1988 Ford Tempo
US · Compact Cars
The 1988 Ford Tempo is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- 2.3L 4-cylinder (FFS)
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.3L 4-cylinder (FFS) | |
| Displacement | 2.3 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 3 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km) to 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
4 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 7, 2026.
96V071000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Reported April 25, 1996. View on NHTSA
88V024000: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TWO ATTACHMENT SCREWS FOR THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS COULD LOOSEN AND BACK OUT.
Remedy: REPLACE ATTACHMENT SCREWS WITH SCREWS WITH PRE APPLIED ADHESIVE THAT WILL BE TIGHTENED TO A HIGHER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
Reported March 1, 1988. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 21, 2026
Data verified: October 22, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 1987 Ford Tempo
Gasoline
2.3L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD
25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) - 1989 Ford Tempo
Gasoline
2.3L 4-cylinder ((FFS)) · Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD
24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 1988 Ford Tempo have?
2.3L 4-cylinder ((FFS)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 1988 Ford Tempo?
Combined fuel economy is 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 1988 Ford Tempo front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: Varies by configuration: FWD, AWD.
Are there recalls for the 1988 Ford Tempo?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 7, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.