1994 FORD Tempo

Wanting to trade it

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

I got it from my parents who got it off my grandparents, in my opinion a great little grandma/grandpa car where you don't drive it a ton. Things I fixed in the last two years: tie rods, struts, brakes, valve cover gasket, fuel pump (long story there) headlight switch, oil pan leaks, head gasket leaks. In all honesty it was an ok car (it drove the Alaska highway round trip and spent a few years up there) it did leave me stranded multiple times before anyone figured out it was the fuel pump, which shook my confidence in it, lots of little things on the blink, the headlight switch keeps leaving all the lights on even after replacing it. 144k mi, time for a trade and a little Peace of mind.

My Tempo is money saver

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

Hey, I got 94 Tempo and it's a great car. I dont see why people dont like it. Great on gas. Believe it or not but I get 37 to 42 mpg with my coupe. As long as you treat it nice it will treat you nice!

Not Bad At All

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I got my Tempo from my Grandpa for free. It was my Grandma's but she barely drove it. When I got it July of last year, it had 44,500 miles on it and is only at 50,100 miles. The body is almost mint except for the few small dings from the parking lot. It sat on a gravel driveway for almost 7 years, only being driven a couple of times a month. Because of that, it's very rusty under the hood and chassis, but everything works pretty well. It has all of the original parts except the battery, brakes, and tires and everything seems to be holding up fairly well. Not too many complaints here except for the fact it's a Ford and it's old

1994 Ford Tempo GL

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

On the whole my experience with the Tempo has been a pleasant one. The exterior styling is clean but on the bland side. Fuel economy has averaged 25 miles per gallon, good but not terrific. Inside everything is comfortable and well laid out. Taller drivers might find it a bit cozy. On the performance side, acceleration with the four banger is adequate but not likely to raise your heart rate. It seems the transmission has no idea what to do when you stomp on the gas until it has thought everything out for several moments. The Tempo handles securely but take it slow through the twisties. Over all, the Ford Tempo's greatest strength is in low cost basic transportation.

Hay it was a free car

Performance: 3 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I got this car for free from a lady, it was in bad shape. I fix cars for fun, so I took the car. Well $1,950 later, and tons of cuts later and it runs as good as it is going to for the high high miles on it. When anyone ask me about my car I say "The only thing I pass is the gas station". I say for a high school kid this car would be good, it taken a beating keep on running, just don't run into the curb faster then 5 mph, you'll bend the body.

Avoid

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 1 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

This car is trouble. I've replaced 4 tie rod ends within a year and a half and three ball joints within the last three months. It had a run-in with a hit-and-run driver and I had to replace the grille and headlight area. This car was designed by a moron: it took an hour to replace the grille (compared with 10 minutes for my 92 Buick Skylark). Inside it's OK. Fuel: I got about 26 mpg when the tires were aligned and the ball joints and tie rods were OK and it wasn't burning through mass air flow sensors. Don't save the money or the gas. Also, the driver's side seatbelt stopped moving on its track and had to be replaced. In short, don't get this car.

Wonderful car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is a lot of fun to drive. It handles well, isn't bad on gas mileage. Mine just got totaled in an accident and I'm very upset. With about 144K miles, it still cost me just routine maintenance! 5 speed manual transmission, brakes, engine, power steering, EVERYTHING original equipment. HIGHLY recommended.

Commuter car

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 3

Hi all. I bought this car with 140K on it two years ago. What can I say - if you expect this car to be a lot of fun then don't buy it. The only advantage of this car is its price. Don't hope for high mpg - it consumes gasoline in large amounts. 3 speed automatic is paired nicely with a low-end torque 4 cylinder engine. Probably this is the reason why the transmission survives that long. The car overall is quite reliable if maintained properly. So, my conclusion is: if you need a bit just a mean of transportation from A to B and you never drive at high speeds - then this is a car for you. Otherwise, steer clear away it.

Car has gotten me through a lot!

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 4

I've had this car for two years now and it has been great so far. I bought it for $1200 with 156,000 kms. It now has 230,000 kms and it's still going strong. The only problems I've had with this car have been minor. I've done regular oil changes. Tie rod ends have had to be replaced but the parts don't cost too much. It's gotten me to a lot of places. The experience I've had with it is that it's a reliable car. I mean it's no luxury car by any means but it is a good cheap car. Never had any problems with it starting up in the cold weather either. I'd recommend the Tempo for anyone looking for a cheap car.

