Ford passes Toyota in vehicle quality rankings

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PriusBoyAZ @ Jun 6 2007, 06:56 PM) [snapback]457038[/snapback]</div>

And I had a buddy who had a 2003 Camry that Toyota bought back under the Lemon Law in Wisconsin.

It happens to the best of them.

 

I wholeheartedly agree that 'initial quality' is a pretty useless metric, but the OP's title is misleading:

Toyota placed 13 cars in one of the top three spots of all class categories, while Ford placed 12. And remember that Ford has a whole lot more models than Toyota does. In terms of a company's overall ability to build reliable cars, I look towards the value, mass market nameplate. There Toyota and Honda continue to lead the pack.

Ford has certainly improved YoY for one year, but reliability is based on YEAR AFTER YEAR reliability, of 5 - 10 year old cars, across the product line. Let me know when Ford can do this, and I'll consider them for a car purchase.

Best Wishes, Ford

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(EricGo @ Jun 9 2007, 01:12 AM) [snapback]458547[/snapback]</div>

1979 Ford LTD that had 300,000 miles finally sent to the junk yard in 1997 due to rust. I would say that is pretty reliable. We also have a 1995 that still runs good that we havent put much of anything into it, but rust is starting to show. Ford makes reliable vehicles, but again, just not those that most people buy, just the really big cars that people are afraid to drive.

 

This is far from scientific, it's purely a personal observation BUT growing up my family owned mostly Datsun/Toyota or Ford. The Fords were hit or miss as far as reliability. My Dad had a Ford Escort Station wagon that he abused for 100,000+ miles with no problems. Similarly my Mother had a Ford Escort Station wagon that had a minor to major problem every year starting at less than 60,000 miles.

It always seemed to me that with FORD it could really vary. While the Toyota's and admittedly the Datsuns were ALL reliable.

I haven't owned a Ford in a long, long time, and even my Dad is now a Toyota and Honda owner. I suspect...hope really that they have improved.

 

Watch this, and laugh...knowingly.

Chuck

 

For me they have. I had a 1996 Mustang that I purchased new and sold in 2003. It had ZERO problems for my entire ownership. I sold it to a friend who had it inspected for NY, and they found the switch that turns on the reverse lights broken. $79 fix with labor. He still drives it today.

I then bought a 2004 Mustang (currently encased in ice), which has been more problematic. It needed a $700 transmission repair at 50,000 miles and the passenger window stopped working after a minor fender bender. Now at 94,000 miles I am going to trade it in for a 2010 Prius with $700 total spent besides oil, gas, tires and brake pads. I feel Ford has many solid products, especially the Fusion and the F150 but they do not currently have a car for me as I want a high mpg hybrid hatchback.

 

If I had to be loyal to one brand, it would be Ford based on their trucks, but they arent perfect. I was burned on their E40D transmissions and have sort of shifted to Chevy trucks. Any of the big 3 full size trucks are well built vehicles.

That said, why cant the big three make something like the prius? Why is there no smaller than the prius car out there that can get 40mpg as just a non-hybrid econo-domestic 3 door hatchback? Why does all of the companies, toyota included, keep the US out of the new clean diesel engines that get 20% better mpgs?

 

They are finally coming to their senses. The Chevy Cruze coming to America will get over 40mpg though it its not going to be a hatchback. The Cruze will be built in the USA. The new Ford Festiva will be 38mpg and will be a 5 door hatchback.

 

The new Fords are very well built cars. I would for instance buy a Fusion or Taurus over a Camry or Avalon.

However, my family has owned many Fords and several Toyotas and there is just no question that the Toyotas are better built, more reliable, and age much better. Not to say that will always be the case because I personally feel Toyota has slipped a lot (not because of the recalls, but just in general product quality) and Ford is working very hard to improve their quality. It has been true over time though.

 

I just test drove a Ford Fusion, about 2 months ago. They have definitely stepped up their game...the car was nice, the door handles didn't come off in my hand, and the "leather" upholstery didn't even stink.

But, to say that it compared favorably to any Japanese offering would be a lie.

The general feel of the car was showy, but cheap...glitz over substance. Even the hybrid display was more style than substance, "growing a tree" to show efficiency? Give me a break...and some numbers.

Chuck

 

My last three rentals were low end Chevy, Ford, and Accent. the Accent was the best product I have rented in years. BTW//No one can come close to Honda and Toyota as far as the Civic and Corolla for long term quality and economy. Hyundai is starting to really kick butt in the market place.

 

My 1998 Ford went 150,000+ miles over 11 years with not one single major issue. Great car.

 

I had a similar experience with my 1994 Ford Aerostar.

Tom