Ford Tempo: Price, Mileage, Features, Specs, Variants, Engine, Interior, History & More

Brief Introduction of Ford Tempo

The Ford Tempo is a compact car that was produced by Ford from the 1984 to 1994 model years. It was a significant vehicle for Ford as it marked a shift towards smaller, more fuel-efficient, front-wheel-drive vehicles with modern, aerodynamic styling to compete with European and Japanese imports. The Tempo was offered as a two-door coupe and a four-door sedan throughout its production run. Developed as a successor to the Ford Fairmont, the Tempo and its Mercury counterpart, the Topaz, were part of a major rejuvenation plan for the company. Its innovative design language paved the way for the highly successful Ford Taurus. The Tempo was produced across two generations for the sedan and a single generation for the coupe, with several variants and updates during its decade-long production.

Ford Tempo Overview

Generations and History of Ford Tempo

First Generation (1984–1987)

The first-generation Ford Tempo was introduced in May 1983 for the 1984 model year. It represented a significant departure from its predecessor, the rear-wheel-drive Ford Fairmont, with a new front-wheel-drive platform and a focus on aerodynamics. The design featured a 60-degree angled windshield and rear window, contributing to a low coefficient of drag. Initially, the Tempo was available with a 2.3L HSC (High Swirl Combustion) four-cylinder gasoline engine or an optional 2.0L Mazda-built diesel engine. Transmission choices included a standard four-speed manual, an optional five-speed manual, and a three-speed automatic. In its debut year, Ford sold over 107,000 two-door coupes and more than 295,000 four-door sedans. A driver-side airbag was offered as an option, a pioneering safety feature for an American car at the time. An all-wheel-drive system became available for the 1987 model year.

Second Generation (1988–1994)

The second generation of the Ford Tempo sedan was introduced in late 1987 for the 1988 model year, featuring a significant redesign. The four-door models received new body panels from front to back, including a revised roofline, while the two-door coupe retained much of its original sheet metal. The interior was also updated with a new dashboard design that placed the fan and wiper controls on rotary switches flanking the instrument panel. The standard 2.3L four-cylinder engine received improvements for more horsepower, and the diesel option was discontinued. A major update for the 1992 model year introduced an optional 3.0L Vulcan V6 engine from the Ford Taurus, providing a significant performance boost. This year also saw a minor exterior facelift with body-colored trim and grilles. The all-wheel-drive option was discontinued after the 1991 model year. Production of the Ford Tempo ceased in 1994, with the Ford Contour serving as its successor for the 1995 model year.

Ford Tempo Facelifts and Yearly Updates

Ford Tempo Variants and Features

The Ford Tempo was offered in a variety of trim levels throughout its production run, catering to different customer needs and budgets. The base model was the ‘L’, with the ‘GL’ serving as the mid-range option. The ‘GLX’ and later the ‘LX’ were the luxury-oriented trims. For those seeking a sportier feel, Ford offered the ‘Sport GL’ and later the ‘GLS’ trims, which featured a higher-output engine and cosmetic enhancements. An ‘AWD’ trim was also available for a period, offering an all-wheel-drive system. Interior features varied by trim, with higher-end models offering amenities like chrome and wood trim, a tachometer, and a center armrest. A rare ‘Premier Edition’ for the 1992 GL model included power windows and locks, air conditioning, and a cassette player. Safety was addressed with the pioneering option of a driver-side airbag.

Ford Tempo Engine, Performance, and Driving Experience

The Ford Tempo’s performance evolved over its lifespan. The initial standard engine was a 2.3-liter “High Swirl Combustion” (HSC) four-cylinder engine. A High Specific Output (HSO) version of this engine was available in sportier trims, offering a modest power increase. From 1984 to 1986, a 2.0-liter diesel engine from Mazda was also an option, paired exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. The driving experience with the four-cylinder engines was often described as adequate but unexciting, with some critics dubbing it the “Slowpo”. A significant performance upgrade came in 1992 with the introduction of the 3.0-liter Vulcan V6 engine, which produced 135 horsepower and provided much better acceleration. Transmission options included a four-speed manual (discontinued in late 1985), a five-speed manual, and a three-speed automatic. The handling was generally considered ordinary, and the ride quality was not exceptional.

Ford Tempo Pricing and Mileage

At its launch, the Ford Tempo was positioned as an affordable compact car, with the base 1984 model starting at $6,840. By its final model year in 1994, the price ranged from approximately $10,885 to $12,710 depending on the trim level. The Tempo was designed to be fuel-efficient. For example, some 1990 models had a combined MPG of around 24. Owners have reported getting up to 32 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway with certain models. Real-world mileage varied depending on the engine, transmission, and driving conditions. The V6 models were less fuel-efficient than the four-cylinder versions. Maintenance costs were generally considered reasonable for a domestic vehicle of its era.

Ford Tempo Colors, Design, and Dimensions

The Ford Tempo’s exterior design was a key selling point, marking Ford’s shift towards more aerodynamic styling. The first generation was characterized by its smooth lines and steeply raked windshield and rear window. The second-generation sedan featured a more formal roofline and updated front and rear fascias. For the 1992 model year, the Tempo received a facelift that included body-colored bumpers and a monochromatic grille. A range of exterior colors was available, including Performance White, Black, Silver Frost Pearl Metallic, and Deep Jewel Green Pearl Metallic. The interior design was functional, though some found it bland, with a lot of gray plastics. The dimensions for the first-generation sedan were a length of 176.7 inches, a width of 68.3 inches, and a height of 52.7 inches.

