1993 Ford Tempo GL review from North America

Nothing major has ever gone wrong on this car. I'm a "motorhead" and know what to look and listen for, so I fix the car myself or bring it to the shop so quickly the repair is minor and inexpensive.

The one pricey fix I had to make was in 2004 when the air conditioner compressor stopped working properly at 181,000 miles... the shaft bearings finally wore out from non-stop use (Florida car). Replacement compressor was $381. My shop emptied my system for me, then I replaced the compressor. While the system was open I replaced the accumulator/dryer unit too ($144) to preclude having to do more work later. Both components took total of 2 1/2 hours to replace. Changed system to R134a refrigerant then.

For my money this Ford is closest to the Model T for owner-friendliness since the original Ford Falcon. The only part of the car I won't touch for lack of knowledge is the transmission. I do the rest of the work myself.

It's fast, comfortable, handles OK and fuel mileage is pretty good for a V6. Police don't bother a Ford Tempo, either, so I can (ahem) drive enthusiastically when I want to. In Florida, if you're not doing 80 on the interstate it takes forever to get anywhere.