1987 - All Wheel Drive

Ford Tempo

With the addition of the optional AWD system, the line up for the Ford Tempo added a new model. The Tempo AWD joined the Tempo GL, Tempo Sport GL and the Tempo LX in the lineup. Canadian markets continued to offer the Tempo L as the entry level model. As with previous years, all of the trim lines, including the new Tempo AWD, could be had on either the 2- or the 4-door model.

The Canadian Tempo L was the entry level into a Tempo car. Gone were the L and select L, just the L remained. Standard features included power brakes, styled steel wheels with trim rings, and cloth/vinyl reclining front bucket seats.

The Tempo GL was no longer split into Standard and Select GL. Those separate trim levels were taken up by the new Preferred Equipment Packages now available. Standard equipment on the Tempo GL included ???

For the performance minded buyer, there was the Tempo Sport GL. This package was centered around the 2.3L HSO engine backed with an MTX-III 5-speed manual, stuffed with a 3.73:1 final drive ratio (compared to 3.33:1 in other trim). Also included in the package was the performance handling suspension, 14? 7-spoke aluminum rims wrapped in 185/70R14 performance steel belted radial tires, all cloth performance bucket seats with 4-way adjustable head restraints, charcoal colored exterior trim with a bright red insert in the body side molding, sports instrument cluster and a new leather-wrapped 4-spoke steering wheel.

The luxurious Tempo LX had almost every option as standard equipment. This included power steering, tilt steering wheel, power door locks, power decklid release and fuel door release, dual power mirrors, styled road wheels with performance radial tires, touring suspension, tinted glass, sports instrument cluster, light group, illuminated entry system, all cloth front seats with 4-way head restraints and seatback map pockets, passenger assist handles, and a front fold-down center armrest. The seat trim on the LX was an upgraded cloth when compared to the Tempo GL.

The Tempo AWD was equipped very similarly to the Tempo LX, although it received no LX badge on the trunk. Instead, an All Wheel Drive badge was placed underneath the Tempo badge on the trunk lid.

Mercury Topaz

While Ford added a completely separate model for the AWD, Mercury chose a different route and offered the AWD as an option on any trim line. Therefore, the trim lines remained the Topaz GS, Topaz Sport GS, and the Topaz LS. All but the LS were offered on both 2- and 4-door body styles, with the LS remaining a 4-door only trim line. By leaving the AWD as an option, it was possible to have an AWD equipped Topaz Sport GS 2-door.

The Topaz GS was the value and volume leader for the Topaz line. Standard equipment included power brakes, power steering, padded vinyl door panels with carpeted lower panels, all cloth reclining front bucket seats, cloth covered dual vanity visors, tinted glass, and full-length consolette.

The Topaz shopper that wanted a little more performance could opt for the Topaz Sport GS. This model featured the 2.3L HSO engine backed with an MTX-III 5-speed manual, stuffed with a 3.73:1 final drive ratio (compared to 3.33:1 in other trim). Also included in the package was the performance handling suspension, 365mm TR-type aluminum rims wrapped in 185/65R365 performance steel belted radial tires, and charcoal colored exterior trim with a bright red insert in the body side molding. The interior featured performance bucket seats with 4-way adjustable head restraints that were covered in a unique cloth trim, bordered by red piping. The instrument cluster featured the same red outline, surrounding the standard sports instrument cluster. Midway during the year, the TR-type aluminum rims and Michelin TRX tires were replaced with standard sized 14? x 6.0? geometric style aluminum rims with 185/70R14 performance radial tires.

If you wanted the most luxurious of all ?87 Tempo / Topaz models, you got the Topaz LS 4-door. Standard equipment on this car read like most luxury cars of the day costing thousands more. This added on to the already feature packed Topaz GS with the sport suspension, upgraded interior cloth on the seats, dual reclining front bucket seats with 4-way adjustable head restraints, tilt steering wheel, interval wipers, electric rear window defroster, digital clock, remote decklid and fuel door release, power lock group, power windows, light group, dual lighted vanity visors, and the illuminated entry system. The optional leather seating surfaces were dropped from the option list for 1987.