I HATE THIS CAR

Performance: 1 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

this car has been in the shop more times than i can count. a very slight rear-end incident left the bumper cracked and scratched. it takes me at least 3 tries to start it every morning.

It Sucks

Performance: 1 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

Problems, problems, problems...had the transmission replaced right when the car was purchased used around 60,000 miles and same problem has come up again at 123,000 miles. Tie rods have been replaced many many times. Engine races in idle. Won't start when it's cold outside. Takes 3 or 4 times to start the car on a regular day. Don't purchace!!!

Ugh.

Performance: 1 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 1 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1

So far I've had to get the brakes done twice, a new clutch, tie rods, struts, and wheel bearings. And it STILL has front end problems! The engine rattles and the heater is lukewarm. The horn only works if you turn the wheel about 90 degrees to the left. The headlights are dim. It's uncomfortable-very little legroom & no tilt wheel so you have to squeeze yourself into it. And the cupholder's under the dash console & behind the gear shift. It handles like a snowplow and is scary to drive in the winter (if it starts). I hate this car.

Tempo -rary

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

Over 100k, this has been a fairly reliable, american car. My list: partial tranny $700 80K brakes 40,90 window lifters 6 of them (that sucked) tie rod, susp $400 70 starter $125 100 radiator pending a/c small fix thing Anyone who rips the Tempo probably is expecting too much from life. Anyone who praises the Tempo too much is delusional. I agree with the review that called this a good cheap car. Good for your High School kid to ruin.

1994 Ford Tempo

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Nine years is the longest I've ever owned a car and my Tempo never let me down in all that time; however the cost of repairs recently has made me decide that I didn't want to go through another Michigan winter with it. It was time for a new car so I'm donating it to charity where I hope someone else can make good use of the life that's left in it. I'll be saying my goodbyes to it tomorrow so I'm feeling particularly sentimental right now. Emotions aside, I've always had reliable cars with Ford and my Tempo lasted the longest and gave me many great times across long distances. I'm going to miss it very much.

my tempo sucks

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 2

THe first thing ford should have done is put a 4-speed automatic in the car. The car sucks on the highway and it sucks for passing people. Interior is ugly and uncomfortable. extierior is a cheap ripp off of the mustang (front end) Not the best car in my book.

She'll never die!!!

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 1 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

Slow on take off.

Lemonaide anyone?

Performance: 2 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 2

At 135,000 miles, the transmission is now shot, had the calipers stick (replaced rotors, calipers, and obviously bought new pads). Tie rod were replaced (all 4, just like my previous car--Taurus), a harmonic balancer, and a new tensioner arm. Did I mention the oil leak from the seals?

Tempo kicks a$$!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My Tempo is the best cheap car I've ever driven! It's comfortable, it looks nice (at least mine does), and it hardly ever breaks. It has bad pickup, but that can be fixed. And it's great for new drivers cause for the very same reason.

Great little car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I am a low milaeage driver in New York City. This is a great dependable car, that fits easily into parking spots. This car has never given me any trouble, have only had regular maintainence repairs.

Dependability

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned 2 tempo's and I have thought both were very good. I never had to worry if it was going to start in the winter. A little cramped, but what small car isn't.

Never Touch THIS car!

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 1 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1

I bought my ford tempo one year old, and before 50000 miles the transmission needed to be replaced. so i spent 500 dollars right there. thinking bad luck. oh boy was i wrong. then all of a sudden it got this noise in the engine that sounded like a coke can stuck in the belt. so i brought it to the shop and they fixed it, but then it came back louder not even 1 month later. come to find out it was yet again the transmission. then i tried to trade it off to a dealer... they said that it by itself would not be a good enough down payment for a decent car, and that i would need atleast 2 grand more to put with it to make a nomal down payment.

Tempo is a tough little car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Many people often overlook these fine little cars that Ford built during the last two decades. They really are decent cars, my Tempo is a work-horse, and extremely reliable. It's a fun little car to drive. Granted they weren't built perfect, but they are still nice.

good car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

good first car