Almost any year in the 1990s. Cars became cheap, plastic. Detroit was really on its way down. We had a total breakdown of any interesting mainstream American sedans. The Bronco died, the Taurus died, the Tempo died.
@A strolling player can't find his avatar: For some strange reason the Mexican market Ford Ghia (essentially a Mercury Topaz with Ford badging) did have a functional light bar grill, as well as a revised center console with a more high-tech stereo. You could even get one with front leather bucket seats, where as that…
@A strolling player can't find his avatar: Whats worse is the light bar didn't even light up.
@FromaBuick6: I got a chuckle out of that Corsica comment. I by no means say Tempo is a great car. In fact its a terrible car really, especially by modern standards. I just like 'em.
@FromaBuick6: I also like 1986 as a model year (Topaz received a "light bar" grill, and Tempo got more aerodynamic halogen lights). Just like '88 a little more. My favorite car and truck got their best makeovers (imo).
Since MJ sold his limo, he will be looking for a new car no doubt. Something tells me this van is high on his list.
1988. For two big reasons.
If you can get one with a regular cab, I'd consider it. Otherwise I don't see what makes this Ranger so much better then ours when it comes down to work.
@mikedrawcar: I am super, super serial.
@despisethesun: Mine stalls when you decelerate to a stop at a red light, while you sit there idling it dies. Its an automatic as well.. Its a shitty car by almost any standards. Nonetheless, I maintain it was very innovative for its time. Forget about reliability, what Tempo represented was forward thinking.
@tonyola: I like how mine drives. All Wheel Drive is win, as is >2,600lb. weight. Otherwise your facts are right. The V6 isn't all that great stock, and the after-market is nonexistent. Easy to find parts, but not for those who want to accelerate to 60MPH in under 8 seconds. As for the Chevy Celebrity being better,…
@LucidRalphWiley: Woah, caught me! The 2.0L Mazda RF Diesel I4 (same diesel offered in Escorts) did, in fact, have a standard carburetor. My bad. I've only ever seen two carb'd HSC engines, as they were standard in the first half of the 1984MY in certain areas. There were two gas motors, technically. The HSO (High…
What, no CTS-V Coupe?! I am outraged.
@tonyola: Yes, the Taurus and Sable were truly revolutionary for American automobiles. Although their appearance wasn't as sudden as most people think. I warn you, this post is going to be long..
It makes the American rendition look fat. Well..
Very sad indeed. Although, Pontiac has been dead for a long time. Okay, fine, the new G8 and Solstice are very good cars. Although the G8 is a Holden, and the Solstice is an Opel/Saturn. Now lets find someone to blame and point fingers at for the out-right murder of Pontiac. Who is to blame? Rick Wagoner? George Bush?…
@LucidRalphWiley: The Big Three seem to do that a lot. You know, the whole "new is better" thing. Why make it better when you can just dump it, and make something totally new and awesome? Which is why we got stuck with cars like the Chevy Cavalier and Ford Taurus. Although in Ford's case it was more focusing on sport…
Old people are just so darn adorable.
@Fluffy, Pushbroom: Haha, well I guess that makes sense. The Contour angers me. A 1996 Contour GL, totally basic with no options and nothing but a manual and four cylinder, cost more then a fully loaded V6-equipped automatic 1994 Tempo LX. No sense. No wonder it didn't sell.