Faults:

I received my Ford Tempo in 2000 with only 26,000 miles on it. I thought it was in pretty decent shape, especially because the previous owner was my grandmother.

What hasn't gone wrong with my car?

First the starter went. Twice.

I then had to get a new battery and brakes.

Then the tie rod went and nearly flipped my car over as I took a turn.

Then the cooling fan broke and so my car was over heating.

Then the starter went for a third time.

The passenger side automatic window doesn't work.

Then my favorite thing was when my car had a fuse blow and couldn't get out of park.

And now pumping gas has become a 2 person job as the gas release button no longer is functional.

All of this with less then 40,000 miles on it.

General Comments:

This car has had many, many problems and if my grandmother had not given it to me for free then the money I have put into this car would not be worth it.

This car is a constant headache and I cannot wait until I can afford car payments.

The only good thing about this car is that when I am driving in the city I don't need to worry about people damaging it.

Faults:

Clutch went at 173,000 kilometres.

Replaced CV boot and drive belt at 178,000.

Body starting to get rust in places especially around the doors and trunk lid.

General Comments:

The car is only an adequate performer even with the manual transmission which is infinitely superior to the 3 speed automatic gearbox.

A poor handling car, lots of body roll.

Very fuel efficient on the highway especially with the 5 speed transmission.

The car is exceedingly reliable and repairs have been those to be expected on a car of its age.

Faults:

The starter went out in my 93 for tempo. I have changed 1 starter and it was on a 84 fiero. The thing is I cannot find it on my tempo and I also would like to know a walkthrough step by step on how to change it,

General Comments:

Good car want to change starter only thing wrong with it.

Faults:

Nothing major has ever gone wrong on this car. I'm a "motorhead" and know what to look and listen for, so I fix the car myself or bring it to the shop so quickly the repair is minor and inexpensive.

The one pricey fix I had to make was in 2004 when the air conditioner compressor stopped working properly at 181,000 miles... the shaft bearings finally wore out from non-stop use (Florida car). Replacement compressor was $381. My shop emptied my system for me, then I replaced the compressor. While the system was open I replaced the accumulator/dryer unit too ($144) to preclude having to do more work later. Both components took total of 2 1/2 hours to replace. Changed system to R134a refrigerant then.

General Comments:

For my money this Ford is closest to the Model T for owner-friendliness since the original Ford Falcon. The only part of the car I won't touch for lack of knowledge is the transmission. I do the rest of the work myself.

It's fast, comfortable, handles OK and fuel mileage is pretty good for a V6. Police don't bother a Ford Tempo, either, so I can (ahem) drive enthusiastically when I want to. In Florida, if you're not doing 80 on the interstate it takes forever to get anywhere.