1989 Ford Tempo LX review from North America

Everything was working on it when I first got it. even all the power options.

The starter and alternator went around the same time.

The check engine light has been on for years according to my auntie, who I bought it from. A picture covers that up nicely.

I believe a "module" is ready to die because it has recently stalled a few times just while I was stopped at a light for a few seconds or putting it into reverse. The rpm drops below 1000 and then it dies, yet all the electricals stay on.

My transmission was leaking an insane amount of fluid, which equalled to about a gallon in a week. So I took it in and found out a transmission mount was broken.

Also, the climate control interface has 8 buttons on a little panel and when it's cold, they are very hard to push in or they get stuck. Especially the rear defrost button... when it is minus a thousand out, and you want the frost off your back window, it does not turn on for some reason and it feels like someone spilt a juice box on the buttons. But when it's warm, the buttons work like a charm.

Even though this is an old ladies car... Tempo... who likes those?? I have to admit, it is a TANK. It goes through deep, soft snow like nobodys business (never been stuck). I bag drive the living snot out of it. E-Braking every corner I feel the need to when it's slippery. I hit a deer going at least 85 kph, on a dirt road and hardly felt it while not losing one bit of control through the whole thing.

The plush interior of the LX is beautiful and so comfy. Has enough balls for a little beater car. If it was a standard I would be loving it! I hit a boulevard in Winnipeg straight on going about 40kph and just blew out one rear tire.

The stock speakers are amazing, but it is the biggest pain to install a cd deck because it has a little tiny amp to power the stereo... but it's located in the trunk, above the compartment and every speaker runs through it so you have to yank that amp out, smash it on the road with anger, and re wire both the rear and front speakers directly to the deck.

Great car for anyone, and I feel luxurious when I'm driving it, except that my hood, quarter panel, and driver's side head light are still smashed from hitting that deer 3 months ago.