1990 Ford Tempo GL from North America - Comments

Alternator, Napa's fault for there cheap parts, also the alternator says made in Japan and that says it all.

Tempo is a great all around car that is better suited to around town driving then it is to highway. Tempo's have been known for there famed reliability and this Tempo is no exception, just keep up on the maintenance and it will run forever. The car is pretty comfertable, I have had others Tempos and found that the power seat is a lot nicer and makes the car a lot more comfortable. The 2.3 liter engine is good on gas, but on the highway I recommend driving at 65 even though in california the speed limit is 70 because doing 80 with this car and its 3 speed automatic really wind the engine out and the gas mileage drops dramtically. Tempos are also very easy cars to drop a stereo in. it takes little time or effort. all in all Tempo with its wonderful four wheel independent suspension, super effiecient 2.3 liter High Swirl Combustion engine with Multiple Port Electronic Fuel Injection and Durable 3-Speed Fluid Link Converter automatic trans axle provide you with the best possible driving experience money can buy hands down! I have personally owned 5 Tempos/Topazes and found them to be the most forgiving, easy to use, fun to drive, and powerful vehicles ever created by the ford motor company, I recommend anyone who sees one for sale to test drive one, and see for yourself what a pleasure driving a Tempo can be, I guarantee you won't be disapointed.

Opinions on cars are certainly subjective, but your own review of the Tempo is inconsistent with the heading.

Somehow a car that is not suited for highway use and can't go faster than 65 mph should not deserve the title "Worlds #1 CAR"

Period.

I'm going to assume there's some strong sentimental value here, because calling a Ford Tempo the world's #1 car is wrong on so many levels. Not only is it one of the most unattractive cars of the last 2 decades, but couple it with a 3 speed auto and a not particularly efficient engine, and you have yourself an early 90's beater. Try driving pretty much any car made in the last 5 years and you'll probably change your mind on the Tempo real quick.

I have to agree that Temps have there issues. They are low in engineering and high in rattles, but they are good for the prices they sold for, and if you keep that in mind they are a great value.

OK these people are right, the Ford Tempo is not the world's #1 car period. The mustang is the best! But that doesn't mean it isn't a great car. I have a Ford Tempo that also goes forever, two actually, and they both do 100MPH easily. The reason that guys car is so slow is because it's a California model that has all those eviromental protection devices on it that all other Tempo's do not have. Those things take a lot of engine power to run and they restrict performance as well.

Well Iam the person that created the review and the Tempo runs great on the highway, its just if your going 80 down the freeway your motor tends to turn about 4000 plus rpm making it lose a little bit of its wonderful fuel economy. I think it's a beautiful car, kinda plain, but that's why they made the high performance GLS/XR5/LTS model Tempo/Topaz with V6 engines. and if you have a 5 speed then highway milliage isn't a problem. basically you get a four cylinder engine that uses a bullet proof sixties style design with a modern 80s EFI system. I own a 1991 Mustang GT, but I still love the tempo, I don't know what it is, but I always enjoy driving it even more than the mustang.

I have one of those 5 speed cars. I drove it from Western Canada down to Arizona, then California, and then clear across to south Florida. I averaged about 74 mph with the car, though I drove over 80 at times. At one point of the journey which brought me through Texas, I calculated my mileage to be 36 miles per gallon. Not bad for a car with 220,000 kilometers on it! The other parts of the trip netted me an average of 32 mpg. I love the car for highway driving, and town driving as well. It is very comfortable, and there are no rattles or squeaks anywhere. Yeah, the Tempo is no beauty queen, but it grows on you, and you can definately jazz it up with body kits of you want. (many people have, and with great results)

My car still uses no oil, and continues to provide great service. My only mod has been a K&N cone filter and custom air intake, which I believe helped with the great mileage figures. (I know it sure helped with the power!)

I've owned my 1990 Ford Tempo GL since 2002 and it had one previous owner. It had 45,000 original kms, I know this for a fact as I know the previous owner. I have only had to replace the muffler in the last 4 years I have owned it. It gets excellent mileage and I find it great on the highway. Would not say it's the #1 car as I've been in my dad's car which is a luxury car and more comfortable, but it's also far from a 90's beater. Considering that I've only had to do one major repair to the vehicle in 4 years, and the mileage is good, I'd say that it was a car well worth purchasing. I'd buy another Tempo if this one gives out, but by the way it's working I've still got many more years to go with it.

I had my ford tempo four a year now. first car. it is a awsome car. got it from my grandfather who hates fords, said it was the best car he had ever had. he has had it since it came out. no minor or major problems. I got in only one fender bender and it was because me and my friends were driving it off-road and going 50 mph threw the woods and went over a hill and hit a huge rock. no damage, it kept running. only scratches. no one got hurt. we drove it out of there like it never happend.

We took it cross country and it was so comfortable with 5 people in the car. it is the best car in the world.

Until my nephew fell asleep at the wheel and readjusted a telephone pole, my 1990 Tempo GL ran excellent and only needed your basic maintenance.

I purchased it from a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays. I know this to be true because she lives a block away and is my godmother. 27,000 miles on the odometer.

Bought it in '02. Commuted every weekday 120 miles round trip for 4 years. No problems. About to buy a junker and drop the engine in. For another 100,000 miles of driving pleasure...