1994 Ford Tempo GL from North America - Comments

2002-

The tires became unsafe (low tread).

Battery Went dead.

Wipers worn out.

Master cylinder began to leak, later replaced at brake overhaul.

Calipers collapsed.

Brake pads exploded (literally fell off the car).

Rotors were damaged due to brake pad incident.

Return Line broke open.

Speedometer cable broke.

Speed sensor broke.

Negative battery cable snapped at terminal due to corrosion, replaced connector.

Rear brakes became unsafe.

Headlight (passenger) burned out.

Brake lights (high mount) went out.

Water pump went bad.

Serpentine belt snapped.

Spark plug ceramic exploded.

Spark plug wires were giving out a lot of interference.

Upper radiator hose exploded.

Lower radiator hose grew a leak.

All other General Maintenance.

2003-

Thermostat died.

TV linkage worn out.

Wiper blades worn out.

Brake pads exploded (Yes, again!).

Rotor damaged due to brake pads (Again).

Car currently-

Leaks water into the interior.

Has bad speedometer drive gear.

Has bad speedometer driven gear.

Back-lighting for fuel gauge not working.

Back-lighting for upper portion of temp. control not working.

Tires are worn again.

Exhaust has a nasty sound.

The list for what has went wrong with the car is incomplete. There has been so many problems with this car. There is very little performance, its like having a gerbil on a wheel under the hood. Too much maintenance that always has to be done. My father told me when I bought this car, that I would get some serious experience with Ford and its cars. Man, was he ever right, every week, its something new. The car has a horrible suspension system for example handling corners, well, it just doesn't happen. This car, is not worth anyones time or money, go buy a real car, a GM.

I seriously doubt that you experienced all of the problems that you say you have encountered. If you like GM cars so much, then why don't you buy one, and quit running your mouth and whining about your foolish mistakes; because no-one cares.

I think there is a production lines belief that in 100 produced cars there will be one which is not worth even a shilling.. Such cars are bad frustrating and a total disappointment. I guess you got ur hands on one such car.. It happened with me with Yamaha bike some years ago.. But I still agree Yamaha makes good sports bikes.

I agree with your comments on this car. I, myself have a ford tempo. I got it for free, but in was in good condition. However one of the motor mounts was about to give out. About three weeks after I had the car, the mount broke and when it broke, it snapped my speedometer cable, it kinked up my throttle cable, and loosened the alternator, making it stall at startup every now and then. To tell you the truth, I don't think this car is worth anything. However, everyone knows that the tempo was one of the worst cars ford ever made. most other cars made by fo0rd are great, such as my dad's F-150. It has 150,000 miles on it without any problems, just basic oil changes.

I have a '94 Ford Tempo that has 140,000 miles on it & it has had a few problems but nothing major. It vibrates you to death which I was told by 3 shops it was the engine mounts. Two have been replaced & it still does it. I'm going to replace the trans. mount myself this time. It's an automatic & has no overdrive as people know with a Tempo auto trans. It sounds like it's going to blow at 60 m.p.h. The worst thing Ford had done with these cars.

Practically everything on this guy's list is a maintenance item. 8 year old car and he's whining about burned out bulbs and worn out wipers and tires. The brake problems could easily be from poor quality replacement parts or do-it-yourself type fixing.

Mom's got one of these beasts and, except for exhaust system replacement every 3-4 years, and one fuel pump at 190,000 miles - it has never needed anything more than normal consumables. It does not leak fluids or eat tires, brakes or wipers. 33mpg...starts every time. Original engine, trans, axles, etc.

I've owned a 94 Ford Tempo Gl for 4 years and I love this car. Most of the repairs that you listed were normal maintenance for cars and the majority of the remaining repairs could have been prevented. I have had to repair the struts, tires and harmonic balancer, but other than that have had no major repairs. The only other problem I have ever had is that it likes to eat battery cables and terminals, but those are quick cheap fixes. I've put on appx 50,000 miles and look forward to the next 50,000.