Oh yeah, that’s why the Tempo was given a light refresh in ‘92 with an added V-6, as a place holder while the Mondeo was being adapted. I’ve seen pics of Mondeo/Contour being crash tested in America in 1993. I had a 1992 Tempo LX V-6 (as well as about a dozen other variations, the only version I havent had was a…

The MN12 was quite possibly the most advanced American car of its time. Only the Corvette had RWD+independent rear suspension aside from the MN12. It went waaay over budget and the lead designer ended up retiring after an ass chewing by management. It was the closest thing to an American BMW of its time. Later models…

The third generation car was a far more expensive car than the first two. I own a ‘95 and a 1997 LX, you can tell which car had more money spent on it. The third gen is quieter, more solid, higher quality materials everywhere. I actually prefer the ‘95 because it is substantially lighter feeling and handles a bit…

A third gen Tempo was in the works, scheduled for a 1993 debut, and I believe these mules are testing front clips. I highly doubt they would’ve gone with recessed headlights, they probably would have been flush by the time hit hit production. This car was scrapped in favor of adapting the in-development European Ford…

Powertrain test mule

You mean like how the Ford Transit Connect has no chance of coming here?

 Did all 6 in mine, much easier when you removed the doghouse inside the cabin. 

For such a “slapdash effort”, it did extremely well, running second only to the Caravan/Voyager for much of its run. When Ford announced its cancelation for the 1995 model year, they were flooded with letters demanding it remain in production. Ford relented and kept it going, to be sold along side its replacement…

It had a driver side airbag only, but it was one of the first minivans with such.

It has more personality than the Honda, has AWD, a higher towing capacity and, although no minivan is really easy to work on, I don’t buy your “probably easier to work on” claim, either. The Honda also has a transmission made of glass, and although the Ford’s transmission isnt bulletproof, it is FAR easier to pull…

I think a bit of both. Not my thing, but I give ‘em credit, it does look pretty badass

Rest assured that it won’t be on mine, when/if I get one.

I had one just like it, except an LE and an automatic. It was far from bulletproof, and had many less miles than this one. I absolutely hated that car. It remains the only vehicle I've ever traded in at a dealership. 

I don’t get the rant about Lincoln abandoning traditional American luxury (presumably meaning comfortable, powerful, elegant vehicles). Pretty sure that’s exactly the heritage they’re embracing with their most recent product offerings. Not chasing BMW, not trying to be something nobody will ever accept them as, just…

Yeah. That’s probably what I’d say too, if I’d just made a fool of myself.

Yeah, the first thing I’d do if my poor sick grandmother was forced to live in public housing would be to say “tough luck bitch, I’m going to buy a BMyota that costs more than you’ve probably ever seen in your life, combined, but I’ll still come spend the night with ya!”

Granted, I live down south, but I see many Platinum Super Dutys and Yukon XL Denalis, 0 Supras.

 Especially when they're complaining about others complaining. 

“which is even worse since they’ve eliminated everything but crossovers, SUVs, and the Mustang from their American market lineup.”