1990 Ford Tempo L review from North America

Transmission destroyed at 198K.

Transmission mounts broken at 180K.

Panel lights stop working at 175K.

Transmission starts slipping at 170K.

Idler Tension Pulley cracked into three pieces; CV joints, A/C Compressor, A/C fail at 165K.

Radio lights permanently dim at 160K.

Heavy engine leaks starting at 120K.

This car was given to me from my parents in 1996. I don't know if they were at fault (they said they took care of the car), or the garages ripped them off (when I took it to my garage, it had 5% brakes, worn belts), or if I just drove it into the ground (but it doesn't even have 200K!!).

The engine started losing itself at 120,000, and leaked badly after that. it burned oil significantly, and at the end, it lost oil like it had been shot.

I had the transmission serviced six months ago, and it was apparently fine. but today, the transmission is dead, and no-one can explain how it went so quickly. it would cost $2500 to get a new transmission and fix the engine leak.

The car handled reasonably well in the city and during Canadian winters, but wheel alignment got to be an issue frequently after 100,000, as did stalling in traffic.

The driver and passenger seats are not good for the back. my sports-specialist / physiotherapist says they're some of the worst she's seen in cars.

At times it seems that the everything in the cabin shakes and rattles. truly annoying. that is, when the sound of the motor doesn't drown it out.

On the plus side, it had almost no rust to speak of after 13 years. and the heater can get crazy good hot, which is fine if you live up north.