1990-1994 Ford Tempo: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Ford Tempo and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Wet-weather traction (AWD sedan)
- Acceleration (V6)
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Handling/roadholding
- No antilock brakes
- Engine noise (4-cylinder)
Vehicle Highlights
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.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Tempo LS 3.0-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Ford Tempo. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Ford Tempo.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Ford Tempo:
Minor refinements to quiet interior were the only notable changes for 1991.
1992 Ford 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 Ford 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 Ford 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.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Ford Tempo includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Ford Tempo and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Ford Tempo is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
Value for the Money
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Tempo LS 3.0-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 39 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Tempo includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Tempo .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
If the car will not reverse in cold weather, the problem is likely due to reverse clutch piston seals sticking. (1990-94)
Automatic transmission:
The Teflon seals on the transmission pump support are prone to wear, causing the transmission to drop out of drive. (1993-94)
Automatic transmission:
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)
Blower motor:
Squeaking or chirping blower motors are the result of defective brush holders. (1993-94)
Exhaust system:
The flange that connects the catalytic converter to the front exhaust pipe can rust out. (1990-94)
Oil leak:
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:
The front springs may be too tall, which causes the car to shudder during acceleration from a standstill. (1992-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $450 |
| Alternator | $420 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $780 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $445 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $425 |
| Exhaust System | $215 |
| Radiator | $430 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $535 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $235 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford Tempo details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Tempo | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Tempo | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Tempo | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| 1991 | |||
| Tempo | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| 1990 | |||
| Tempo | $0 | $0 | $0 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford Tempo include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.9 | 99.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.7 | 177.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.3 | 68.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.8 | 52.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2511 | 2569 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.2 | 12.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | 15.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.5 | 37.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.5 | 41.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.8 | 36.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.0 | 36.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
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.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv I4 | 2.3 / 141 | 96-98 | 124-126 | 5-speed manual: 24/33 3-speed automatic: 22/27 |
5-speed manual: 22.6 3-speed automatic: 19.8 |
| ohv V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 135 | 150 | 5-speed manual: 21/28 3-speed automatic: 20/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: 19.2 |
| ohv I4 | 2.3 / 141 | 100 | 130 | 5-speed manual: 21/29 3-speed automatic: 22/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Canada, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford Tempo include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Tempo |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1994 Ford Tempo directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
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:
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:
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.
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