Ford Tempo
Template:Short description Template:Infobox automobile
The Ford Tempo is a compact car that was manufactured by Ford from the 1984 to 1994 model years. The successor of the Ford Fairmont, the Tempo is the fourth generation of compact cars sold by Ford in North America, marking both its downsizing and adoption of front-wheel drive. Through its entire production, the Tempo was sold as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan; Lincoln-Mercury marketed the model line as its Mercury Topaz divisional counterpart.
Deriving its chassis underpinnings and powertrain from the Ford Escort, the Tempo marked the introduction of aerodynamic exterior designs for a Ford sedan line. First seen on European Ford Sierra hatchbacks and the 1983 redesign of the Ford Thunderbird coupe, the design language was advanced further with the introduction of the larger Ford Taurus (introduced for 1986).<ref name="usitc-1712" /> The first Ford car line to offer all-wheel drive as an option, the Tempo was also the first American automobile to offer a driver-side airbag as an option.
Produced across multiple facilities in North America, the Tempo/Topaz was produced in a single generation of two-doors; two generations of four-door sedans were produced. For the 1995 model year, the Tempo/Topaz four-door sedan was replaced by the Ford Contour (and Mercury Mystique), developed from the Ford Mondeo;<ref name="digmanbook"/><ref name="wc-sep1995"/> the two-door Tempo was not directly replaced.
Development
In the late 1970s Ford began planning to replace their compact rear wheel drive Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr models with a new smaller front wheel drive (FWD) car.<ref name="nyt-dec1985"/> This new compact was expected to compete in the marketplace with General Motors' X-Body, but wound up more similar to GM's J-cars.<ref name="csm-dec1982"/> Ford's chief development engineer for the new car was Ed Cascardo.<ref name="ps-mar1983"/>
The Tempo and Topaz chassis shared some parts with the front-wheel-drive platform used on the first North American Ford Escort, but with a wheelbase stretched by Template:Cvt and distinctive new bodies. There were few common components due to the Tempo and Topaz's larger size.<ref name="csm-dec1982"/> Switching to front-wheel drive freed up interior space that would have otherwise been lost to accommodate a driveshaft and rear differential.
Wind tunnel testing on the Tempo began in December 1978. More than 450 hours of testing resulted in over 950 different design changes. The Tempo and Topaz both featured windshields inclined at a 60° angle and aircraft-inspired door frames, two features that had both appeared on the Thunderbird and Cougar in 1983. The door frames wrapped up into the roofline, which improved sealing, allowed for hidden drip rails, and cleaned up the A-pillar area of the car. The rear track was widened, improving aerodynamic efficiency. The front grille was laid back and the leading edge of the hood was tuned for aerodynamic cleanliness. The wheels were pushed out to the corners of the body, reducing turbulence. The cars' backlights were also laid down at 60°, and the rear deck was raised, reducing drag and resulting in greater fuel efficiency. Viewed from the side, the raised trunk imparted a wedge stance to the car which was especially prominent on the two-door coupes. The aerodynamic work resulted in a coefficient of drag (<math>\scriptstyle C_\mathrm d\,</math>) of 0.36 for the two-door Tempo, equal to that of the aero Ford Thunderbird. The four door returned a drag coefficient of 0.37.<ref name="pm-apr1983"/>
The Tempo was designed for a four-cylinder engine, but all production of Ford's 2.3 L Lima OHC four was committed to other product lines.<ref name="aw-aug2017"/> In 1983 Ford had stopped production of their 200 cubic inch Thriftpower inline six, leaving unused capacity at the Lima Engine plant.<ref name="ttac-oct2010"/> Ford developed a four-cylinder engine that shared some features of the Thriftpower six, topped with a new cylinder head and using other new technologies, while repurposing as much tooling as possible at the Lima plant.<ref name="sae-831009"/><ref name="cc-jul2019"/>
When the cars were released, a turbocharged version of the new four cylinder was said to be in development, but this engine never became available. At that point, a V6 was not being considered.<ref name="csm-jun1983"/>
Released in 1983 as a 1984 model, more than 107,000 two-door Tempos and more than 295,000 four-door Tempos were sold in its first year.
Features
Chassis and suspension
The Tempo's chassis is a steel unibody.<ref name="pm-apr1983"/> The structure from the firewall forward is shared with the contemporary Ford Escort.<ref name="ttccna-hsc"/>
The Tempo's front suspension on each side comprises a lower lateral link triangulated by the anti-roll bar and a coil over MacPherson strut. The rear "Quadralink" suspension is two parallel lower lateral control links and a radius rod per side, with coil over MacPherson struts. This differed from the Escort's rear suspension, which used a lower lateral arm, radius rod, and non-concentric coil spring and shock absorber. The Tempo was the first ever American built Ford with an independent rear suspension using MacPherson struts.<ref name="hcc-nov2020"/>
Brakes are Template:Cvt discs in front and Template:Cvt drums in back.