Ford Tempo Safety Features

• Airbags: A driver-side airbag was available as an option, a notable feature for its class in the mid-1980s.
• ABS / EBD: Information not disclosed.
• Electronic Stability Control: Not available.
• Crash Test Ratings: Not publicly available.
• Other advanced safety systems: Later models featured motorized front seatbelts.

Ford Tempo Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment options in the Ford Tempo were basic by modern standards, reflecting the technology of its time. An AM/FM radio with a cassette player was a common feature, especially in higher trim levels. The Mercury Topaz, the Tempo’s more upscale twin, was available in Mexico as the Ford Ghia, which came with a 5-band graphic equalizer stereo. Connectivity features like Bluetooth, USB ports, and large touchscreens were not available during the Tempo’s production run. Navigation systems were not integrated into vehicles of this class at the time. The focus was on providing basic audio entertainment for the driver and passengers.

Ford Tempo Owner Reviews & Ratings

Owner reviews for the Ford Tempo are mixed, with many praising its reliability and affordability, while others criticized its performance and bland interior. Many owners reported their Tempos running for well over 100,000 miles with regular maintenance, highlighting its durability. The V6 models received more positive feedback regarding performance compared to the four-cylinder versions. Common complaints included the automatic shoulder belts on later models, a tendency to understeer, and susceptibility to rust. Some owners also found the interior to be cramped and the controls to be poorly laid out. Despite its shortcomings, many owners viewed the Tempo as a dependable and economical mode of transportation.

Ford Tempo Comparison with Similar Cars

The Ford Tempo was launched to compete with a range of compact cars, including the General Motors J-cars (like the Chevrolet Cavalier) and the Chrysler K-cars (like the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant). It also competed against popular Japanese imports such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Compared to its domestic rivals, the Tempo’s aerodynamic styling was a key differentiator in its early years. However, its performance, particularly with the base four-cylinder engine, often lagged behind some of its competitors. Later in its life, it competed against cars like the Chevrolet Corsica and Dodge Spirit. The introduction of the V6 engine in 1992 made it more competitive in terms of power. In terms of value, the Tempo was often seen as an affordable option, though it lacked the refinement and build quality of some of its Japanese rivals.

Ford Tempo Awards and Recognition

• Information not disclosed

Interesting Facts about Ford Tempo

• The Ford Tempo was featured as a futuristic police car in the 1984 science fiction film “Runaway,” starring Tom Selleck.
• An early advertisement for the Tempo showed a sedan performing a 360-degree loop on a stunt track, although the car was securely attached and not driving under its own power.
• The Tempo was the first American car to offer a driver-side airbag as an option.
• In 1986, the Ford Tempo became the best-selling new car in Canada, surpassing the Hyundai Pony.

Ford Tempo Legacy and Influence

The Ford Tempo played a crucial role in Ford’s product lineup during the 1980s and early 1990s. Its introduction marked a significant shift for the company towards more modern, fuel-efficient, and aerodynamically styled vehicles. The design cues of the Tempo were a precursor to the even more revolutionary Ford Taurus, which would go on to be a massive success. While the Tempo itself may not be remembered as a high-performance or luxurious car, it was a high-volume seller for Ford, particularly in its early years. Its affordability and practicality appealed to a wide range of buyers. The Tempo’s legacy is that of a transitional vehicle that helped Ford move away from the boxy, rear-wheel-drive designs of the 1970s and embrace the front-wheel-drive, aerodynamic future of the automotive industry.

Ford Tempo Global Availability

The Ford Tempo was primarily designed for and sold in the North American market, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It was manufactured at Ford’s assembly plants in Claycomo, Missouri, and Oakville, Ontario, Canada, as well as in Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico. In Mexico, the Mercury Topaz was initially sold as the Ford Topaz, and a more luxurious version based on the Mercury Topaz LS was sold as the Ford Ghia. While not officially sold in Europe, its design was influenced by the European Ford Sierra. The Tempo was produced as a left-hand drive vehicle, consistent with the markets in which it was sold.

Ford Tempo Maintenance and Ownership Costs

The Ford Tempo was generally considered an affordable car to own and maintain. Its simple mechanical design and the widespread availability of parts contributed to reasonable repair costs. Service intervals were typical for vehicles of its era. Common maintenance items included regular oil changes, tune-ups, and brake service. Some owners reported issues with oil leaks and problems with the CV joints. The resale value of the Ford Tempo is low due to its age and the large number produced. Warranty information for new vehicles is no longer relevant, but when new, it would have come with a standard Ford factory warranty. Overall, the Tempo provided basic transportation with relatively low ownership costs for its time.

Final Words about Ford Tempo

The Ford Tempo was a significant vehicle in the history of the Ford Motor Company, representing a pivotal shift in design and engineering. It successfully transitioned Ford’s compact car offerings from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive and introduced aerodynamic styling that would become a hallmark of the brand in the late 1980s and 1990s. While it may not be remembered for its thrilling performance or luxurious appointments, the Tempo was a dependable and affordable car for millions of North American families. It served its purpose as a practical and economical vehicle, and its influence can be seen in the subsequent generation of successful Ford products. Though long discontinued, the Ford Tempo holds a place in automotive history as a car that helped shape the direction of one of the world’s largest automakers.