1989 Ford Tempo GL

Summary:

Indestructible!!!!

Faults:

Fixed wheel bearings twice.

Inner tie rod, outer tie rod.

Fixed ball joints twice.

Water pump.

General Comments:

This car is a HAAS that won't stop running,256,000 going for 300K!!!

I haven't really fixed anything as far as the engine goes.

Never had a problem with radiator or transmission.

Leaks oil somewhat.

Can barely do 65 going downhill with the wind on your back.

I use it for work so I stop and go all the time, but the stupid things keeps going.

Gas mileage is not that great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2005

1989 Ford Tempo GLS 2.3 liter HSO

Summary:

Great car for $500

Faults:

Power windows were replaced.

Valve cover gasket was replaced.

Transmission doesn't shift right.

Head lights needed replaced.

Brake line blew at 80mph.

General Comments:

The car is very slow stock. I added an after-market intake and it made the car a little bit quicker. I've only won one race and that was against an Escort GT. I only get about 20mpg, but that's because of the way I drive. The car handles great, but the shocks and struts are too soft and its easy to scrape the bottom of my car while going over bigger bumps.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd November, 2005

1989 Ford Tempo GL 2.0

Summary:

For a car that looks like it does and cost what it does, you can't do better

Faults:

The water pump 665,000

The radiator which caused the head gasket to crack 70,000.

General Comments:

Rockin' ride, for the money you need to spend to get one. I don't know of any car I'd rather have.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd October, 2005

19th Oct 2005, 23:47

I don't want to be rude, but you can do better. A lot better. Tempo equals Travesty. Take my advice and sell it fast while you still can.

10th Jul 2006, 23:20

I just bought one of the great cars... I'm thrilled and everything runs perfect!

1989 Ford Tempo GL 4 Cylinder

Summary:

Excellent set of wheels and cheap to maintain!

Faults:

It was stalling quite frequently until I put additives in the gas tank to make it run better.

The air conditioning works when it wants to, but does not blow cold. Not a big deal.

The brakes went out recently and the left back wheel is stuck.

The driver's seat has a rip in it on the right side, but that also isn't a big deal.

The passenger side door can only be opened from the inside of the car. Not a major issue.

Rust spots have formed on the car over the last two years of ownership before I bought it.

The driver's side power locks no longer operate.

The check engine light stays on, but it will go off occasionally.

Mind you, I have no information regarding the repairs made on the car over the years. I am not sure when anything was done.

General Comments:

The car drove great before the brakes went out.

The engine runs strong, but does have her stalling moments.

The transmission shifts smooth.

The brakes will need replacing.

The seats are very comfortable.

The body and frame is indestructible!

If you see a Ford Tempo for sale, buy it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th August, 2005

14th Oct 2005, 02:08

You're right. My 1989 Ford Tempo GL has turned into a living nightmare over the last few months. When I first got it, the engine ran fine and the whole car seemed like it would last me a while. Three days into ownership, the brakes went out and I backed into a fence and hit a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am. A few weeks later, the engine stalled and would not start up again. I had a Mechanic over my house and he replaced the back brakes, the brake lines, the Ignition Coil, the Spark Plugs, the Spark Plug wires, the Engine Gasket Cover, the rear drums, the Oil Filter, the Gas Filter, and the Engine Filter and the car ran for a few days and drove fine, but stalled eventually and would not start up again. I was shocked at the car's performance even after the work was done especially with only 49,570 miles on the engine. Now I'm trying to sell it and I'll be lucky if I get $400 for it. I paid $400 for this vehicle and invested over $200 into it. I definitely take back my post above and I don't recommend these cars to anyone. Ford truly means Fix Or Repair Daily.

16th Mar 2012, 01:08

All cars have frames. Just some are unibody.