8th Mar 2007, 15:46

I got my 93 Tempo (for free) from my aunt who barely ever drove it. I got it about 5-6 months ago, either in September or November of 2006, and it only had 11,000 miles on it. It basically sat in a driveway for 6-7 years or so, so the only problems it had were from the elements basically.

I needed to get the muffler replaced because it had rotted, and I needed new brakes (the old ones were rusted),and the battery came dead.

So far, it's a great car. it runs pretty good, especially for a 4 cylinder. I think I need a new catalytic converter though, it appears to have rusted and is leaking exhaust, but that's due to sitting for years.

It has pretty good acceleration too. When I timed it, I got from 0-60 in about ten seconds. Although my timing method wasn't very accurate (saying one mississippi...two..etc), and I was testing it pulling on to the highway, so, don't use my estimate as a fact, just an opinion.

I plan on getting a tune up soon. I also plan on putting in a better catalytic converter, performance exhaust, performance air filter, and a few other things. Its really good for a first car. So I highly recommend it, unless you an afford a new car.

9th Mar 2007, 08:58

Sounds like a good score. Also, make sure you have your transmission fluid changed and a transmission flush performed on it. The transmissions in these cars are very durable, but need that maintenance for longevity. My 94 Tempo with 38000 miles is also needing exhaust work, but for 13 years, that is not too bad. Tempos just need a little love to be happy:)

30th May 2007, 08:57

A family of mechanics? But I assume it wasn't a family member that removed your thermostat and didn't replace it with a new one. You bought a "high miles" vehicle on the cheap, and then claim that the car (the car MODEL) is a unreliable heap of junk. This review isn't worth the time it took to read, if people are looking for general reviews as to make informed purchases.

16th Nov 2008, 04:43

Tempos are great cars.

They are reliable, cheap, and fun transportation.

Just give them a little care and they will look after you for many years.

As for the tranny, when did you last change the oil?

Mine was acting a little strange, and after I did the oil and filter, no problems.

Ford recommends that once a year, so every second or third is probably OK. But most people never change their tranny oil.

29th Nov 2008, 04:14

Any car needs servicing. If that has been neglected, then it will need to be done at some point. If your car was not serviced by the previous owner, then you will pay for their ommissions.

Having said that, the Tempo is one of the most reliable cars on the road. The transmissions are simple and reliable as long as the oil is changed once in a while.

I would drive my Tempo anywhere. If something does go wrong, parts and service are available anywhere. Example: radiator went sour, bought a brand new one for $190. Put it in myself and did the water pump for good measure: $39.

The front wheel drive setup is a little cramped to work on, but these cars are dead simple, and seldom break. I wish the new cars were built like this...