1990-94 Ford Tempo Review, Specs and Ratings

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Compact car; Built in USA, Canada

2-door coupe 4-door sedan

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

Good condition price range: $1,000 – $1,500*

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1990 Ford Tempo 2-door coupe

1991 Ford Tempo 2-door coupe

1991 Ford Tempo GL 4-door sedan

1992 Ford Tempo 4-door sedan

1992 Ford Tempo GLS 2-door coupe

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Pros:	Acceleration (V6) Wet-weather traction (AWD sedan)
Cons:	Acceleration (4-cylinder) No antilock brakes Automatic-transmission performance Engine noise (4-cylinder) Handling/roadholding

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-value-text”]Though no match for Japanese rivals, you still get a lot of car for a very modest number of dollars. If it’s basic transportation that you’re seeking, Tempos are still worth a quick look.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-overview-text” title=”Overview”]

Introduced for 1984, Tempo and the similar Mercury Topaz were facelifted in 1988. The front-drive 2- and 4-door sedans came in two trim levels for 1990: GL and GLS. A top-of-the-line LX edition came only as a 4-door. A driver-side airbag had been optional on 4-doors as early as 1986, though not many were installed. A part-time 4-wheel-drive option debuted in 1987, intended for use only on slippery pavement. This All-Wheel Drive system came only on 4-door sedans. A 98-horsepower 4-cylinder engine went into GL and LX models, while GLS and All-Wheel Drive Tempos got a 100-horsepower rendition.

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1991 Tempo Minor refinements to quiet interior were the only notable changes for 1991.

1992 Tempo A V6 engine became available for 1992 (standard on the sporty GLS), and Four-Wheel Drive departed. Four-door Tempos had a new monotone body and fresh taillights.

1993 Tempo The sporty GLS faded away, leaving only a base GL 2/4-door and the costlier LX 4-door. The new console contained a removable cupholder. An airbag was optional only with the 4-cylinder engine, and only with automatic transmission.

1994 Tempo Airbag-equipped Tempos got a new seatbelt layout: a 3-point lap/shoulder belt for the driver, but motorized belt for the front passenger. In other Tempos, both positions had motorized belts.

[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Engines”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text title=”Engines” disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-engine-section-head”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-powertrains”]transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”24″ el_class=”used-powertrain-text”]GL and LX Tempos in 1990 held a 98-horsepower, 2.3-liter 4-cylinder overhead-valve engine. A 100-horsepower variant went into GLS and All-Wheel Drive Tempos. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard. Three-speed automatic was optional, except in All-Wheel Drive Tempos, which all came with the automatic. The 3.0-liter V6 engine, introduced in 1992, developed 135 horsepower. Also that year, the base four gained sequential port fuel injection and lost two horsepower–but gained a little torque to make up for that shrinkage. The formerly optional, higher-output 4-cylinder engine was gone after the V6 arrived.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_table style=”style2″ el_class=”used-engine-specs”]

ohv I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)		2.3/141
Engine HP		100
Engine Torque (lb-ft)		130
Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual 3-speed automatic	21/29 22/26

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ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)		3.0/182
Engine HP		135
Engine Torque (lb-ft)		150
Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual 3-speed automatic	21/28 20/23	19.2

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ohv I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)		2.3/141
Engine HP		96-98
Engine Torque (lb-ft)		124-126
Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual 3-speed automatic	24/33 22/27	22.6 19.8

[/mk_table][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”engine-note”][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”RoadTest”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/1″][vc_column_text title=”Road Test” disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-engine-section-head”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”12″ el_class=”used-roadtest-text”]

With any 4-cylinder engine, power and performance rank as barely adequate. Torque is lacking for brisk pickup or top gas mileage when hooked to automatic transmission. Worse yet, the automatic likes to rush into top gear, then balks at downshifting for passing. The high-output four with 5-speed manual shift performs better, without much loss in economy, but fewer of those are around.

Though almost as noisy as the 4-cylinder, a V6 Tempo pulls smartly at all speeds and feels particularly spirited with stick shift. The engine also works pretty well with an automatic transmission, because the 3-speed unit isn’t prone to “hunting” between gears.

