1986 Ford Tempo GL from North America - Comments

The car has been through three transmissions, since I've owned it.

Water pump has gone out once.

Armrest is wearing badly.

Seatbelt buckles have needed replacement. I got them from an '85 Tempo.

The liner in the trunk has fallen down.

Continuing problem with front brake pads. Usually they fly off while braking and I need to replace the rotor every time. Usually I replace the front brakes every 6-8 months.

Engine mounts have broken several times.

Muffler has fallen off once.

Was hit on the fender and driver's side door causing a small dent. This totaled the car.

For all these problems I love this car. Even with all the malfunctions in the past she is a very reliable car.

As many others have said: this car will just not die. It will run badly, and it will run worse, but it will not stop.

It lacks power, however, it has good handling, and relatively good speed.

The interior is in great condition, and is quite comfortable.

There were Sony 6x9 speakers in this car when I got it, and I'm pretty sure they are stock.

Nope. They had low-watt 6x8 speakers. I had replaced mine with Kenwood 6x9's when my stock ones caught on fire. I had to cut a hole in the package tray and drop them in from above. I sealed it with hot glue so they wouldn't rattle. That was the only damn thing on that whole car that worked the whole time I had it.

Good handling? as compared to what? my personal exsperience with these are scary at best and in the rain even with new tires is down right scary in my personal opinion they should be band from the road for handleing safty reasons alone!

My 1994 Tempo handles just fine in all weather conditions. It's all in the driver's ability to control their vehicle. Tempos aren't sports cars, therefore, don't drive them like one.

Tempos are really far from sports cars, I agree. But I guess a lot of people who own them wish they had a sports car other than the crap that supposedly everyone hates. If you hate Ford Tempos, Buy a Mercury Topaz. Much better cars. Probably it's because "Ford" is a "jinx". Which is basically what everyone is saying. The Topaz is really the better car.