We got an '89 Ford Tempo, about four years ago, used and it has been an extremely faithful, daily driver and long distance trip car, during cooler temps (ours doesn't like hot temps, anymore, but we live in a cooler climate, so it's a good daily driver, for us in the summer). The standard headlights are crap and all, but useless. However, if you add some blue white fog lamps, it really makes a difference. We live in a foggy area, but no one has flashed us brights, even when it hasn't been foggy.

We've put loads of miles (about 60,000) on the car and my husband isn't one to rush to get things repaired, right away, still this car has hung in there and come through for us, year after year, with a small initial investment, under $1,000. We've put less than that in repairs to keep it on the road, in four years. the A/C is pretty crappy, too, but since the car stalls in warmer weather, it isn't a problem, we just don't drive it to warmer climates, especially during the day. We have AAA, just in case, but that goes for any car, no car is above breakdown or not starting.

We've driven the car from upper NC to Florida and only had problems on the warmest day, while we were there in the Fall. Once it cooled off, the car drove fine. We have no idea what causes this and some have speculated, but when you know your car, it isn't a problem. We have an older Mercedes, that is exactly opposite, it loves warmer climates and doesn't do so well in colder climates, so it's the perfect compliment car.

I don't think it's a piece of crap, at all, it looks good for the age of the car and isn't one of those ugly squared off cars. It's really roomy inside, compared to newer cars, also and our interior is in fine condition, no slumping or stickiness, perfect shape. Sure, it's not a sexy super sporty car, but these cars can be dependable decent looking transportation. They are cheap to repair, when needed and with the addition of white/blue fog lights, the worst problem they have is taken care of, quite well. I realize our car was a one owner and well maintained, before we got it, but this goes for any used car, right? Full coverage insurance is cheap, too.

The only "chicks" who would "dig" the Tempo would be blind ones.

I have a 1988 gold Tempo with 225,000 miles. Two small spots of rust, a new clutch at 195,000 (did it myself for $75) and some front end work at about 200,000 ($300). Still runs smooth and the A/C is cold. Still cranking out 30 mpg on the highway. Don't know about the chicks anymore. I am married with 3 kids. But it does my 80 miles a-day work route with no problem.

Haha.. great review, thanks for the laughs -- picking up my 1989 Tempo for 600 bucks tomorrow.