Steering is by power assisted rack and pinion, with three turns lock-to-lock.
Standard tires on base models are 175/80R13, while higher trim levels have 185/70R14, and sportier models are fitted with Michelin TRX 185/65R365 metric tires on aluminum wheels.
Powertrain
The Tempo's four cylinder gasoline engine is called the "High Swirl Combustion" (HSC) engine and displaces 2.3 L. It has a cast iron block and head, with a single cam-in-block and two overhead valves (OHV) per cylinder with pushrods and rocker arms. The HSC engine was also offered in a "High Specific Output" (HSO) version producing Template:Cvt.
In 1992 the 3.0 L Ford Vulcan V6 engine became an option in the Tempo.<ref name="ct-dec1991"/> Fitting the Vulcan V6 into the Tempo required changes to the water pump, and use of a more restrictive exhaust system that reduced maximum power.<ref name="pm-oct1991-1"/>
The original base transmission in the gasoline fueled Tempo/Topaz is a four-speed IB4 manual that made up part of what Ford called the "Fuel Saver" powertrain. A five-speed MTX-III manual or a three-speed FLC automatic were optional upgrades.
From 1984 to 1986 a version of Mazda's four-cylinder RF diesel engine was offered in the Tempo and Topaz. The only transmission paired with the diesel engine was the 5-speed manual.
All Wheel Drive
An optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system became available in the Tempo and Topaz in 1987, and was offered until 1991. Although Ford had a long history with four wheel drive, and had built prototypes based on other car models before, the AWD Tempo was their first production passenger sedan to offer four wheel drive.<ref name="ct-oct1986"/>
This design of part-time system is not meant for serious off-road driving, nor for use on dry streets.<ref name="ca-dec2016"/><ref name="ttac-apr2020"/> It is designed specifically to provide additional traction in slippery road conditions. The system is controlled by a rocker switch in the interior.<ref name="tmc-aug1987"/><ref name="ttac-apr2020"/> When activated, the system engages a clutch which sends power to a limited-slip rear differential via a new driveshaft. There is no transfer case.<ref name="ca-dec2016"/>
The all-wheel-drive system adds Template:Cvt to the weight of the car, and increases ride height by just Template:Cvt.<ref name="ca-dec2016"/>
The only engine offered with the AWD option was the HSO four cylinder, with the 3-speed automatic transmission.<ref name="ca-dec2016"/>
In 1991 Ford started branding the system as "Four Wheel Drive" instead of All Wheel Drive.<ref name="pcs-1991"/>
First generation (1984–1987)
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The first-generation Tempo/Topaz debuted for sale on 26 May 1983 as 1984 models;<ref name="nyt-jun1983" /> Ford unveiled the two model lines on the deck of the USS Intrepid, a decommissioned aircraft carrier turned into a floating museum in New York Harbor.<ref name="csm-jun1983" /> An early advertisement for the car featured a Tempo sedan performing a 360 degree loop on a stunt track. The car in the ad was securely attached to a track, and was pulled through the shot rather than operating under its own power.<ref name="pm-mar1984" />
Replacing the Fairmont as the Ford compact car line, the introduction of the Tempo/Topaz gave Ford a direct competitor to the GM X-platform compacts and the Chrysler K-car model lines, along with Honda Accord and Toyota Camry sedans. In addition to its adoption of front-wheel drive, the Tempo was also extensively downsized from its Fairmont predecessor, shortened 17 inches in length, nearly three inches of width, and over six inches of wheelbase.
Deriving its styling partially from the Ford Sierra (differing primarily by its sedan-length decklid), the Ford Tempo also featured a "six-window" roofline. The front slatted grille was body color; the front fascia was swept partially rearward (though not as extensively as the windshield). As flush-mounted headlamps were not yet legal for use, recessed sealed-beam headlamps were used. Two-door coupes shared the same front bodywork as four-door sedans, but were styled with a trapezoidal window profile (with black B-pillars). The Mercury Topaz sedan shared its doors with its Tempo counterpart, but was styled with a windowless C-pillar with a slightly more upright profile (though far sleeker than larger Mercury sedans); along with vertical taillamps between a red and gray filler panel, the Topaz differed from the Tempo with a horizontal black grille (marking the debut of the Mercury brand emblem used through 2011).
