Faults:

I had to repalce the alternator.

I had to replace the alternator belt.

I had to buy a new battery.

My break lines gave out.

I blew my right front spring.

The weather seals are gone.

General Comments:

The car does not turn with much confidence.

The brakes are strong.

Accelerates to slowly.

Great heater.

They should all come with a block heater in Canada.

The inside is very comfy and fairly roomy for a small car.

The trunk space is great.

Faults:

Transmission destroyed at 198K.

Transmission mounts broken at 180K.

Panel lights stop working at 175K.

Transmission starts slipping at 170K.

Idler Tension Pulley cracked into three pieces; CV joints, A/C Compressor, A/C fail at 165K.

Radio lights permanently dim at 160K.

Heavy engine leaks starting at 120K.

General Comments:

This car was given to me from my parents in 1996. I don't know if they were at fault (they said they took care of the car), or the garages ripped them off (when I took it to my garage, it had 5% brakes, worn belts), or if I just drove it into the ground (but it doesn't even have 200K!!).

The engine started losing itself at 120,000, and leaked badly after that. it burned oil significantly, and at the end, it lost oil like it had been shot.

I had the transmission serviced six months ago, and it was apparently fine. but today, the transmission is dead, and no-one can explain how it went so quickly. it would cost $2500 to get a new transmission and fix the engine leak.

The car handled reasonably well in the city and during Canadian winters, but wheel alignment got to be an issue frequently after 100,000, as did stalling in traffic.

The driver and passenger seats are not good for the back. my sports-specialist / physiotherapist says they're some of the worst she's seen in cars.

At times it seems that the everything in the cabin shakes and rattles. truly annoying. that is, when the sound of the motor doesn't drown it out.

On the plus side, it had almost no rust to speak of after 13 years. and the heater can get crazy good hot, which is fine if you live up north.

Faults:

I had to change the alternator.

Little bit of rust on the hood and rear tire wells. This can be expected though, it has been running for thirteen years in Canada!

Top row of temperature control light burnt out.

General Comments:

This is my first car and I love it! It is great on gas and even though it is only a four cylinder, it has quite a bit of power.

The trunk is nice and large

Though the tires spin a bit in the winter, it handles quite well considering the size and weight. The tire spin could be eliminated through a good set of winter tires.

The interior is quite nice. The seats have started to wear a bit, but after thirteen years, they are still very comfortable.

Overall it is a great little car, with good speed, handles great and is very economical. I would definitly recommend a Ford Tempo L to anyone who is looking for a great car, for a very reasonable price!

Faults:

Very minor engine and transmission leaks. Started to use synthetic oils and it stopped leaking.

Back light for the radio stopped.

Air has burnt rad fluid smell. It could be from the heater core or A/C core.

General Comments:

Very good car with some pep and not bad handling (with good tires).

Great little car.

Large trunk.

Needs snow tires in heavy snow. but not needed if drive with extra care. Has never been stuck ever.

Light car that can slide on slippery surfaces.

By far great car with endurance and bulletproof engine.

Has taken a beating from birth.

A friend has the same 1990 G L and has punished it brutally for the past 6 or more years.