Ford Probe 1st generation 

Production period:	1988 to 1992
Engines:	Gasoline : 2.2-3.0 liters (85-108 kW)
Length:	4496 mm
Width:	1735 mm
Height:	1321 mm
Wheelbase :	2515 mm
Curb weight :	1350 kg

The Ford Probe 1st generation is a sports coupe of the Ford Motor Company . It was produced from summer 1988 to autumn 1992 in Flat Rock , Michigan ( USA ).

History

In the fall of 1992, a fundamental overhaul of the model took place. It was planned to close the gap between the Ford Mustang and the rest of the model range and should replace the Mustang in the long term.

The probe was a joint project with Mazda and based on the Mazda GD platform (1988-1992) and the Mazda GE platform (1992-1997). It corresponded technically largely to the Mazda Capella C2 and was similar to the MX-6 . The first generation was produced by Mazda Motor Manufacturing USA Corp. AutoAlliance International, Inc. was responsible for second-generation production.  From autumn 1998, the Ford Cougar was offered as a successor of the Probe.

In August 1988 began the production of the first Ford Probe (internally: Probe '89 ), which was introduced in late 1988 on the North American market. The cars noticeable external difference with more pronounced sloping side mirrors  and round fuel cap ,on the first generation, and body kit on the GT variant

In Europe , the first model generation of the Probe was not officially introduced. However, from December 1990, Ford imported a number of vehicles intended for the US market. These were converted by installing a transmission oil cooler, taillights with yellow indicators, removal of the third brake light, shutdown of the daytime running lights. These vehicles were exclusively the GT model with the 2.2-liter turbo engine delivering 108 kW.

The vehicle was equipped as standard with a speed-dependent adjustment of the chassis and the power steering also ABS , electric windows , central locking, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and electric seat belts were standard. For a surcharge, a folding and removable glass roof, air conditioning and metallic paint was available.

However, many extras offered in North America did not exist, including leather trim, a third brake light, a digital speedometer, on-board computer with VMM ( Vehicle Maintenance Monitor ), cruise control and a premium sound system consisting of dual DIN radio with cassette and CD, amplifier and subwoofer . In addition, there were door locks and make-up mirror lit, the driver's seat electrically adjustable and the air conditioning electrically adjustable. The vehicle was also available with a complete blue or red interior.

The Probe was offered in  black and Rio-red. In addition, there were two different metallic finishes: light gray titanium and dark gray titanium. In addition, there were many colors available in the United States , such as Midnight Blue, Sahara Gold, Turquoise and Electric Red.