Oh and for ya'll car spotters, here are a few key differences between 1989 and 1990 Ford Tempo models:
-Graphite Metallic Gray was discontinued after model year 1989. If you see a gray Tempo of second generation vintage, you know its either a 1988 or 1989.
-The 14" Polycast wheels received gray-painted hub caps over the black ones of 1988, 1989. These rims were optional on Tempo GL, and standard on AWD and LX through 1991.
-Fender decals for Tempo AWD were added in 1990. Previously, the only indications that a Tempo was equipped with all wheel drive was the two inches extra ground clearance and a small decklid decal beneath the chrome Tempo badge. Brushed aluminum panels with Tempo AWD engraved into the door portion of the trim, was a dealer-installed option.
-Cabernet Red was discontinued after 1989, replaced by a lighter shade of red dubbed 'Medium Red'. This shade is not to be confused with the much lighter red; Wild Strawberry Metallic (a popular color choice towards the end of the Tempo/Topaz production run in the early 1990s).

There are those who said this day would never come. What are they to say now?

I bought a second Ford Tempo. A battle-scarred beauty dressed in Oxford White, with GL Sedan attire. Here she is as of last weekend:






Here's the run-down of options, packages, equipment:
-Preferred Equipment Package #226-A (Tempo GL Special Value Package), which includes:
Light Group (footwell, trunk, engine, cigarette tray, glove box, and map lights)
Sport Gauge Cluster
Air Conditioning
Power Locks
Cruise Control

-Ford Premium Sound System:
4-Speakers
Trunk mounted amplifier
Cassette player with Dolby sound reduction and auto-flip
Backlit digital clock display
AM/FM radio with 12 FM presets, 6 AM presets

Engine: 2.3L High Swirl Combustion I4 (with MPFI)
Transmission: 3spd. automatic transaxle with FLC
Miles: 167,xxx
Power/Torque: 98/128




I bought it off a friend from school for $100, plus a tow home for $40. At the time the car wouldn't start and the transmission was said to be shot. In the past week since I've had time to work on it, I've gotten it running like a champ and determined the transmission is fine. Just incredibly low on fluid (running on less than 4qts, when it calls for 8.3) and running with a filter as dirty as sin. Its real rough, but I'm working on it as a project car. The list of to-fix things is long, but not expensive (relatively speaking).

As a bonus I give you some shots of my 1989 Tempo. She is running as strong as ever with 107,xxx miles on an all-original drive-train.




I also destroyed the motor in my 1990 F-150. Blew a head gasket, bent the connecting rod, and did some serious damage to the crank-case. Just last week the loan I applied for went through, and I ordered a brand-spankin-new long block 351 Windsor V8. When it arrives, I'm gonna commence swap-age.

Not bad for a 17-year-old? Three cars and money to spare!