The first generation Tempo/Topaz came standard with a four-cylinder 2.3 L gasoline engine or an optional Mazda-built 2.0 L diesel engine. In late 1985 the four speed manual transmission was discontinued and the five-speed became standard. A slight modification was made to the five-speed transmission, moving the shift pattern from a dog-leg design to an H-pattern. For 1985, the 2.3L engine received a new central fuel injection (CFI) system, although the carbureted version was offered in Canada until 1987.
Several functional changes were made to interior for 1985 as the dashboard was redesigned to include side window demisters, a restyled driver's pod (separating the radio), and a passenger-side shelf. The instrument panel featured a new, easier to read gauge layout, with all switches and controls placed within easy reach of the driver.
In early 1985,<ref name="upi-oct1984" /> the Tempo became the first production American automobile to feature a driver's side airbag as a supplemental restraint system.<ref name="mfc-jan7hist" /> In 1984, Ford entered a contract with the General Services Administration and the Department of Transportation to supply 5,000 airbag-equipped Tempos. Half also received a special windshield designed to minimize lacerations to passengers, and all were early recipients of the high-mounted brake lights that became required by law in 1986.<ref name="whp27" />
From 1985 to 1987, Ford offered the Sport GL, which included unique interior and exterior styling cues, the 2.3 L HSO engine, alloy wheels, tachometer, and the five-speed manual transaxle with a lower (numerically higher) final drive ratio of 3.73 for quicker acceleration. It was badged simply as "GL", but was recognizable because it lacked the GL's chrome front and rear bumpers, had 14" alloy wheels and charcoal trim accents.
1986 update
For the 1986 model year, both the Tempo and Topaz underwent an update of the exterior.<ref name="autocat-876530" /> Largely intended to bring the design closer in line with the all-new Ford Taurus, the Tempo received composite-style headlamps, full-width taillamps, and restyled parking lamp housings; the sedan adopted the sleeker sideview mirrors used by the coupe. While still body-color, the grille of the Tempo moved its design closer to the "bottom-breather" style of the Taurus; the chrome of the bumper trim became further integrated into the body. The Topaz adopted body-color bumpers (with a grey trim band), but was distinguished by the addition of a lightbar grille (sharing the feature with the Sable). The trim levels for Tempos underwent a minor revision, as the GLX trim was renamed LX.
In 1986, the Tempo surpassed the Hyundai Pony to become the best selling new car in Canada.<ref name="Wards87" />
For 1987, an all-wheel drive option was introduced for both two-door and four-door versions of both the Tempo and Topaz. Serving as a stand-alone trim line, the all-wheel drive version was equipped as an equivalent to a Tempo LX/Topaz LS and was fitted with the more powerful engine of the GL Sport. Fitted only with an automatic transmission, all-wheel drive was a driver-activated system using a pushbutton.
Trim levels
First generation Tempo trim levels:
- L (Entry level model)
- GL (Mid-range model. Also Sport GL)
- GLX (Luxury model. 1984 and 1985 model years only)
- LX (Luxury model. Introduced for 1986. Replaced the GLX)
- AWD (1987 model year only.)
First generation Topaz trim levels:
- L (Entry level model. 1984 model year only)
- GS (Mid-range model. Equivalent to Tempo GL)
- GS-AWD (1987 model year only)
- LS (Luxury model)
- LS-AWD (1987 model year only)
- XR5 (Sport model. 1987 model year only. Coupe only)
Second generation (1988–1994)
For 1988, the Tempo and Topaz sedans were redesigned, while the coupes were facelifted — in each case more resembling their Taurus and Sable counterparts. Both cars arrived in November 1987.<ref name="ebony-nov1987"/><ref name="autocat-1890080"/> The Tempo received a restyled grille with three thin horizontal chrome bars, composite flush-mounted rectangular headlamps and restyled front turn signals. The Tempo GLS, received a black grille and "D" pillar; flush mounted tail lamps and revised rear quarter window. The Topaz received a more formal, more vertical rear window, waterfall grille, more revised wheels, and solid red tail lamps. The HSO engine was standard equipment on the Mercury Topaz XR5 and LTS models.<ref name="Wards90"/>
Both the sedan and coupe received a revised instrument panels with a central gauge cluster that included a standard engine temperature gauge, and ergonomic driver controls. Fan and windshield wiper controls were mounted on rotary-style switches on either side of the instrument panel, and the HVAC controls received a new push-button control layout. Other changes included revised interior door panels. A driver's side airbag continued as an option. LX and AWD models received chrome and wood trim on the dash and doors. Topaz models featured a tachometer-equipped gauge cluster and a front center armrest as standard.
