I have had my 1989 Tempo AWD for a single year now. It has never had a problem. And I know the previous owners well, and they have never had any major problems either. It has always started for me, and its very reliable. I would go to say its the most reliable model made in the 1980's. I left it for eleven months. It sat untouched for that time. I went back to it, turned the key, started …

Worst New Car ever!

Larry B., 11/06/2016

1990 Ford Tempo GLS 4dr Sedan

I bought one new in 1990 because it was cheap. Paint problems, interior problems, over-heating problem and several other nuisance items all in the first six months. Once went with my wife to pick it up at the dealership, cranked it and it sounded great. I was using the power control to adjust the mirrors and to my wife said "I think that they have it right now", just before the mirror …

good buy

Jevik, 04/28/2004

1990 Ford Tempo GL 4dr Sedan

had this car for a year and not a problem.. starts up no prob in the cold.. fun to drive.. good gas mileage.. a good reliable car.. and cheap on insurance

Buy this and learn mechanics!

AMPMagic, 04/12/2002

1990 Ford Tempo GL 4dr Sedan

I owned this car as my first and second car. First off it was a very nice car for the 300 I payed for it. But it was always needing to be fixed, but it was never anything major. It also leaked fluids too much. Good for a first car or if your not making enough to afford a real car. Side Note: Fluid leaks are normal for this car. get used to checking fluids and buy a PIG …

See all 19 reviews of the Ford Tempo

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1990 Tempo Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$175/month
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive

See all features & specs

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
0
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

1990 Ford Tempo Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

What’s new

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1990 Ford Tempo LX 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

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The Most Reliable Car Out of the '80s

Worst New Car ever!

good buy

Buy this and learn mechanics!

1990 Tempo Highlights

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1990 Ford Tempo Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

What’s new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1990 Ford Tempo LX 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

The Most Reliable Car Out of the '80s

Worst New Car ever!

good buy

Buy this and learn mechanics!

1990 Tempo Highlights

Safety

Related Used 1990 Ford Tempo info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Ford

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1990 Ford Tempo LX 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}