The Ford Probe was a liftback coupé produced by Ford in collaboration with Mazda from 1988 to 1997. It was based on the front-wheel-drive Mazda G platform shared with the Mazda Capella. The Probe succeeded the Ford EXP and borrowed its instrument cluster from the RX-7.
The first-generation Probe featured pop-up headlights and took design cues from the Mazda MX-6. It aimed to fill the market gap left by the Capri in Europe and was initially planned to be the fourth-generation Ford Mustang in North America. It was positioned as a sport compact coupe to compete with cars like the Acura Integra, Isuzu Impulse, Nissan 200SX, and Toyota Celica.
Ford's decision to use a front-wheel-drive platform for the Probe, borrowed from Mazda's GD and GE platforms, was influenced by lower production costs and increasing popularity among consumers. This move allowed Ford to offer a competitive product in the market while benefiting from the advancements found in Mazda's platforms.
Overall, the Ford Probe was a product of collaboration between Ford and Mazda, combining design elements from both brands to create a sporty, front-wheel-drive coupe that aimed to capture the attention of consumers seeking a stylish and affordable option in the compact sports car segment.
