Comments on: Looooong Term Road Test

By: sbullet89

sbullet89 — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:12:09 +0000

Well, yeah, I bet an alignment and brake job would solve a lot. I had a 1992 in this same strange color. But apart from that, it was an exceedingly reliable car. Took it to 170,000 MILES (274,000 km) and then sold it to someone else who may still be driving it. At the time of sale all major parts were original, it did not burn or leak any oil, and had never broken down in the 13 years I had it. It was pleasant to drive, but obviously not exciting. It was comfortable, quiet enough, powerful enough even with AC, and got decent fuel mileage. I had an earlier model, a 1984 (its first year) which was less than reliable. But this 1992 more than made up for it. I was honestly sad to say goodbye to the car when I sold it, because I was impressed by how faithfully it had served me and I was also proud of how good it looked, even at 170,000 miles and 13 years old — no rust, still a shine, and the interior looked as good as new. Yes, I am meticulous with routine maintenance and cleanliness. Honestly I think most cars hold up quite well if they’re treated properly. I then bought a Ford Focus ZX3 which was indeed a fun, rather quiet and refined, and much faster car and with 5 speed (much more exciting). Very satisfied indeed.

By: Mike Lehman

Mike Lehman — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:00:17 +0000

I have a 93 ford tempo red 4-door gl , We’ve had this great car 7-years, v-6 automatic on floor. We paided 950.00 for it . We only put about 2000.00 in it . He has 170,000 miles on him . His name is (Little Mike) He has minimal rust on front quarter panel and around wheel wells.He’s a solid little car.He has great heat no air , power everything..

By: Michael Schlee

Michael Schlee — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:35:43 +0000

Hey Mark,

Do you have one I can Test Drive?

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:21:15 +0000

I owned a 1994 Murcury topaz, 5 speed, it had 485’000KMS on it and still ran like a top, and to boot it off it still had the original clutch, the struts were shot out of the back suspension, behind the drivers and passengers seat there were holes under the carpet. the best thing about the car was i bought it for 300 dollars for my first car. the worst thing is i payed 3200 $ a year for insurance for my first car when i was 16. ANNDDD to top it off i had a stereo system that was worth 1500 in the car, it was 1200 dollars more that my car but i loves it.! to this day it is my feild car and still runs, i want to get some new parts for it and put it back on the road and relive the BEAST!

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:05:15 +0000

1994 is not that long ago. I used to drive a 1984 K-car. Had several of them. Now that is a car that autotrader needs to take down memory lane.

By: hudson duster

hudson duster — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:04:44 +0000

These things were so popular, I actually developed a bit of a compulsion; trying to see if i would arrive at an intersection and see one at all four points. Never made it – did get up to three once.

By: Mike "Torque Me" Blass

Mike "Torque Me" Blass — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:48:28 +0000

Sounds like this car needed an alignment or maybe some front end parts!

I’ve owned four various Tempos and Topaz’s over a 15 year period. A couple in better shape than the others. Mostly used as winter vehicles and grocery-getters, I’ve had nothing but appreciation for these compact budget cars!

The car’s interior is fairly comfortable and once you get used to it, the “lack of space” doesn’t become a real issue. Yes, the 2.3 litre (however bulletproff) is severly underpowered with a 3 speed auto, but the 5 speed manual (which I did own) gives the car a little more pep (not to mention incredible fuel mileage). Unfortunately the body and floor couldn’t outlive the motor, so the car has become a haven for foilage in it’s resting spot up at my cottage.

My current winter-beater and grocery go-getter is a 1993 Mercury Topaz 2 door with a 3.0 litre V6 and a 5 speed which I’ve owned for 4 years now. A much smoother ride with good acceleration, and better top speed than the 4 cylinder yet only uses a fraction more in fuel.

Yes, my ride is not pretty to look at. The paint is faded and so is the interior. But it’s been a reliable friend in the coldest of winter days and the hottest of summer months!

Thumbs up to the Slowpaz!!

By: JD

JD — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:55:24 +0000

This is great.
I had 87 and 88 Tempo GLs (and an 89 TBird). As far as I know, they are all long dead (although the Bird made it to a 2nd engine).
When I was looking for a replacement for my beloved 88 Toyota Celica GT, I became annoyed at all the SHINY Tempo/Topazes around this town (which has a Ford plant)…I actually considered looking for one. If I could find a shiny one for less than a thousand bucks…almost wish I had stuck to that notion – the much newer (big 3) 4-dr 4-cylinder I did buy (for much more than $1000) is already on it’s next drive belt, with less than 70K, and fuel economy is certainly no better than the Fords I owned two decades ago!!! Argh!

By: terry

terry — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:24:08 +0000

My wife has a 94′ Ford Taurus GL. We keep driving it to remind us why Ford, GM and Chrysler are bankrupt and Toyota Honda #1!

By: john hardy

john hardy — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:56:30 +0000

ive got a 91 ford tempo L ive been restoring.who has ever turned a tempo into a drifting performance car.i am and i love it.and if thats not all it has a fair back seat for the ladys .

By: Lisa Boomhour

Lisa Boomhour — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:09:29 +0000

My mother inlaw still drives her 1992 Ford Tempo, your article describes her car right to the T. She won’t give that car up, even though her paint on the car is a dull chalky white, but it’s still running and that’s all that matters to her.

By: Cory Egan

Cory Egan — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:24:21 +0000

I owned a 93 Mercury Topaz (Tempo Twin)for 10 years. When new it was a great car. Compare it to todays technology and you could wipe the floor with a SMART car!!!!!!
However over 10 years it was the most reliable car I have ever owned!!!

Great article-very humourous. Nice walk down memory lane.

By: Dennis Epp

Dennis Epp — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:17:17 +0000

hey this looks not to bad by way of the pics, this is not a major restoration project, buy it for a couple three hundred, put it on blocks under wraps for another 20 years or so, and you will have a head turner!