Shunned Ford Probe Gaining Popularity
Between the 1980s and 1990s, the automotive world experienced a renaissance of accessible sports cars. Car manufacturers understood that buyers craved sporty, eye-catching coupes that delivered genuine driving thrills at reasonable prices. These cars were built with aspiring driving enthusiasts in mind, blending aggressive aesthetics with agile road manners and sufficient horsepower to transform ordinary commutes into semi-memorable experiences.
The era sparked intense rivalry among automakers. Japanese companies revolutionized the segment with forced induction technology and featherweight construction, while their American counterparts worked to reinvent the budget-friendly sports coupe for modern times. Consumers enjoyed abundant choices, ranging from nimble four-banger variants to more potent V6 offerings that brought additional muscle to the table. Certain models achieved legendary status immediately, securing their legacy in motoring culture, while others encountered doubt and failed to gain traction in the marketplace.
Interestingly, one particular Ford sports car that initially faced resistance is now experiencing renewed interest, with market prices rising as collectors and enthusiasts reconnect with the qualities that originally made it noteworthy.
When the Ford Probe was first introduced in the late 1980s, it faced immediate skepticism. Originally intended to replace the iconic Mustang with a front-wheel-drive, Japanese-engineered design, traditionalists balked at the concept. The backlash was so intense that Ford decided to continue the Mustang lineage, leaving the Probe to establish its own identity …
(photo credit: HotCars)
