1993 Ford Tempo GL from North America

Summary:

Not worth the frustration

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th October, 2006

29th Oct 2006, 03:06

There is a gas door release in the trunk of your vehicle. Ford genuine parts are recommended for your vehicle as well as all fords.

29th Oct 2006, 03:12

You've learnt (unfortunately) the hard way that an old car with low mileage is not necessarily a good car.

29th Oct 2006, 05:44

Tempos can be temperamental. Brakes and a battery are normal maintenance items. When a car has low mileage, a lot of things can happen due to lack of use. If you take notice, nothing major in the engine or transmission has gone wrong with your car. These items are built to stand the test of time. I have a 1994 with 36000 miles on it that I inherited from my mother when she passed. I have had to have a lot of wear items replaced on it as well, but this car has never failed to start and get me where I need to go. You may want to consider taking the car to a different mechanic if they are putting defective starters in the car. The other items that you have described can easily happen to any other car. Don't give up on your Tempo. With proper maintenance, these cars can be quite long lasting. Tempos just need a little more love:)

1993 Ford Tempo GL 2.3 litre from North America

Summary:

When driven within its limits and maintained properly it is very good general transportation

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2006

1993 Ford Tempo GL 2.3 from North America

Summary:

It is a reliable car

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st March, 2006

1993 Ford Tempo GL 3.0 V6 from North America

Summary:

I may keep this car 21 years, the way I did with my '65 Ambassador!

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2005