1988 Ford Tempo Dimensions, Size & Specs

The 1988 Ford Tempo has a curb weight ranging from approximately 1175 kg to 1275 kg (2591 to 2810 pounds). This moderate weight contributes to balanced handling and decent fuel efficiency for its era. The weight variation depends on trim levels and optional equipment, with lighter models offering slightly better fuel economy, while heavier ones may provide additional features or sturdier build quality.

The luggage capacity of the 1988 Ford Tempo is 365 liters (about 12.9 cubic feet). This storage space is typical for compact sedans of the late 1980s, providing ample room for everyday groceries, luggage, or small camping gear. While not exceptionally large, it meets the practical needs of most users and compares favorably with similar vehicles in its segment from that era.

With its dimensions of 4490 mm (176.8 inches) in length, 1735 mm (68.3 inches) in width, and 1340 mm (52.8 inches) in height, the 1988 Ford Tempo comfortably fits into a standard garage. Most residential garages in North America and Europe accommodate vehicles up to around 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in width, so the Tempo leaves enough clearance for door opening and movement around the car.

Compared to its predecessor, the earlier Ford Tempo models featured slightly smaller dimensions. The 1988 generation grew to offer a more spacious cabin and better road presence. Specifically, the length increased to 4490 mm (176.8 inches), providing improved legroom and cargo capacity. This evolutionary size increase helped the Tempo remain competitive during its production years by appealing to buyers seeking a compact sedan with more interior comfort.

The 1988 Ford Tempo's size is fairly typical among compact sedans of the late 1980s. For example, competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla of that era had comparable lengths and widths. The Tempo’s 4490 mm length (176.8 inches) put it in line with these models, although it is sometimes noted for a slightly lower height at 1340 mm (52.8 inches), contributing to a sportier profile. Overall, the Tempo was well-sized for the segment with a balanced footprint.

The 1988 Ford Tempo was equipped with tire sizes 185/70 R14 and 185/65 R15 depending on trim and options. These tire sizes provide a good balance between ride comfort and handling stability. The relatively tall sidewalls (70 or 65 aspect ratio) help absorb road imperfections, making for a smoother ride, while the moderate width of 185 mm ensures adequate grip without compromising fuel efficiency.

The 1988 Ford Tempo offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers, with improved interior space compared to its predecessor. Its compact exterior dimensions are optimized internally to provide adequate headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers. Seating materials and ergonomics were typical for the period, providing functional comfort for daily commuting and longer drives, especially with its sedan body style.

The 1988 Ford Tempo was regarded as a relatively fuel-efficient vehicle for its class, thanks to modest engine sizes and reasonable curb weight (1175-1275 kg). While exact fuel economy varied with engine options and driving conditions, it generally offered competitive mileage figures compared to other compact sedans of the time, making it appealing to economy-minded buyers looking for affordable transportation without sacrificing size or comfort.

The 1988 Ford Tempo generation introduced several refinements over prior years, focusing on improved aerodynamic styling, which contributed to better fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise. Engineering updates included enhanced suspension tuning for a smoother ride and increased chassis rigidity for safety and handling. These changes reflected Ford’s attempt to modernize the Tempo and keep it competitive against evolving compact sedan rivals during its production run from 1987 to 1995.