 10 years and 180k miles on it. I have driven many new cars most of them performance cars, I have to say Probe has its place as a sporty car with the V6 and the manual.
93 PGT
As with every car you will have things to be fixed, however for a car up in age of 10 years plus, I wouldnt trade my GT in for anything. Great handling in corners and respectable acceleration coming out. This is my favorite car, Ive owned 4 so far.
great reliable car
I've had my Probe for 6 years and the biggest expensive was new tires. Fun to drive with decent power from the 'mazda' engine.
Probe
I've had this car for 11 years and put in 115500 miles on it and engine is still runs. Accellerates well and handling is above average. I'm still getting 26MPG. Only major problem I had was the brake calipers which was replaced under warantee. Overall, I'm satisfied with this car.
Nice car for its time; good first car
Bought as a winter car with ~132,500 miles. Black on black, loaded and auto. Cousin of the Mazda MX-6, prefer styling on Probe, notably the GT version. Wide 16x7 5-spoke wheels and body accents (spoiler, side skirts, door caps, front bumper) make this a nice looking car. Reasonable power from V6 but weak in the low end. Nice interior layout. Great handling characteristics (weakened by the cheap tires). Stiff suspension. Steering response a little light. Common problems oil leaks which I have (vc gaskets, oil pressure sensor). Automatic is terrible. Hunts for shifts. Requires cooler for longevity. Back seat for looks only. Deep trunk but high lift gate.
Great Car but Parts are Expensive
I can't say enough good things about this car. 210k miles on the original clutch! Unfortunately, the clutch ended yesterday so it looks like curtains for her. I am 6'4" and fit fine. It is such a useful design, that I have used to move LazyBoy chairs and other large objects. She is a beauty, too (Red with Gray interior). I really loved this car. The parts are crazy expensive. The Ford dealer wanted $550 dollars for the muffler back in 1998, so I bought a Borla cat back for $350 (1million mile warranty). I've put about 6 half shafts in the car up front, brake master cylinder, but she still has the original radiator and engine running w/ 30 mpg hwy and idling smoothly. Great Car!
dead ar 177
I loved this car with all it's power. Had problems at the get go and had the tranny replaced under warranty at 40000. Muffler is expensive and have replaced 3 times in 10 years. Had power brakes disconnected 3 years ago when they malfuntioned on the highway and dealship couldn't figure out the problem. Catalytic is now gone and the powersteering has malfunctioned for the 5th time and it's off to the scrapeheap for this puppy. Got stolen once, attempted once more and broken into 2 more times in 4 years (I do not live in a bad area, either!)
Hope you have $$
For being 11 years old, the body has stayed in great shape. However, I have replaced just about everything on this car and half of it twice over within 122,00 miles. The engine is aluminum block engine which overheats easily and is extremly expensive to replace. This car has cost me a fortune. But has never left me stranded!
My love/hate car
Maybe one of the most attractive cars Ford/Mazda has made. Handles great. Get the 5 speed as the Auto smothers acceleration and power. I love this car but be ready to shell out $$$ for *extremely* expensive parts. Paint is very soft, road noise is pronounced.
my probe gt
I first drove a gt in 1995,and i tell you what i fell in love with it. The car handles like a dream and acceleration is punchy 5 speed. I have only had 1 problem with my car a 25 dollar part thats it. Basic oil change and matience stuff.The mazda engine made the car what it is.If your looking to make it a street car all you need is a few modifications and your ready to go.
15 Years and 193,000 Miles fun!
I bought the car new 15 years ago. It's getting way up in miles and age, but I will miss it, when the new car comes along. This car has and still is giving me a fun drive. It may not be the quickest car out there, but even with the Auto Tran it is fun to drive. I have even went to all season non- performance tires now that it is simply a day driver. The new rubber makes is very good in the snow. I will be sorry to see it go someday. I am hoping to pass the 200,000 mile mark. Nice work Ford/Mazda!
It was old but good!
I only had it 6 months before the radiator caved. I decided just to get a new car rather than fix it as it isnt worth how much the fix would cost. It was much faster than I expected and much more comfortable as well. Gas mileage was on par with the rating (19 mpg mixed) but it excelled on the Highway at 28-29 mpg. Nothing weird broke on it so it was reliable and always started. Had to adjust the idle once but not a biggie. Also the drivers door panel fell to pieces after a couple months. And Premium fuel was annoying!
