Ford/Mazda

[SiXPuSHA]

Er, saying the 1st gen probe and any model 240sx are the same is like saying a VW GTI is the same as a v6 mustang. 240's are RWD, probes are FWD. The first gen Probe gt's were turbo, unlike the same year 240sx's. Different engines, different trannies, different bodys. Yes they can look somewhat similar at times, but they are not even close to being the same car

[blknite17]

The Ford Probe (first generation) had all Mazda underpinnings and powertrain. Ford continued to work closely with Mazda (and yes the are invoolved financiallly with the company) Look at the Dreaded mercury tracer and mazda 323 All the same with some exterior and interior trim differences. Ever looked closely at the Mazda B series pickups and the Ford Ranger? That should be proof enough. Nuff Said...
Cheers

[Hudson]

Both generations of Probe were mechanically Mazdas. The first generation had an optional Ford V6, but otherwise was mostly Mazda (aside from the styling). Ford's US-market Courier from the 1970s was built by Mazda. The first Tracer, as stated, was a knock-off of the Mazda 323 and the later Escort/Tracer was heavily based on the next generation 323/Protege. And, yes, the current Mazda B-Series is a rebadged Ford Ranger built by Ford. A number of Mazda and Ford products share parts (engines in the Mazda6 for example) and designs (including the upcoming Ford Futura which is based on the Mazda6).

Ford acquired about 1/4 of Mazda (then Toyo Kogyo) in the early 1970s. Their interest in Mazda has risen and fallen over the years but today, Ford holds about 1/3 of Mazda's shares.

There was nothing "dreaded" about the first-generation Tracer. It was a very nice little car.

[scotticus]

Someone tried to say that the new 6 is equipped with a Ford engine...

That's not really true. The 3.0L DOHC V6 in the 6S is *based* on the 195 hp Duratec V6 formerly seen in the Contour SVT, although the new 3.0L V6 in the 6S has variable valve timing, a tighter compression ratio, and more power (220 hp). More importantly, no Ford-branded model will offer this engine (despite rumors about a new SHO Taurus that was supposed to have it).

So while the original architecture of this wonderful new engine has its roots in a Ford product, it's very, very evolved from its predecessor. Certainly no one could claim that the 302 V8 in a 1972 Boss Mustang had much in common with that "same" 302 in the 1993 Mustang GT, could they?

You see the silliness of this now.

And to put this all to rest, Ford entirely owns 100% of Mazda Motor Company (made plain the first few pages of my 6S's manual). The Mazda 6 is manufactured at the same plant in Flat Rock, MI, where was made the Probe, MX6, and 626 for years. The Cougar is also made there now.

Someone else said that Ford has no connection with Nissan. This is also not true. In Avon, OH, the Ohio Truck Assembly Plant is the home of both the Mercury Villager and the Nissan Quest minivans. My father works there.

Cheers,
--Scott!

[drag_truckin]

my ford courier was mostly designed by mazda, yet was built by ford and thatw as back in 74