1993 Ford Tempo GL 3.0 L V-6 from North America
Summary:
The best car in its class in 1994
Faults:
The muffler had to be replaced about a year ago due to rust.
Nothing else out of the ordinary.
General Comments:
This car is seriously underestimated both in terms of performance and reliability.
My father and I have driven this car quite carefully and maybe that is why it has lasted so well and for so long, but this car looks and drives almost as new as when we first got it.
The performance is quite stunning especially from 0 to 60 km/h (not MPH). Above that, the car doesn't pull quite as convincingly due to its lethargic 3-speed auto.
The ratios are too spaced out, which makes the engine work too hard to get up to certain speeds.
Luckily a V-6 engine was designed to handle that kind of pressure, but still, I would have liked to experience the full potential of this engine. As a result the 3-speed auto is my only major gripe with this car.
The 3.0 litre V-6 is a basic but reliable and strong engine, especially in a car as light as the Tempo.
If Ford gave this engine more power (about 160 instead of 135) and more torque (170 instead of 150) and coupled it to a 4-speed auto, I think this car would have sold very well for a few more years.
But even so, it is a wonderful vehicle that we bought brand-new for a great price. And the lack of popularity of this vehicle doesn't bother me that much. It's a so called "hidden treasure."
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 1st October, 2001
17th Feb 2005, 22:01
Does anyone know why Ford did this with Tempo automatic trans.? (no overdrive) The '91 to present Escorts did. Thanks Ford.
29th Nov 2008, 03:54
Easy there. Ford made the Tempo to a specification. The idea was to build a really economical car to buy and own.
A three speed auto is much cheaper to make than an overdrive, and much more reliable as well.
AOD4 trannies from all manufacturers have had plenty of issues with the overdrives breaking in stop and go traffic, and they are expensive to repair. Also, they never shift very well, typically "hunting" for third from overdrive on hills, under load, and at intermediate cruising speeds.
The Tempo 3 speed auto will save the owner money in the long haul, since the slight loss in gas mileage is offset through a lower initial purchase cost, and passing on the usual 60-120 thousand mile $2500 rebuild.
Ford=reliable and cheap.
2nd Jun 2004, 10:15
Sonny chimp, the 3.0L Ford engine is the BEST engine ever built. It is nitorious for going 300,000 miles, much like the Toyota 22R.