1989 Ford Tempo from North America
Summary:
Less reliable as the years were added on
Faults:
The alternator has gone 3 times, seems to last only a year or 2.
The battery has been changed twice.
Main belt was changed once, alternator belt was changed twice.
Drivers seat is worn very badly.
Floor under the drivers feet and front passenger's feet is rusted right through (only thing between the driver and the road is the carpet).
Leaks lots of oil (not worth repairing).
Front end needed $700 in parts in about 2000.
Power steering works, but leaks fluid (just keep topping it up when it squeals).
Automatic transmission is starting to slip and not shift at the proper RPM.
Alignment has been done a few times over the years, seams quite easy to knock it out of alignment.
Have tried to keep it clean over the years, but it has been getting rusty over the last 2 or 3 years (seems to be rusting from the inside out).
Paint is fading quite badly.
Muffler pipe broke in half last year.
General Comments:
The car has enough power for city driving, passing on the highway could do with more power however.
Has been quite dependable, getting worst over the last few years. This car has not been a daily driver for a long time and I would not trust it for a long trip. Seats are quite comfortable for an older car. Trunk is quite big for a smaller car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 14th May, 2005
15th May 2005, 20:38
Part of your problems with your Tempo is not driving it enough. Tempos need lots of love and attention. If mine is not driven for a few days, she kind of acts up to show her displeasure with being ignored. Once she has been driven a few miles all is forgiven. Tempos also need regular maintenance, including having the transmission fluid changed and a transmission flush every few years. Mine is a 1994 that I inherited from my mom. It only has 30,000 original miles. I just spend $1,200 getting the maintenance up to date, new tires and a new battery. She now runs as new and I drive it more than my 04 Impala, who now feels unloved and neglected:)