1988 Ford Tempo review from North America
"Less reliable as the years were added on"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The alternator has gone 3 times, seems to last only a year or 2.
The battery has been changed twice.
Main belt was changed once, alternator belt was changed twice.
Drivers seat is worn very badly.
Floor under the drivers feet and front passenger's feet is rusted right through (only thing between the driver and the road is the carpet).
Leaks lots of oil (not worth repairing).
Front end needed $700 in parts in about 2000.
Power steering works, but leaks fluid (just keep topping it up when it squeals).
Automatic transmission is starting to slip and not shift at the proper RPM.
Alignment has been done a few times over the years, seams quite easy to knock it out of alignment.
Have tried to keep it clean over the years, but it has been getting rusty over the last 2 or 3 years (seems to be rusting from the inside out).
Paint is fading quite badly.
Muffler pipe broke in half last year.
General comments?
The car has enough power for city driving, passing on the highway could do with more power however.
Has been quite dependable, getting worst over the last few years. This car has not been a daily driver for a long time and I would not trust it for a long trip. Seats are quite comfortable for an older car. Trunk is quite big for a smaller car.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1988 - Tempo GL 2.3 Liter 4 cylinder 3spd Greatest car alive |
| A great performer for an economical car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 5/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 100000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 173000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Chevette |
| Date of Entry | 14th May, 2005 |