1989 Ford Tempo GL review from North America

Automatic transmission crapped out, requiring a re-build.

CV joints on both sides failed twice.

Tie-rods had to be replaced.

Steering wheel mounted crooked.

Anti-Roll bar mount broke loose.

Throttle Position Sensor went bad twice.

Coolant Temperature Sensor failed.

Multiple seal failure, car leaked oil and transmission fluid like a sieve.

Fuel pump failed on highway, 200 miles from nowhere.

Paint on hood, roof and trunk-lid faded and peeled.

Mirror motor went south, but only for a while. Started working again just before I traded this pile of junk in.

Front wheel-bearings failed twice in 4 months.

Trunk hold-open spring broke.

Ate tires like Cheeto's, the car couldn't hold an alignment for more than 3 or 4 months.

Driver's seat mounting bolts came loose.

Passenger seat mount broke, couldn't adjust seat.

Radio display went out.

Heater core ruptured, spewing fluid and steam into the passenger compartment.

The car rattled like a can of marbles, when I fixed one, it would rattle some other place.

The car handled like a freighter in a hurricane, even with new shocks and struts.

This looked like a nice car when I bought it, and it checked out fine with my mechanic. I had maybe 4 months of trouble-free driving, and then things started to go wrong one after another. Dealer service was rude at the best of times, non-existent at worst. As soon as I fixed something, something else broke, usually away from home. I hated this car and I hate Ford for foisting it on an unsuspecting public. These cars are death-traps and should removed from the road at Ford's expense. I'll never, ever buy another Ford product.