1988 Ford Tempo GL review from North America

Car Leaks Oil Everywhere.

Stater went at 62,000.

Belts and Hoses (to be expected) But the Automatic tensioner on the main drive belt went at 65,000. changing the automatic tensioner on this car requires the removal of the left motor mount, who thought to do that. Just changing the belts, except for the alternator, is a huge pain and you can barely get around that fore mentioned motor mount.

Took out the catalytic converter because it was leaking and loud.

Sputters constantly can't figure that one out.

Replaced EGR valve at 64,000.

It used to die constantly at stoplights until I adjusted the idle control, but now I have to brake harder at stoplights to keep it in place.

Brakes and rotors were shot at 68,000.

Rear drums squeak.

I have gone through three alternator belts I suspect the alternator bearings are shot and the pulley is mis-aligned.

I need a new alternator in that case.

The transmission will no longer go into overdrive.

Left ball joint on the tie rod rusted out and slipped out ripping the axle out of the tranny in the process.

Right now the lights will glow and a belt will squeal at different times. In all fairness I think that is still related to the alternator problem.

Ripped out the silencer and exhaust re-circulatory system because it was connected to the catalytic and some of the hosing was broke making it useless.

Oil plug was stripped when I got the car and I had to take an air hammer and chisel a slot in it so I could get a piece of metal in there to knock it lose.

Emergency brake froze and I had to cut the cables so the rear brakes wouldn't be locked up.

Not a good stater in any weather. It always needs some cranking and flooring of the gas.

This is one to the worst cars ever to roll on this earth. If you are considering buying one don't. If you don't do your own auto work you will be paying through the nose, and if you do do your own auto work (like me) you will quickly realize that Ford didn't have a clue when building this car and didn't care about the people who were going to work on it. nothing is easy to get to. I would never own one of these if it hadn't been given to me because my grandfather didn't feel I was safe enough for my grandmother. Even though it was free I still consider it a curse and not a blessing!

Worst car ever!