1993 Ford Tempo GL review from North America
"The best car in its class in 1994"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The muffler had to be replaced about a year ago due to rust.
Nothing else out of the ordinary.
General comments?
This car is seriously underestimated both in terms of performance and reliability.
My father and I have driven this car quite carefully and maybe that is why it has lasted so well and for so long, but this car looks and drives almost as new as when we first got it.
The performance is quite stunning especially from 0 to 60 km/h (not MPH). Above that, the car doesn't pull quite as convincingly due to its lethargic 3-speed auto.
The ratios are too spaced out, which makes the engine work too hard to get up to certain speeds.
Luckily a V-6 engine was designed to handle that kind of pressure, but still, I would have liked to experience the full potential of this engine. As a result the 3-speed auto is my only major gripe with this car.
The 3.0 litre V-6 is a basic but reliable and strong engine, especially in a car as light as the Tempo.
If Ford gave this engine more power (about 160 instead of 135) and more torque (170 instead of 150) and coupled it to a 4-speed auto, I think this car would have sold very well for a few more years.
But even so, it is a wonderful vehicle that we bought brand-new for a great price. And the lack of popularity of this vehicle doesn't bother me that much. It's a so called "hidden treasure."
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 L V-6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 130 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 98000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Cutlass |
| Date of Entry | 1st October, 2001 |