Against 237 other 4-cyl cars rated 1995–1997, the Probe trails their 24.6 mpg average by 1.6 mpg, about $109 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1989, the 2L 4-cyl (1993–1997), does 25.4 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (1990–1992), 19.7: $437 a year apart.
Every Ford Probe engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 23 / 30 | 1993–1997 | $1,512 | |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 21 / 28.3 | 1989–1992 | $1,600 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 18 / 24 | 1993–1997 | $1,882 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 17.3 / 24.3 | 1990–1992 | $1,949 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1997) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1995–1997 | +$109 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,006 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1997 Ford Probe gives up 6.5 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 20.5 in the city, $451 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1997) | 20.5 mpg | $1,873 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6.5 mpg (32%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Probe changed over the years
The Probe peaked in 1989 at 24 mpg (21 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1992 at 21.5 — 2.5 mpg apart, or $186 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1997 car does 23.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 20.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1996 | 20.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1995 | 20.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1994 | 20.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,670 | |
| 1993 | 20.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1992 | 19 / 26 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1991 | 19 / 25.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1990 | 19.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,707 | |
| 1989 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
- Compare any two cars on total cost, not sticker price
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How we count
This page rests on 17 EPA ratings of the Ford Probe — 4 engines across 1989–1997. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,006. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1997 Ford Probe get?
23 mpg combined, 20.5 city and 27 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 21 to 25. Across every year since 1989 the Probe has averaged 22.6 mpg.
Is the 1997 Probe more efficient than the 1996?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Which Probe year has the best gas mileage?
The 1989, at 24 mpg combined (21 city, 29 highway).
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.