FORD PROBE - Ford’s FAILED Mustang Replacement | Up To Speed

Did you know that the Ford Probe, was ALMOST a next generation mustang? Or that Mazda helped Ford, to mastermind the design of the Probe? Whether you answered yes or no, the Ford Probe and Probe GT, has a juicy history of pissing off Mustang fan boys, and thanks to Mimi Vanderholen, winning the hearts of 90's women and families across the US. Slated to compete with the Japanese domestic market cars of the time, and to compete in the Nascar dash series--it soon became clear, that this midsize passenger sedan, could keep up with the competition. So sit back, relax, and join James Pumphrey as he walks us through the tale of the failed Ford Mus... I mean, Ford Probe.

►Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
06:42 LIGHTNING ETC.
09:58 Do-RE-MIMI

Up to Speed is a weekly automotive history show about the best cars, brands, designers, drivers and influencers ever. Host James Pumphrey covers everything from the Toyota Supra to the Chevy El Camino, The VW GTI to the Subaru WRX. The origins of every car will be uncovered to get you Up to Speed!

For more Ford Probe videos, check out Ford Probe Garage:

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Donut Media is at the center of digital media for the next generation of automotive and motorsports enthusiasts. We are drivers, drifters, and car enthusiasts who love to tell stories.

[nielstielemans]

As a kid, my granddad had a 89 Ford Probe GT. It was cool, sleek and pretty quick. I used to sit in the passenger seat, while my granddad floored the car, spooling up the turbo and flying away.

After a few years, the car was parked away, and pretty much only used as a 'holiday car'. Even tho no one cared about that old thing, I always thought it was the coolest car ever, and had to own it one day. At least to make sure it would never go to scrap.

Then, on my 18th birthday my grandparents came to visit. I also just got my drivers license. As a gift, I got a set of keys, the keys to the Ford Probe. Right now, I'm restoring the car with my granddad, and still believe it's one of the coolest cars I have ever seen.

[VitoHGrind]

The first car I ever bought was my brother's girlfriend's 1993 Ford Probe GT. I was 17, a junior in HS and that car was a life changer. I poured all my money and time into it. Upgrading, modifying, "tuning" I was truly a fan of the car. Mostly because it was all I could afford, but also because it was fun, quick, and just sporty enough to keep me out of too much trouble. I was such a fan, that around town I started doing a knock-off Biker's Wave to other Probe owners as they passed by. It took almost 2 years, but just before heading to college, I got my first wave back lol.

[ScionCrush]

>No V8 in the car
"I'd rather the Mustang die"
...
INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW 2021 MUSTANG MACH-E!

[saipuakivikaupias]

1993-97 Probe GT was my dream car in my teens. Wish I bought one and still had it. One the best looking 90s cars out there and still looks fantastic.

[knoxyououtdotcom]

The second gen Probe is such a good looking car. Up there with some JDM greats for me.

Also, thanks for doing highlights of underrepresented designers.

[rajeshsrivastava]

Do a D-list on members of donut media.

[KentuckyRanger]

I got a GT Probe in 1993, and drove the wheels of that thing!
It was the funnest car I've ever owned.
It was so sad, that Ford was going to replace the Mustang with the Probe, because it was a totally different car from the Mustang.

[smokinC]

The ford probe was a cool car back in the day. A replacement for the mustang, no, but a cool car nonetheless

[GruigiTheFirst]

Imagine the mustang actually got replaced by this and all the crowd killers were nicknamed the probers instead?

[JC-ftri]

"This thing was as sleek as a river otter covered in jelly"
-James Pumphrey

genius

[Lianpe]

Mimi needs an entire episode just for her.

[chrissirois]

Watching this video at an audio level loud enough for me to hear most of it, and not disturb my roommates in the next room, is a huge challenge. Love your content!

[EchoXMC]

The audio is so inconsistent with this episode, I had to keep changing the volume on my tv lol

[joannaatkins]

Back around 2000 when I was young and cycling to school in Jolly old England, there was a striking curvy car with a 2.5 V6 in an Azure blue that caught my eye every day. It said "24v" and "Probe" on the rear, and I was fascinated by it.

The second generation Ford Probe was like nothing I was used to seeing on the road or driveways in my neighborhood. Most cars I saw were economy oriented four cylinders, but this was different.

My mother drove a series of Austin/Rover Maestros which were boxy and boaty, underpowered and unremarkable, and I just couldn't help but see all of the differences between this low nosed, sleek car and the plucky but slow hatchbacks that met most of the family transport needs of the 90s.

Obviously now I know that the probe was more of a GT car than a truly powerful, muscular, performance car, but that look really stuck with me. It's probably what helped me really love the looks of the Catfish Camaro.

I was a petrol head already, always poised to turn any conversation to cars, but as a car that held the name "Probe" I did not dare mention it to my friends despite it being a significant landmark on my Monday to Friday life for four years, because of the inevitable comments teenage boys can't help but make.

Shout out to the Ford Probe for being the most interesting Sunday driven vehicle I didn't discuss for twenty years. I never saw the car driven, but it was always there to catch my eye while the owner doubtless commuted in something bland and economy focused.

Thank you Donut. My odd, secret fascination with a re-skinned Mazda that I couldn't forget can now be put to rest, and my desire to talk about it ended without fear of enduring countless butt jokes from people who missed the point.

[siouex]

Gen 2 was one of the most visually pleasing '90s coupe, it was sleek

[Roadstar]

Unfortunately, like is the case with so many cars, when the Probe started getting really cool, they stopped making it.

[josephpbrown]

"I'd rather the Mustang name die, than be put on that thing" Wish this guy was around when the Mach-E was introduced

[jonathanakbari]

I never notice animated James in the intro is chasing a letter that says “from: dad” lol

[stealth]

I've had 6 1st gen Probes and MX6s since I was 18 and I'm 37 now. I currently own a 90 Probe GT with just shy of 500whp and it's a blast to drive. The F2T engine is bullet proof.

[padillaxA]

Where is John when we need him most, with the mustang badge going on a crossover now??? I'm not a big mustang fan but that's not right!