It’s been a few years since MotorWeek last gave us a Retro Review of the Ford Probe – at that time, a video covering the 1993 model back when it had already been on the market for a few years and achieved some success in the marketplace. The 1993 Probe was all-new at the time, just entering its second generation with fresh sheetmetal and various other tweaks. Now, MotorWeek has released a Retro Review video of the Ford Probe that started it all – the 1989 model, and in this case, not the sportier GT – rather, the more mainstream LX.
For customers that didn’t necessarily want or need the top-of-the-line Ford Probe when it originally launched, there was the base model GL and the mid-grade LX, which was perhaps the most popular of this particular era. Much of that stemmed from the fact that the LX came with plenty of standard equipment including remote control side mirrors, a complete gauge package, and in this case, an automatic transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, the premium sound system, and power windows and locks.
MotorWeek was quite impressed by the quality of the interior in the 1989 Ford Probe LX, as well as the abundance of cargo space and rear legroom – not something one would typically find in this segment at the time. Power came from the Mazda-derived 2.2L four-cylinder powerplant, which was rated to generate 110 horsepower – enough to motivate this automatic model from 0-60 in 10.9 seconds. For those that wanted a bit more performance, a five-speed manual was available, too.
Handling performance was strong for this particular period of time as well, as the Ford Probe LX exhibited little body roll in the corners and had plenty of grip – not up to GT levels, but that’s to be expected. Ride quality did suffer a bit, as the Probe LX was a bit firmer on the road than some might have preferred, but this particular model had a lot going for it, otherwise. With a reasonable price tag, lots of standard equipment, and strong performance for its time, the LX wound up proving quite popular with shoppers during its heyday.
Comments
The basic Mazda 626 platform had plenty of roll. Mazda’s handling philosophy in the mid 80s was to give a professional driver the ability to enhance braking/steering via pitch/roll to transfer weight to the desired tires for more grip. During the development of the Probe, we educated Mazda that Americans wanted flatter cornering. Consequently, Mazda made adjustments for the 1st gen Probe (ST16), but the real winner was the more purposeful new platform 2nd gen Probe (ST44). Yes, I was one of the 6 Ford Americans who guided/planned the ST16.
I owned a ’90 Probe LX that I bought new in 1989. It was a wonderful car for my newly married, still childless self in Southern California. The digital dash was quite innovative for its time. The trunk storage area was one of the largest ever for a Ford hatchback car. It drove nicely and looked more modern than most new cars at the time. However, there was a lot of controversy when this front-drive, Mazda-based model was set to replace the All-American Mustang. It was certainly more advanced than the contemporary Fox-based Mustangs. This whole Mazda debate would become moot years later, when Ford bought a controlling interest in the Japanese-based car company.
I had a 94 Probe, and not the GT. It was fun and a good size. It was also too slow.