1992 Ford Tempo GL 2.3 HSC from North America

Summary:

A great reliable and underrated car

Faults:

I had 2 front ball joints to change when I bought it.

At 117 000 km, I had my 2 rear shocks and coil springs changed.

I replaced the brakes at 122 000 km, they were still the original ones.

General Comments:

When I first saw this car, it didn't look very appealing. I was shopping for a reliable and economic Ford car and found my '92 2-doors Tempo GL at the Ford dealer. It was listed at CAN 1250$ and had only 116 200 km on it. It was manual and the interior was very clean, but the exterior was now more pink than red, with some rust spots.

Finally, I bought it and polished it right after. Now it looks at least better, while waiting to do the body job this next summer.

The previous owner didn't take care too much of the car, the ball joints were shot, the rear coil springs were broken and I discovered that the brakes had never been changed in 11 years. But that's only normal wear, no abnormal problem.

For the rest, I love my car, not half as fast and as a good road handling than the V6 Mystique of my mother, but a lot better than I expected from a Tempo.

A very underrated car, it can handle the road very well, gives a smooth ride, very pleasant to drive.

The 4 cylinders isn't very powerful, but it can give some pretty quick accelerations with my manual, especially on the highway.

I just made a 2400km road trip and it went without a glitch, gave me a good gas mileage and the engine run like a new one.

A very reliable car, I hope to keep her for the next 3 years!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th November, 2002

1992 Ford Tempo GL 2.3L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

The Ford Tempo is a great inexpensive car, well suited for city driving

Faults:

Crank shaft damper warped at 87,000 miles.

Electronic Vacuum Regulator needed to be replaced at 90,000 miles.

Exhaust Pressure Sensor needed to be replaced at 93,000 miles.

General Comments:

The previous owners took very good care of this car.

The interior was comfortable with lots of room inside. The low center console and dash styling contributed to this open feeling inside. Only real downfall was the lack of cup holders inside.

The engine put out plenty of power and didn't suck down too much gas.

The 3 speed automatic shifted smoothly, although a 4 speed automatic would have helped performance and fuel economy.

The car handled great and had a smooth ride.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd November, 2002

1992 Ford Tempo GL 4 cyclinder from North America

Summary:

The worst car ever made

Faults:

The brakes have needed replaced five times.

The starter needed replaced twice.

The alternator was replaced.

The fuel line needed replaced twice.

There was a lot more, I just can't remember it right now.

General Comments:

I bought the car for $1300. I have spent about three times that much in parts and labor to fix it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th October, 2002

31st Dec 2002, 14:36

My name is Eddie. I have had my red 1992 Ford tempo for 7 years. the only thing ever done to it was put a new battery in. I run the car extremly hard. A lot of my friends say I have a heavy foot. I am also a mechanic, and I would rather push a ford than drive any general motors product. As a mechanic I know that the key to a great running car maintenance. I change my oil once a month, and drain the old gunk out of the gas tank every 6 months, replaced the fuel filter every time I drain the tank. a good secret is putting 2 bottles of rubbing alchohol in your gas tank every month. it cleans gas and fuel injectors, and promotes great gas mileage. maybe you just bought a bad car.

1992 Ford Tempo GLS 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

Rare and reliable

Faults:

At 200 000 km brakes and clutch were done.

At 320 000 km Brakes and shocks, as well as water pump.

At 350 000 km strut assembly was replaced.

General Comments:

Very very very reliable. Freakishly so.

Body is starting to rot, but that's expected after so long in Canada.

Quick car when new, but not so quick after 360 000 kms. Average acceleration now.

This car shows no signs of giving up, so it will be driven probably for the next 100 000 km.

I have seen only 1 other tempo GLS V6 5 spd in the 10 years I have owned it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2002

22nd Jan 2003, 14:40

I have a 1993 V6 Automatic Tempo too!!

4th Feb 2004, 21:24

I have a 1992 tempo gls 5-speed coupe.a/c, cruise, tilt, power drivers seat, int. wipers, power lumbar, power locks, and I love it. if you like "sleepers", this is the perfect car. who expects a tempo to smoke newer civics and other "imports"?

24th Jun 2007, 01:08

I had a 1994 Ford Tempo with a V6 and a 5 Speed, that was a fast car, I miss my car.