Perfect first car
This was my first car, and i dont think i could have gotten a better first car. I am moving on as i want more power. For someone who wants light mods or to stay stock this is a perfect car, good power, crisp and great handling. ON a track this car holds its own against higher end cars well out of its pricerange.
probe review
I bought this car about 6 years ago, and have had very few problems with it to date. The car is almost 10 years old and is now having an idle problem while in neutral on occasion. Besides that, no trouble.
A fun car to drive
I bought my '93 Probe new, and after 145,000 miles, I'm still enjoying it. The 5 speed still has the original clutch and I'm still getting 30 mpg! I added 4 Pirelli's several years ago, since the car had no traction when accelerating in wet weather. What a difference. Also added an Alpine CD player and upgraded all 4 speakers - sounds fantastic. You will not find more bang for the buck. Just forget about using the back seat for anything except small packages.
Good Car
I like this car alot. It looks great and performance isnt bad for a cylinder engine. No mechanical problems whatsoever in the 2 years I have owned it. Downside is the interior is very cheap.
Are you a good driver?
I bought my probe at the repo depot when it had about 85000 miles on it. As soon as I got it home, it dropped a manual transmission.... After that the car was a dream. It's a fun car to drive and its tiny engine burns NO gas. Here's the catch, I got into a wreck last year with a Chevy Z71 pickup. It bent his front quarter panel and totaled my car out (bits and pieces of the little thing went flying into traffic). So, if you're a good driver, enjoy! (if you're in the market for one, notice how it sounds like a tin can when you close the door)
13 yrs and still going...
...to be fair it has less than 50K on the odometer because it was garaged for years. So far it has been a mixed bag: capable handling, practical and fun to drive but reliability issues spoil the experience. First the praise: gotta love the silky smooth V6, the precise steering and confident handling - it feels like it's on rails. After adding Beck Arnley rotors and pads the brakes feel strong and well modulated. The rear seats are only suited for the kiddies, but when folded down make for a HUGE trunk. Negatives: valve head gasket needs replacement as its starting to smell like burnt oil.
Wonderful car!
Love this car! Even though the idle control has been bad for a year, I drive it everywhere and love it. 169000 miles and still going. And easy to fix, if you can find the parts. It does what I need it to do and I can fit my golf clubs in the trunk.
small but good car
fun car......sold it after egr valve went to hell, and plug wires were shot. axle went bad...but that was prolly my fault....i couldnt complain i bought it for $450 in perfect condition no lie.... i got a deal....ran great for about 2 months, then one day it just wouldnt go....cleaned out egr valve and changed plugg wires and sold it.
PGT PWR
Great car wish that they didn't stop building the Mazda V6
1993 4 banger
I brought my PROBE used with 60/k in 1997. Red of course, when cleaned it always looked brand new. I now have almost 170/k miles on it. Very reliable, problem areas idle control,faded paint,expensive parts and high insurance. Still has the original clutch!!! Great gas mileage and fun to drive, could use more power. Hatch is very useful. From day one I used only synthetic or semi syn. oil. The engine still sounds brand new,plenty of life left. K&N air filter and spit fire plugs....will change to BOSCH platinum 4 plugs. I used either 93 or 89 octane....she runs strong on 93.
Probe SE
Very fun to drive. 30-40 more HP would be nice without having to upgrade to the V6. Very reliable, just recently spun a rod bearing @ 140,000+ miles. Otherwise no major problems. Hard to find GOOD brakes, certain brands are better. Would recommend to anyone who wants a two seater that is good on gas.
this probes been around
i just bought this car and it is the most reliable car i have ever owned. It has three hundred and sixty five thousand miles on the base engine with only minor maintenence done to it. It still runs great and i drive it every day. It has never missed a start in the morning even when it is ten below. its a great car and i will probably keep this the rest of my life.
THis is an excellent car!!!
This is the best car I've ever had! It's a great car. It's a sports car that doen't get you tickets.
Good looking car with problems
This car is really, really nice. The interior design looks 5-6 years younger than what it actually is. I've always been happy driving the car because it looks like new. However, my Probe has had many problems: intake gasket, clutch, driving axle, bushings and schock absorbers, water pump. That's in just 14 months. $$$.
Excellent Value
Great Car! Very reliable, never had any major issues with the car. The thing handles like it is on rails. It is very fun to drive and turns a lot of heads with its good looks and the Flowmasters purring. Exceptional handling in the rain with z rated Aquatread tires. Ample storage for going out and about. The car is capable of getting great gas mileage when needed. I would say this is the best car I have ever owned; the car is very reliable, looks good, is very fun to drive, has a lot of pep and is easy to maintain.