Ford Tempo - Definition and Overview

The Ford Tempo was introduced in 1984 as a midsize car. Available in both 2- and 4-door sedans, the Tempo (and similar Mercury Topaz) was an early example of the design philosophy that would bring about the revolutionary 1986 Ford Taurus. Front wheel drive and a 4-speed manual transmission was standard initially, with an optional 5-speed manual that became standard in 1986 with a minor redesign. A 3-speed manual transaxel (commonly referred to as the ATX) was optional in all years. Also in 1986, US models got standard CFI (Central Fuel Injection), Canadian models used 1bbl carborator through 1987. All wheel drive was an option, starting in 1986. It received a major redesign in 1988. The Diesel was gone, but newer MPFI (Multi-Port Fuel Injection) was standard on the remaining gas 4cyl.In 1992, another minor redesign changed the front and rear facia slightly, and a 3.0 Vulcan V6 became optional. The 4cyl gained a slightly revised fuel injection system, very similar to MPFI.

Tempos were built in Oakville, Ontario Canada and in Kansas City, MO. In the late 80s and early 90s, Tempo was among the top five selling sedans in North America, and tied the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for first place in J.D. Powers & Assosiates initial quality survey (1992). Tempo was the first North American-built car available with a drivers side airbag (initially only in government fleets but later as an option to the public starting in 1988). Tempo was replaced by the 1995 Ford Contour.

Engines:

• 2.0L Mazda Diesel I4 (optional 1984-1986 "GL")
• 2.3 L HSC I4, 98 hp and 124 ft.lbf GL/LX
• 2.3 L HSC I4, 100 hp and 130 ft.lbf GLS/AWD
• 3.0 L (2982cc, 3.5x3.15) V6, 130 hp and 150 ft.lbf (1992-1994 optional in GL, LX, and standard on GLS)