Tempos don’t stand tall in passenger room, trunk space, ride, or handling, either. Four adults fit easily, but the low seat doesn’t allow the most relaxed driving position. Confusing, poorly located controls for the fan and wiper/washer get to be annoying. Handling is humdrum, while the Tempo’s ride is nothing special. Easy-to-use 4WD put the All-Wheel Drive sedan a cut above many competitors, yielding impressive traction on slippery roads. All you do is flick a switch to engage or disengage the system. For enhanced roadholding and control, look for a GLS with its sport suspension and wider tires.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_content_box icon=”icon-road” heading=”Ratings” el_class=”ratings-box”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″]Model Tested: 1994 Ford Tempo LS 3.0-liter[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”18″ el_class=”review-slideshow-caption”]Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-performance-ratings” title=”Performance”][mk_skill_meter title=”Acceleration – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Fuel Economy – 6″ percent=”60″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Ride Quality – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Steering/Handling – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Quietness – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Accommodations” el_class=”used-accomodations-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Controls/Materials – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Front – 5″ percent=”50″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Room/Comfort Rear – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Cargo Room – 3″ percent=”30″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Other” el_class=”used-other-ratings”][mk_skill_meter title=”Value – 4″ percent=”40″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-ratings-total”]

Total: 39

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2-door coupe
Wheelbase (in.)	Length (in.)	Width (in.)	Height (in.)	Weight (lbs)
99.9	176.7	68.3	52.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity 13.2 15.9 5 Headroom Legroom Front Rear Front Rear 37.5 36.8 41.5 36.0

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4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.)	Length (in.)	Width (in.)	Height (in.)	Weight (lbs)
99.9	177.0	68.3	52.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity 12.9 15.9 5 Headroom Legroom Front Rear Front Rear 37.5 36.9 41.5 36.0

[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][mk_content_box icon=”moon-signup” heading=”Safety Ratings” el_class=”ratings-box”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-safety-model-tested”]Model Tested: 1994 Tempo 4-door sedan[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text title=”NHTSA” disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-nhtsa-ratings”]

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

[mk_skill_meter title=”Driver Injury – 4″ percent=”80″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Front Passenger Injury – 4″ percent=”80″ color=”#0bb697″]

Side Impact Test

[mk_skill_meter title=”Driver Injury – N/A” percent=”N/A0″ color=”#0bb697″][mk_skill_meter title=”Rear Passenger Injury – N/A” percent=”N/A0″ color=”#0bb697″][/vc_column_text][vc_column_text title=”HLDI” disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-hldi-ratings-head”]

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

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Collision	87
Injury	123
Theft	28

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Automatic transmission Description: After being parked overnight, the accelerator pedal may be stiff and the transmission may not upshift because the throttle cable may be out of adjustment or binding. (1990-94)

Automatic transmission Description: If the car will not reverse in cold weather, the problem is likely due to reverse clutch piston seals sticking. (1990-94)

Automatic transmission Description: The Teflon seals on the transmission pump support are prone to wear, causing the transmission to drop out of drive. (1993-94)

Blower motor Description: Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders. (1993-94)

Exhaust system Description: The flange that connects the catalytic converter to the front exhaust pipe can rust out. (1990-94)

Oil leak Description: Oil or sludge in the air cleaner housing, or an oil leak around the air cleaner and transmission area on cars with a 2.3-liter engine, is caused by a PCV valve that is not properly calibrated to the engine. (1992-94)

Suspension problems Description: The front springs may be too tall, which causes the car to shudder during acceleration from a standstill. (1992-94)

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1990 Description: Engine cooling fan on some cars could wobble excessively during startup and rundown, possibly rubbing against fan shroud, which could cause fan motor to overheat and damage engine.

1990-93 Description: Ignition switch could suffer short circuit, which can cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in steering-column area.

1992-94 cars registered in AK, IA, MN, NE, ND, or SD Description: During high winds, heavy drifting snow and low temperatures, engine fan may become blocked or frozen and fail to rotate; can cause smoke/flame, resulting in fire.

[/mk_table][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”hidden-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_accordions style=”fancy-style” action_style=”accordion-action” open_toggle=”0″ container_bg_color=”#fff”][vc_accordion_tab title=”Equipment Lists”][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″]Click on year to see equipment lists for all models offered for that model year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1990″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]Equipment list not available for 1990[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1991″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]Equipment list not available for 1991[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1992″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]Equipment list not available for 1992[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1993″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]Equipment list not available for 1993[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab title=”1994″][mk_table style=”style1″ el_class=”used-equipment-table”]Equipment list not available for 1994[/mk_table][/vc_accordion_tab][/vc_accordions][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Equipment” visibility=”visible-sm”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ title=”Equipment Lists”]Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section][mk_page_section attachment=”scroll” bg_position=”left top” bg_repeat=”repeat” bg_stretch=”false” enable_3d=”false” speed_factor=”4″ bg_video=”no” video_mask=”false” video_opacity=”0.6″ top_shadow=”false” section_layout=”full” sidebar=”General” min_height=”100″ padding_top=”10″ padding_bottom=”10″ margin_bottom=”0″ first_page=”false” last_page=”true” section_id=”Pricing”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text disable_pattern=”true” align=”left” margin_bottom=”0″ el_class=”used-pricing-text” title=”Pricing”]Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/mk_page_section]