1993 Ford Tempo GL 2.3 HSC from North America

Summary:

This car is awesome

Faults:

Starter went out on it 220000 MI

Front control arm bushings rotted 218000MI

Rear springs worn out.

General Comments:

I originally bought a 92 tempo from a friend when it had 200000 miles on it and I drove it around a while till I totaled it. I then bough a 93 tempo from the junk yard and put that engine in it. I now have 236000 miles on the engine and trans. and still starts right up every time I turn the key.

I have also designed many modifications for the engine and with the 5-speed trany it really moves.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 2004

18th Nov 2004, 15:33

I'm curious about the modifications you spoke of. I have a 1993 Tempo GL that is only my work car, but I wouldn't mind tinkering with it. It is one of the few cars I've had that runs noticeably quicker on high-octane gas. I also have a low-restriction air filter, but I noticed no change in pep from it. Sport muffler did seem to add some pep though, or at least sounds like it did! Looks like poop though. Solid body and decent red paint, but I bought it after it was hit into a tree, and has cracked windshield and bumper. All in all, I like Tempos more than I used to. Later! Oh, if you wanna, post some more details about the "mods". -Bye!

1993 Ford Tempo GL 3.0 ? from North America

Summary:

A good first car

Faults:

This car was well maintained by the previous owner. Since I have bought it, a few things have gone wrong.

I had to replace one headlight, which I understand is common. Not really a big deal.

The rear struts need replacing now. If they hadn't gone bad now, they would have eventually I am told.

The only thing I am concerned about is that the rear left brake has frozen up. Is this a common problem with tempos? I'm having the brakes replaced soon. The car is still drivable, I hadn't even noticed the brake was frozen until I took it in to see about the struts.

Also, a sensor (park-neutral sensor?) is going bad. It won't start or even try to start sometimes. If I put it in Neutral and then back to Park, it will start.

The car also makes a rattling noise when it is stopped or going at speeds below 25 MPH. I have yet to have this problem checked.

General Comments:

I really like this car. It is my first car and I only paid 1200 for it.

The interior is simple and easy to clean. It has a very basic radio and cassette system, but it is of good quality. I have had no trouble with it yet.

I really like the automatic belts. I haven't had problems with those, probably won't.

Overall I have found this car to be fairly reliable. A few things to fix and it should be right as rain. It may not be the fastest car I've driven, but performance wise, It's all I need.

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

Review Date: 27th July, 2004

3rd Aug 2004, 18:15

To take care of that terrible clicking, do a little research on a part called the harmonic balancer.

7th Aug 2004, 05:05

Read the 1994 Tempo review that is two or three thousand words long. It addresses everything that could possibly go wrong with the car and is extremely well written and accurate.

27th Oct 2007, 10:20

I had the same brake problem with my Tempo, the rear left brake froze up. I took it into the shop and they said I needed new brakes. I haven't had a problem with it since.

28th Oct 2007, 05:41

I am having a weird brake problem with my Tempo. When accelerating from a stop, the brake warning light comes on. While driving, if you pound on the brake pedal, it goes off. After each stop, the process repeats. I seem to have ample stopping power. Any clues???