For the 1991 model year the all-wheel drive Tempo and Topaz and the Canadian market exclusive entry-level Tempo L were discontinued. For 1992, the Tempo and Topaz were mildly restyled, with the Tempo gaining body-colored side trim that replaced the black and chrome trim, as well as full body-colored bumpers. The Tempo's three bar chrome grille was replaced with a body-colored monochromatic piece, while the Topaz's chrome grille was replaced with a non-functional light-bar.
Also for 1992, the 3.0 L Vulcan V6 engine from the Taurus and Sable was introduced as an option for the GL and LX models, and as the standard engine on the GLS. The 1992 model year was the last year of the GLS, as it and its Topaz counterpart were discontinued in 1993. This left the Tempo with only two trim level options, GL and LX. 1992 also brought a slightly redesigned gauge cluster, with a tachometer reading up to 7,000 rpm instead of the previous 6,000 rpm. A fuel door indicator was added to the fuel gauge as an arrow pointing to the side of the car where the fuel door was located. 1992 was the only year when a speedometer reading to 120 mph was available in American models, and only in the GLS, XR5 and LTS trim levels; all other model years read to 85 MPH.
A revised body with eight headlamps was previewed late in 1991, and a redesigned Tempo was expected for 1993 or 1998.<ref name="pm-oct1991-3"/><ref name="pm-oct1991-2"/> The Tempo was discontinued in 1994, replaced by the Contour for model year 1995.
Trim levels
Second generation Tempo trim levels:
- L (Entry level model. Discontinued in 1991)
- GL (Mid-range model)
- LX (Luxury model. Sedan only)
- AWD (Includes LX trim. Sedan only. Discontinued in 1991)
- GLS (Replaced Sport GL as the performance oriented model. Discontinued in 1992)
Second generation Topaz trim levels:
- GS (Mid-range model equivalent to the Tempo GL. Available from November 1987 to 1994)
- GS-AWD (Available from November 1987 to 1991)
- LS (Luxury model. Discontinued after 1992)
- LS-AWD (Sedan only. Available from November 1987 to 1991)
- XR5 (Sport model. Available from November 1987 to 1992. Coupe only. 3.0 L V6 engine was standard for 1992)
- LTS ("Luxury Touring Sedan". Four-door equivalent of the XR5. Available from November 1987 to 1992)
End of production
Although a third-generation Tempo had been spotted testing in 1990, this was eventually scrapped in favor of replacing the car with an adapted version of the European Ford Mondeo, then late in development. By 1993 Ford had been losing money on the Tempo for a decade.<ref name="fortune-jun1993"/> While the Tempo had long been a loss leader for Ford, the incoming Contour was based on the Mondeo, one of the most expensive cars in Ford's European lineup.<ref name="fortune-jun1993"/> Ford was unsuccessful in drawing a distinction between the Tempo and Contour, and many buyers assumed that the new car would be priced the same as the old, causing some to face a large sticker shock.<ref name="digmanbook"/><ref name="ct-may1999"/>
For buyers shopping for a compact Ford, moving to the Contour came with a jump in price: the range topping 1994 Tempo LX sedan with V6 cost about $12,900, Template:Inflation, while a base model 1995 Contour GL with four-cylinder engine and manual transmission was $13,990, Template:Inflation.
1994 marked the last year for the HSC engine, the 2.5 L having been dropped from the Taurus in 1991. It was also the end for the 3-speed FLC automatic transmission, with the Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer using the Ford F-4EAT transmission.
The last Ford Tempo was built at Oakville Assembly on May 20, 1994. The facility was retooled to build the Ford Windstar. Kansas City Assembly and Cuautitlán Assembly became assembly points for the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique.
