1985 Ford Tempo GL review from North America
"Economical and reliable car, still driving it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This car had sit for 2 years when I bought it so it had some problems, but still would run. The brakes locked up on the way home. Had to stop and push the caliper piston to free up brakes to get home. I then put on new brake calipers, rotors, pads, and brake hoses. These are the rest of the parts. I got an alignment done. Muffler alternator spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor fuel pump air cleaner temp. sensor air cleaner actuator motor mounts I got a new fan not oem as they are not available and it failed after a few months. I had to go to the junkyard and get an old one, and it is still running. Transmission fluid filter and change.
Bearing had to be pressed in tie rod another muffler and tail pipe strut mounts throttle position sensor all three belts another tie rod end another alignment Had to replace driver's side seat Somebody backed into me and had to go to the junkyard for front end body parts.
General comments?
I bought this car for $350 dollars and have put another $1,950 dollars worth of parts and repair into it. The car had a good many problems when I first bought it due to it sitting for 2 years. I have had this car for over 2 years now and I have put 30,000 miles on it. Has never broke down on me yet. I have figured out that this car has cost me less than $100 dollars a month including purchase price and all the repairs. Try to buy a new car for that. The car is still running great and getting about 27 miles per gallon. Easy to work on. This car has good overall handling. The motor does not have much power for going up steep hills though. The manuals are a little better. I liked the car so much that I bought two more 1985 Ford Tempo's. One is an automatic and the other a manual.
Recommended Reviews:
![]() ![]() | 1986 - Tempo GL Basic 2.0 diesel Tempo Diesel has me worried, can't find info anywhere |
![]() ![]() | Underestimated vehicle with nothing to prove. A great first car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1985 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3 liter 4 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 40777 miles |
| Most recent distance | 70200 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 5th November, 2007 |

