Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (220 km/h)
Combined, EPA 1997
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed, leaning towards positive among dedicated enthusiasts, but with a clear acknowledgment of the vehicle's age and specific challenges.
6 problems reported (4 recurrent, 2 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentDiagnostic difficulty
Electrical and mechanical problems often have esoteric or non-obvious root causes, requiring specific knowledge to troubleshoot.
- RecurrentManual transmission reliability
Reports of premature failure requiring replacement, cited as a reason for purchasing extended warranties.
- RecurrentMaintenance complexity
Specific repairs, such as replacing the rear valve cover gasket on the V6, are noted as particularly challenging. The need for "knowing the trick" for many jobs is mentioned.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentParts sourcing
Implied to be a growing challenge as the model ages, with reliance on specialized knowledge networks and used parts.
- IsolatedClutch characteristics
The clutch pedal on the second-generation GT is described as "heavy," rated approximately 6.5/10 for difficulty to learn on (where 10 is hardest). The engine's smoothness can also make finding shift points less intuitive for new drivers.
- IsolatedOil consumption
Mentioned in the context of a 1990 model with a Mazda four-cylinder engine, attributed to a lack of hard driving to manage blow-by.
The version owners recommend
The second-generation (1993-1997) Probe GT with the manual transmission. This model is equipped with the 2.5L KL-series V6 engine, which is consistently praised for its smoothness and performance relative to the base four-cylinder. The manual transmission is strongly preferred over the automatic for driving engagement and perceived reliability.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Prelude, Mazda MX-6, Mazda 626, Nissan 240SX/Silvia and Eagle Talon.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed, leaning towards positive among dedicated enthusiasts, but with a clear acknowledgment of the vehicle's age and specific challenges. The car is frequently described as a fun, unique, and engaging driver's car, particularly in manual GT trim with the Mazda-sourced V6 engine. Long-term owners express strong affection for its handling and character. However, feedback is dominated by discussions of maintenance, reliability concerns, and the increasing difficulty of sourcing parts. The consensus indicates that ownership satisfaction is highly dependent on securing a well-maintained example and being prepared for hands-on repairs, with the vehicle representing a rewarding project or weekend car rather than a daily driver for the inexperienced.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a sporty, front-wheel-drive coupe with Japanese mechanicals (Mazda platform and engines) and American styling. Frequently compared favorably to the Honda Prelude of the same era for its driving engagement and power, with some noting the Probe GT's V6 offered more power than certain Prelude trims. The Mazda MX-6 is acknowledged as an essentially identical vehicle. It is seen as a more accessible and often cheaper alternative to contemporary Japanese sports coupes, but with a perception of higher maintenance complexity and lower long-term reliability compared to rivals like Honda or Toyota.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is overwhelmingly recommended. The GT trim for the V6 engine. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is considered essential due to the car's age and potential for hidden issues. An extended service contract or warranty is recommended by some owners based on past negative experiences with major repairs like transmission failure. For those working on the car themselves, obtaining a factory service manual and factory electrical system manual (especially for 1993 models) is advised over generic repair guides.
General recommendations
Suitable for enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those comfortable with performing their own maintenance and diagnostics. Not recommended as a primary daily driver for someone without mechanical aptitude or a reliable backup vehicle. Buyers should prioritize condition and maintenance history over low mileage or low price. Budget significantly for ongoing repairs, parts sourcing, and potential major component failure (e.g., transmission). Expect to spend time on enthusiast forums and communities for troubleshooting advice. A pristine, unmodified example with low mileage commands a significant premium ($10,000+), while drivable projects start around $3,000.
Remarks
The vehicle's identity is deeply intertwined with its Mazda origins, sharing the platform and engines (2.2L I4 and 2.5L V6) with the contemporary Mazda 626 and MX-6. This relationship is a double-edged sword: it provides robust mechanical designs but also ties its reliability reputation to Mazda. The market is described as thin and variable, with value heavily dictated by condition. A strong, knowledgeable enthusiast community exists and is considered a critical resource for ownership. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions, primarily focused on the second-generation (1993-1997) models.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
Recall notices8 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
1997 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 05E065000
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
1997 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E026000
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
1997 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E065000
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
1997 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 98V206002
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AN EXTERNAL SPRING IN THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER CAN BREAK AND GET CAUGHT IN THE TIMING BELT.
1996 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 05E065000
CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 45-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F350-S1, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 1993-1997 FORD PROBE,1993-2001 MAZDA 626 AND MX-6, AND 1983-1994 LOYAL, 3-DOOR COUPE, HATCHBACK, SEDAN, WAGON, BRAT, DL, GL, GL-10, RX, XT, AND XT6 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. CERTAIN SPX FILTRAN FUEL FILTERS WITH A 90-DEGREE ANGLE INLET TUBE, MODEL 800F300-S2, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT FILTERS FOR 19983-1994 SUBARU VEHICLES WITH EFI OR TURBO ENGINES. THESE FILTERS ARE PACKAGED AS WIX, NAPA, AND CARQUEST BRAND FUEL FILTERS. FUEL MAY LEAK FROM THE FILTER DUE TO NON-CONFORMING BRAZING WELDS WHERE THE INLET TUBE IS CONNECTED TO THE FILTER CAN.
1996 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E026000
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
1996 · exterior lightingcampaign 06E065000
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
1996 · air bagscampaign 96V090000
THE SUPPLEMENTARY AIR BAG INFLATABLE RESTRAINT CAUTION LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR DOES NOT CONTAIN THE STATEMENT, "DO NOT INSTALL REARWARD FACING CHILD SEATS IN ANY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT POSITION." THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Specifications
Enthusiast code: ECP
GT 2.5 V6 24V
2.5L 6-cylinder · 165 hp · FWD · manual
Built 1992–1997