43/100
1984Compact CarsRegular

1984 Ford Tempo

EPA ID: 26839
21
City MPG
24
Combined MPG
24MPG· Average
29
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1984 Ford Tempo achieves an EPA-estimated 24 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.3L 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this compact cars .

In terms of environmental impact, the 1984 Tempo produces approximately 370 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Tempo performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,500, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $1,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.3L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionManual 5-spd
Drive TypeN/A

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions370 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,500
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $1,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
24.0
Impact vs EPA
+$2
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$554/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,000
42.1%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$10,938
32.9%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
23.8%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$33,238

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #07E064000·2007-10-15
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

Campaign #86V082000·1986-06-20
moderate
Component: SEATS

THE FORWARD BOLT THAT PROVIDES PART OF THE ATTACHMENT BETWEEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY AND THE SEAT CUSHION FRAME MAY BE SUBJECT TO FATIGUE FRACTURE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF THIS BOLT BREAKS, THE DRIVER AND SEAT BACK WILL FALL BACK, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR AND POSSIBLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: REPLACE SCREWS THAT ATTACH DRIVER'S SEAT BACK ASSEMBLY TO THE SEAT CUSHION FRAME.

Campaign #85V145000·1985-11-05
critical
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR

REAR SUPENSION CONTROL ARM-TO-SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FRACTURE CAUSING THE REAR SPINDLE TO SEPARATE DURING USE OF CAR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF BOLTS FRACTURE AND REAR SPINDLE DISENGAGES FROM CONTROL ARM, LOSS OF CONTROL WILL BE EXPERIENCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS AS NECESSARY.

Campaign #84V071000·1984-08-14
advisory
Component: SEATS

SEAT FRAME STRUCTURE COULD SEVER FRONT SEAT BELTS IF VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, DEPENDING ON FORCE OF IMPACT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A MOLDED SPACER BETWEEN REINFORCEMENT PLATES AND LOWER DECORATIVE PLASTIC COVER.

Campaign #83V134000·1983-12-22
advisory
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.

Campaign #83V055000·1983-05-04
advisory
Component: INTERIOR LIGHTING

IN THE EVENT OF A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE HEADLAMP AND INTERIOR ILLUMINATION CONTROL SWITCHES COULD OVERHEAT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: THE HEADLAMP SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED AND FUSE AND FUSE PANEL WILL BE INSPECTED FOR SAFE OPERATION.

Campaign #85V086000·
critical
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR

REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM-TO-SPINDLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO FRACTURE DURING USE OF CAR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: IF BOLTS FRACTURE, REAR SPINDLE COULD DISENGAGE FROM CONTROL ARM AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence:

Remedy: REPLACE REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS AS NECESSARY.

Loading live complaint data...

Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Ford Tempo configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1984 Compact Cars Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,500
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $1,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City21 MPG
Highway29 MPG
Combined24 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

74.1 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 92 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.