The Ford Tempo was introduced in 1984 as a midsize car. Available as a coupe and sedan, the Tempo (and the similar Mercury Topaz) was an early example of the design philosophy that would bring about the revolutionary 1986 Ford Taurus. Front wheel drive and a 4-speed manual transmission were standard initially, with an optional 3-speed manual transaxle, commonly referred to as the "ATX".

A 5-speed manual became standard in 1986 with a minor redesign. Also in 1986, US models got standard CFI (Central Fuel Injection), while Canadian models used a 1-bbl carburetor through 1987. All wheel drive was an option starting in 1987. It received a major redesign in 1988 that resembled the Ford Taurus. The diesel engine was gone, but newer MPFI (Multi-Port Fuel Injection) was standard on the remaining gas straight-4 engine. In 1992, another minor redesign changed the front and rear ends slightly, and a 3.0 L Vulcan V6 became optional. The 4-cylinder gained a slightly revised fuel injection system, very similar to MPFI.

Tempos were built in Oakville, Ontario Canada and in Kansas City, MO. In the late 80s and the early 90s, the Tempo was among the top five selling sedans in North America, and was tied with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for first place in J.D. Powers & Assosiates initial quality survey (1992). The Tempo was also the first North American-built car available with a driver's side airbag (initially only in government fleets but later became an option to the public starting in 1988). The Tempo was replaced in 1994 by the 1995 Ford Contour.

Engines:

• 2.0 L Mazda Diesel I4 (optional 1984-1986 "GL")
• 2.3 L HSC I4, 98 hp and 124 ft.lbf GL/LX
• 2.3 L HSC I4, 100 hp and 130 ft.lbf GLS/AWD
• 3.0 L (2982cc, 3.5x3.15) V6, 130 hp and 150 ft.lbf (1992-1994 optional in GL, LX, and standard on GLS)