1989 Ford Tempo review from North America
"I am glad they have discontinued the Tempos!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
How about owning 2 of them? Purchased the 2nd one 1 year later.
Between both of them.
We have had to replace the C-V joints on both cars.
Window and door handles, interior and exterior have broken and can only be purchased through the manufacturer as an entire kit, even though you may only need one.
Both cars leak oil.
Both cars are currently overheating when left running and parked for at about 10 minutes. This first happened to both cars on the same day, same time.
The air conditioner does not work on one.
Automatic seat belts are no longer automatic, and make a loud noise for about 10 seconds when the door is opened.
Have put in 2 batteries in both cars in the past 5 years.
Have replaced the belts and hoses in both.
Water pump has gone out.
Both cars die out when at stop lights.
Idles very high when turned on and even when you come to a stop.
Front end constantly needs to be aligned.
Recommended reviews
![]() ![]() | A mechanic's dream... your worst nightmare!! |
![]() ![]() | 1988 - Tempo GL 4 cylinder. 2.3 Liter alright if you do your own work on it |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1993 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 2/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 35000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 75000 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Calais |
| Date of Entry | 27th October, 2001 |

