1989 Ford Tempo GL review from North America
"Worth the problems? Maybe"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Stalls on startup, sometimes at stop signs/lights.
Emergency brake doesn't work.
A/C went out early. Fixed at about 70,000 miles, broke again before 80,000.
Transmission went out.
Alternator out 2 times.
Fan belt has to be the worst problem, squealed for years, replaced multiple times.
Oil leaks.
Headlights and dash lights are far too dim.
Before replacing tranny, the battery was replaced multiple times.
Automatic seatbelts make a lot of ugly noises.
Not really a fault more than a quirk, but quite a loud engine.
Tires go fast.
With no hands on the steering wheel, has the tendency to move right fast.
Steering wheel shakes badly at higher speeds.
General comments?
The first few years were smooth running, the next few ran into a few problems, tranny etc. Lately has been as reliable as any other car on the road.
Although, I wouldn't trust it ever.
I don't like to drive for a period of over 2 hours due to overheating, and I'd never EVER take this car on a roadtrip.
Tempo pride baby.
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| 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? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1989 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 3/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 191847 miles |
| Date of Entry | 2nd July, 2002 |