Production figures
The Tempo was a sales success for Ford, staying one of the top ten best selling cars in the US, if not one of the top five, during its entire production run. For the introductory, extended 1984 model year (16 months long), Ford sold a total of 531,468 examples of the Tempo and Topaz combined, but this was also the nameplate's best year.<ref name="ttccna-intro"/><ref name=Wards85/> All model year production figures for the Tempo are as follows:<ref name="ttccna-yby"/>
| Coupe | Sedan | Yearly total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | 107,065 | 295,149 | 402,214Template:Efn |
| 1985 | 72,311 | 266,776 | 339,087 |
| 1986 | 69,101 | 208,570 | 277,671 |
| 1987 | 70,164 | 212,468 | 282,632 |
| Total | 318,641 | 982,963 | 1,301,604 |
| Template:Notelist | |||
| Coupe | Sedan | Yearly total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 49,930 | 313,262 | 363,192 |
| 1989 | 23,719 | 217,185 | 240,904 |
| 1990 | 8,551 | 209,875 | 218,426 |
| 1991 | 4,876 | 180,969 | 185,845 |
| 1992 | 35,149 | 172,191 | 207,340 |
| 1993 | 52,129 | 154,762 | 206,891 |
| 1994 | 32,050 | 110,399 | 142,449 |
| Total | 206,404 | 1,358,643 | 1,565,047 |
Other markets
China
During the early 1990s, in an attempt to ease trade tensions with the United States, China agreed to buy millions of dollars' worth of automobiles from each of the Big Three American automakers; the share of the deal for Ford was worth $32 million.<ref name="nyt-jul 1992"/><ref name="cnc-jul2012"/> Along with reducing Chinese dependence on imports of Japanese automobiles, the arrangement let China keep its favored nation status with the United States (despite political tensions of the late 1980s).
In 1992, Ford began sales operations in China for the first time, introducing the Tempo alongside the Ford Taurus, Ford Crown Victoria, Ford Aerostar, and the Lincoln Town Car.<ref name="upi-jun1993"/> In total, the Chinese government purchased over 8,200 Tempos, with the initial order of 3010 1992 four-door Tempo sedans serving as the largest single fleet order ever received by Ford.<ref name="upi-jun1993"/><ref name="prn-aug1992"/> In addition of the fitment of metric-unit instrument panels, the Tempo underwent several revisions for the Chinese market, including modifications of the fuel system to accommodate leaded fuel, heavier-duty suspension, and heavier-grade wiring.<ref name="upi-jun1993"/>
The initial government fleet order was originally intended for use as taxis and tourist vehicles; all were white-colored GL-trim four-door sedans.<ref name="prn-aug1992"/> Following their importation, the Tempos remained under government ownership under official use, later sold to private owners.<ref name="cnc-jul2012"/>
Mexico
Ford assembled and sold two models based on the American Tempo in Mexico, the Ford Topaz and the Ford Ghia.
The cars were built in Ford's Cuautitlán Assembly plant.<ref name="mfc-cuautitlan"/> The lower level of automation at that plant translated into higher assembly costs, making a Mexican-built Ford Topaz retail for about US$400 more than a more well equipped US model with more effective pollution controls.<ref name="unc-jan2016"/>
The first to hit the Mexican market was the Ford Topaz, debuting in 1984. This car was based on the American Tempo, and was offered in both two door and four door sedan versions.<ref name="mp-aug2018"/> Like the US model, the Ford Topaz was restyled in 1988.<ref name="ml-sep2020"/>
The Ford Ghia debuted in 1991. Based on the American Mercury Topaz, this model was more luxuriously trimmed, based on the American Topaz LS. With wood grain panel doors, power antena, and 5 band stereo graphic equalizer, alloy wheels 14", similar a BBS model used by European Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Golf GTi. A 4 Cylinders 2.3 L only available. For 1992, A 3-speed automatic transmission and V6 engine were only available.<ref name="ml-feb2020"/> Also, leather interior.
T-Drive Tempo
In or around 1990, a modified Tempo was used as a rolling testbed for a new powertrain configuration that Ford called "T-Drive". This system used transverse inline engines with the drive for the transmission taken off the center of the crankshaft, rather than the end.<ref name="de-tdrive"/>
The test Tempo's original transverse straight four engine and transaxle were replaced with a transversely mounted DOHC straight-eight engine and a center-mounted longitudinal transaxle, making the Tempo Rear Wheel Drive. The T-Drive specification allowed for engines of 4, 6, and 8 cylinders of 2.0 L, 3.2 L, and 4.0 L respectively, and the Tempo received the largest engine.<ref name="de-tdrive"/> Power output was estimated to have been in the range of Template:Cvt.<ref name="bs-dec2018"/> It is possible that the Tempo was chosen as it could accommodate a drive shaft and rear differential, due to the availability of the AWD model. This 8 cylinder, RWD Tempo with independent rear suspension was shown briefly and never seen again.
In 1991, the T-Drive technology was unveiled to the public as part of two concept cars; the Contour sedan and the Mystique minivan.<ref name="ps-jun1991"/> It did not go into production.
References
Further reading
- Car and Driver, March 1983, Volume 28, Number 9
- Motor Trend, March 1983
- Road & Track, April 1983
- Road & Track, November 1983, Volume 35, Number 3
External links
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