1993 Ford Tempo GL 2.3L HSC 4- cylinder

Summary:

Fun to drive, reliable, everyday car!

Faults:

3 or 4 starters needed to be replaced over the years.

Driver's door switch for dome light and chime has stopped working.

Broken rear transmission mount, which was recently replaced.

Power Steering fluid leak at rack and pinion.

Proper steering alignment is difficult to maintain.

Needed to replace my harmonic balancer pulley. Old one began to chatter at low rpm.

General Comments:

Overall, I really like this car because contrary to the above mentioned, I find the car to be very reliable.

This car is fun to drive and rides very well for a car of it's size and weight.

The paint is the original, as is the clear-coat, and still shines like it's brand new.

The 2.3L HSC 4 cyl engine is a bullet-proof little engine and responds well to tune-up's and other modifications.

Interior appointments are fairly solid and well made for it's year, and all controls are within an arms length for the driver.

The headlights were a little restricted at low and high beam, a set of driving lights corrected this.

The car doesn't exactly turn on a dime, and the brakes could feel a little more responsive with more feedback to the driver.

Adequate acceleration after being tuned up. Engine noise drones inside cabin at highway speeds because of lack of overdrive.

All in all, a good bang for your buck, but require regular mechanical and body maintenance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th July, 2004

29th Nov 2008, 04:18

And I have the same car as the fellow above, and mine has been great. Service is the key. These are nice cars, and durable. If a part breaks on an older car, just fix it. Now you have a new part. Keep driving the car.

It is cheaper than buying a new one every time.

1993 Ford Tempo

Summary:

Good reliable car

Faults:

Muffler replaced, brakes fixed, radiator replaced and radiator hose fixed (all after 7 years) and now the transmission is being fixed. I like this car very much, it hasn't given me too many problems. I'm going to keep it until the day comes that it can't be fixed.

General Comments:

Very reliable car. Haven't had too many problems with this car. I just need to get the transmission fixed now. I'm keeping it forever!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2004

20th Aug 2006, 08:49

A Question: Did your mechanic tell you if the transmission problem was with the planetary gear? If so my 93 had the same problem. When my mechanic showed me the old part he also showed me about 15 others he had removed and replaced for 93 Tempos. He said that the pre-93 models planetary gear (and he showed me a couple of them) was 1/2 inch more actual gearing and didn't seem to wear out. The previous transmission problems with pre-93 vehicles was torque converters. Interesting.

1993 Ford Tempo GL 2.3

Summary:

Bad Tempo

Faults:

Replaced engine, computer, head gasket, fan and small tune-up items wires, plugs.etc.

CONSTANT overheating problem. Antifreeze was boiling withing 10-15 minutes of me driving less than 30mph. Fan was engaging than disengaging (was engaging at the dealership twice)

General Comments:

Bottom line: engine cracked and antifreeze started pouring in the combustion chamber. I had to add a gallon of antifreeze every 5-7 days. Spark plugs were getting wet, engine didn't start. After waiting for 10-15 minutes it would start and no problem. Had to buy a used engine for $1500, mass air flow sensor and computer to make a new engine work right with the transmission.

Don't other people have overheating in this car?The radiator is kind of hidden behind the "grill" and there is not much air circulation there as I thought.

I totaled that peace of crap and was even happy. People around me could not get what I was so excited about. A week later got Chevy Lumina and so far no problems worth mentioning.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th February, 2004

26th Oct 2005, 07:58

My ford tempo is doing very good so you just got a lemon of a car.

30th Oct 2005, 09:55

Say what you want to about the Tempo, but my 1994 White GL sedan has been nothing less than exemplary. It has made it through Hurricanes Erin, Irene, Frances, Jeanne and this week, Wilma, and hasn't missed a beat. Unfortunately, Wilma beat her up a little, but as soon as things get back to normal, "Bettye" (named after my mom from whom I inherited her from) will get a new paint job to reward her for her loyalty. Tempos require love, TLC and kind words and they will love you back:)