1989 Ford Probe I Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Ford Probe I ranges from approximately 1240 kg to 1375 kg (2734 to 3032 pounds). This variation is due to different trims and optional equipment offered during its production from 1988 to 1993. The lighter versions typically offer a more nimble driving experience and better fuel efficiency, while the heavier models include additional features that can enhance comfort and performance. The maximum authorized weight for the vehicle is 1730 kg (3814 pounds), ensuring it can safely carry passengers and cargo within that limit without compromising stability or safety.

The Ford Probe I provides a practical luggage space for a coupe, offering 340 liters (about 12 cubic feet) of cargo space with the rear seats up. This is a decent size for weekend trips or daily errands. When the rear seats are folded down, the available luggage capacity significantly increases to 1170 liters (approximately 41.3 cubic feet), allowing for larger items or increased volume. This flexible cargo space makes the Probe I versatile for users needing extra storage without stepping up to a larger vehicle class.

Standard residential garages typically range around 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) in width and about 5.5 to 6 meters (18 to 20 feet) in length. The Ford Probe I measures 4495 mm (4.5 meters or 14.8 feet) in length and about 1730 mm (1.73 meters or 5.7 feet) in width at its widest point. Given these dimensions, the Probe I fits comfortably inside a standard garage, leaving sufficient room for opening doors and maneuvering around the car. Its low height of 1320 mm (1.32 meters or 4.3 feet) poses no clearance issues. Therefore, owners should have no difficulty parking the Probe I in most residential garages.

The Ford Probe I’s width ranging from 1725 mm to 1735 mm (67.9 to 68.3 inches) helps provide a stable and balanced driving experience. A wider vehicle generally offers better road grip and handling due to a broader track width, enhancing cornering stability — critical for a sporty coupe like the Probe I. This moderate width also ensures the car fits well on most roads and parking spaces without feeling too bulky. This balance between agility and stability was part of the Ford Probe’s design philosophy to blend sportiness with everyday practicality.

The Ford Probe I is equipped with 205/60 R15 tires. This specification means the tires are 205 mm wide, with a sidewall height 60% of the width, mounted on 15-inch diameter wheels. These tires provide a good balance between grip, ride comfort, and handling performance. The 15-inch wheels help maintain a sporty look while ensuring manageable replacement and maintenance costs. This tire size supports the vehicle’s sporty driving dynamics and complements its suspension setup, contributing to a confident and controlled road behavior.

The Ford Probe I is the first generation of the model, so it does not have a predecessor generation to directly compare with. However, the Probe was introduced as a new coupe in collaboration with Mazda, designed to compete in the sporty compact segment. It effectively bridged the gap between Ford's smaller sport coupes and larger muscle cars, offering a fresh and aerodynamic design distinct from any previous Ford models. Its size and weight positioned it as a nimble yet comfortable vehicle for enthusiasts looking for a balance of performance, style, and practicality.

In comparison to similar sports coupes from the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Toyota Celica and Honda Prelude, the Ford Probe I is competitively sized. Its length of 4495 mm (176.8 inches) and width around 1730 mm (68.1 inches) place it in a similar category that focuses on sporty aesthetics without sacrificing too much practicality. The Probe’s luggage capacity, especially with the rear seats folded (1170 liters or 41.3 cubic feet), is notably generous for a coupe, offering more practical cargo space than many rivals. Its curb weight, ranging from 1240 to 1375 kg (2734 to 3032 pounds), is aligned with the segment average, providing a good balance between lightness and structural integrity.

The Ford Probe I’s aerodynamic design, characterized by its low height of 1320 mm (52 inches) and sleek body shape, significantly enhanced its performance and fuel efficiency. The compact yet wide stance reduced drag and improved stability at higher speeds, which was essential for a sports coupe targeting enthusiastic drivers. The precise dimensions facilitated agility, as the car maintained a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution. Additionally, these design choices contributed to quieter cabin noise and better overall driving dynamics, making the Probe I enjoyable both on spirited drives and daily commuting.

Despite its sporty coupe proportions, the Ford Probe I offers a reasonably comfortable interior for its class. The vehicle’s width of approximately 1730 mm (68.1 inches) and length allows for a two-plus-two seating layout typical of coupes, accommodating front and rear passengers with modest space. Headroom and legroom meet the expectations for a sporty compact vehicle, with the low roofline enhancing the coupe’s aesthetic without overly compromising comfort. The interior was designed with driver ergonomics in mind, providing a balanced blend of engaging sportiness and everyday usability.