Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  130K miles and going strong - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By milehigh - October 14 - 12:53 pm

  One-owner auto with 130,000 miles. Other than the notorious thick-film module problem, its been a reliable, good running/riding car. Biggest drawback: the 3-speed auto. that either screams or loafs. But it cruises the interstate at 80-85 all day and still gives me 28mpg. A gigantic trunk, great stereo/tape audio for an old beater and they dont paint em like that anymore (non- metallic red that still shines up great). Theres a lot of these running around Kansas so they must be pretty good overall if theyre not abused. I wouldnt take less than $2000 for this 17-year-old bomb, but it aint for sale!

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  The Most Reliable Car Out of the 80s - 1990 Ford Tempo
  By Explorer4x4 - April 8 - 4:08 pm

  I have had my 1989 Tempo AWD for a single year now. It has never had a problem. And I know the previous owners well, and they have never had any major problems either. It has always started for me, and its very reliable. I would go to say its the most reliable model made in the 1980s. I left it for eleven months. It sat untouched for that time. I went back to it, turned the key, started right away. Thats quality. Excellent first car and general daily driver. Fuel economy is average, reliability outstanding, durability outstanding, styling is good - average, power is slightly below average and quality is too great for words.

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  Not Bad At All - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By C Mor - April 4 - 6:44 pm

  I got my Tempo from my Grandpa for free. It was my Grandmas but she barely drove it. When I got it July of last year, it had 44,500 miles on it and is only at 50,100 miles. The body is almost mint except for the few small dings from the parking lot. It sat on a gravel driveway for almost 7 years, only being driven a couple of times a month. Because of that, its very rusty under the hood and chassis, but everything works pretty well. It has all of the original parts except the battery, brakes, and tires and everything seems to be holding up fairly well. Not too many complaints here except for the fact its a Ford and its old

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  1994 Ford Tempo GL - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Ben Kromminga - February 26 - 12:04 pm

  On the whole my experience with the Tempo has been a pleasant one. The exterior styling is clean but on the bland side. Fuel economy has averaged 25 miles per gallon, good but not terrific. Inside everything is comfortable and well laid out. Taller drivers might find it a bit cozy. On the performance side, acceleration with the four banger is adequate but not likely to raise your heart rate. It seems the transmission has no idea what to do when you stomp on the gas until it has thought everything out for several moments. The Tempo handles securely but take it slow through the twisties. Over all, the Ford Tempos greatest strength is in low cost basic transportation.

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  Hay it was a free car - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Red Neck - January 18 - 7:15 am

  I got this car for free from a lady, it was in bad shape. I fix cars for fun, so I took the car. Well $1,950 later, and tons of cuts later and it runs as good as it is going to for the high high miles on it. When anyone ask me about my car I say "The only thing I pass is the gas station". I say for a high school kid this car would be good, it taken a beating keep on running, just dont run into the curb faster then 5 mph, youll bend the body.

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  Avoid - 1994 Ford Tempo
  By Dave - December 8 - 10:36 pm

  This car is trouble. Ive replaced 4 tie rod ends within a year and a half and three ball joints within the last three months. It had a run-in with a hit-and-run driver and I had to replace the grille and headlight area. This car was designed by a moron: it took an hour to replace the grille (compared with 10 minutes for my 92 Buick Skylark). Inside its OK. Fuel: I got about 26 mpg when the tires were aligned and the ball joints and tie rods were OK and it wasnt burning through mass air flow sensors. Dont save the money or the gas. Also, the drivers side seatbelt stopped moving on its track and had to be replaced. In short, dont get this car.

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  Outstanding car - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By John - May 28 - 11:06 am

  This car has been VERY dependable since we bought it in 1993 as a program car. It is important to keep the transmission fluid changed every 30- 40k. Low maintenance, dependable transportation, well suited to commuting where an excess of power and performance is not required.

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  Ford Tempo - Works For Me! - 1993 Ford Tempo
  By Matthew - May 15 - 8:20 pm

  I have had little to no problems with the car. I did have to have the speedometer cable replaced several times due to it being noisy. Otherwise, while keeping it maintained, its been a perfect car for 13 years.

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  Ford Tempo/White 4 Dr sedan - 1992 Ford Tempo
  By Charlotte - February 20 - 9:29 pm

  This car has been very reliable with a few new parts along the way. Replaced tires, relined brakes, replaced calipers & rotors, headlamp switch, horn brushes, water pump, hoses, belt, gasket, thermostat, fuel filter, spark plugs, replaced front and rear transmission motor mounts, tie rod front right and wheel bearings right and left front, regular fluid checks, oil changes and tune-ups when needed. 4 cylinder, fuel injection, front wheel drive.

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  Great car for the price - 1991 Ford Tempo
  By john - September 24 - 2:22 am

  Ive had the car for about 7 months now, and havent had any problems with it. Everything works great. The motor, transmission, radio, a/c, no electrical problems. It doesnt even burn much oil for such an old car. I go at least 500 miles without having to add a quart. The only problem I have with it is the lack of power. It is the slowest thing Ive ever driven. Other than that its been extremely reliable and smooth.