LittleCaesar
New member
All three of my Fords from 1990 through 1996 (Bronco, Bronco II, Explorer) are still running. All have their issues, but they are still quite a joy to drive, but maybe not as much as in years past. My uncle had a Taurus that he put two transmissions in, but it gave him 378,XXX miles before getting totaled.
Is the build quality that of my 3rd gen 4runner? No, not even close. But I would not expect them to be.
Is the build quality that of my 3rd gen 4runner? No, not even close. But I would not expect them to be.
Victor_inox
New member
My mom and dad had a 95 Mercury Villager minivan shuttling around my brother and I. The minivan was a Nissan and Ford joint venture. Engine and transmission by Nissan and Ford everything else. Engine and transmission is fine even though it ran with a cloth stuck in its air intake for months. My dad was wondering why it didn't run right. Everything that did went wrong was made by Ford. The electronic locks, ignition assembly, a recall for exhaust fumes gaining access to the cabin area, and stupid brakes. Other than that, it ran fine. Its still used today and actually has less problem than my truely 1st car, a 96 Infiniti G20. My dad also had an 80s Ford Escort, total piece of crap. We had it when i really young, all i can remember was opening a shaken up soda in there and blasted it everywhere in that car.
That said, I like the BOSS 302 Mustang and the Raptor. Those cars, however, I wouldn't car about how unreliable it is. I would buy one just for their badass looks and fun factor.
That said, I like the BOSS 302 Mustang and the Raptor. Those cars, however, I wouldn't car about how unreliable it is. I would buy one just for their badass looks and fun factor.
BucknutBob
New member
That always has been the downfall of the domestics--once they get the drivetrain taken care of, they cheap out on the other stuff. The vehicle keeps running, but you hate to drive it because of all the broken crap like switches, levers, stalks, window parts, etc.. I've had numerous old Hondas and Toyotas, and the interior stuff still worked and felt great--they do it right.
shadow247
New member
I'd say that's about right. My 99 Runner with 341k runs like brand new, while my 97 Chevy Z71 with 231k runs great, most of the electrical stuff doesn't work, at least the windows do though. A/C only blows on high, power mirrors don't work. It has a factory defroster on the rear window, but no switch as indicated in the owners manual. I'm wondering if the PO switched out the dash bezel and didn't bother to put the switch back.
Killa-Cotton
New member
I've had several 88' Thunderbird Turbocoupes and i have to say there are awesome cars. My present one only has about 106K but my other two had over 250K and they still ran great when I sold them. The interiors hold up really well and the cast iron 2.3l block and head are bulletproof.
Benski
Member
My Father had one and had to replace the turbo 3 times! Of course it was after the warranty had ended.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
I'm still a little bit in shock I bought a Ford but their quality has jumped up quite a bit in the last 4 years and they are ranked right up with Toyotas on most owner surveys like JD power.
I took a chance with my wife's 2012 Focus and hope it doesn't fall apart since it is a blast to drive. It gets tint,17" wheels and a clear bra next month............and them maybe an exhaust and intake which would bump the crankhorse over 185 which puts it in Civic Si territory.
I took a chance with my wife's 2012 Focus and hope it doesn't fall apart since it is a blast to drive. It gets tint,17" wheels and a clear bra next month............and them maybe an exhaust and intake which would bump the crankhorse over 185 which puts it in Civic Si territory.
priestsallore
New member
At Ron, I'm not of a fan of the new Exploder anymore, due to the body change which looks like a crossover. Ford has always made good vehicles though and will always run.if you take care of them.
waketek516
New member
I will state outright that our family has been bleeding Ford Blue for 50+ years. My 4Runner is my first non-Ford, and I have to agree/disagree with some stuff in this thread...
Ford was known for having A LOT of QC issues through the 80s, 90s, and early 00s. That's why a lot of the issues mentioned on cars from those eras are valid. (Electrical gremlins, switches, AC, etc all had problems).
However, every Ford my family has had has gone 200k before we'd trade up for a newer model. Only one that didn't hit 100k was because a deer totaled it! I can say that starting around 2004 the quality started to go WAY up each time they did a redesign. The proof now is in the sales, and reviews. Fords are constantly ranked right up there with Toyotas now, and for good reason. Both manufacturers are cranking out some high quality cars!
My baby right now is a 2006 Mustang GT that's supercharged and making 461rwhp on the stock block. Its an absolute animal, and has taken TONS of abuse without any issues whatsoever. I'm 100% happy with the car, and haven't had any problems at all with it. They really built the new mustangs to handle a lot more than the stock power output. I think Ford realized that most of the V8 cars weren't going to stay stock for long.
Department of Boost Manifold - GT500 Blown 4.6L Mustang - YouTube
Ford was known for having A LOT of QC issues through the 80s, 90s, and early 00s. That's why a lot of the issues mentioned on cars from those eras are valid. (Electrical gremlins, switches, AC, etc all had problems).
However, every Ford my family has had has gone 200k before we'd trade up for a newer model. Only one that didn't hit 100k was because a deer totaled it! I can say that starting around 2004 the quality started to go WAY up each time they did a redesign. The proof now is in the sales, and reviews. Fords are constantly ranked right up there with Toyotas now, and for good reason. Both manufacturers are cranking out some high quality cars!
My baby right now is a 2006 Mustang GT that's supercharged and making 461rwhp on the stock block. Its an absolute animal, and has taken TONS of abuse without any issues whatsoever. I'm 100% happy with the car, and haven't had any problems at all with it. They really built the new mustangs to handle a lot more than the stock power output. I think Ford realized that most of the V8 cars weren't going to stay stock for long.
Department of Boost Manifold - GT500 Blown 4.6L Mustang - YouTube
RandyDaytona
New member
I've had Fords for my work vehicles for about 15 years. They've all run great, despite the fact that they get beaten up and taken into places where vehicles should not have to go.
I once had a Dodge and it left me out in the middle of nowhere three times. For different reasons. Never again. YMMV.
Loved my 2006 Tundra, but not exactly fond of the newer behemoth that replaced it.
I had a 2005 Titan for a while. It seemed well made and the fit and finish were of good quality, but the darn thing blew past everything on the road but a gas station, so I had to get rid of it.
This whole debate, though, is kind of like a self-licking ice cream cone. Everyone has their own opinion, based on their own experiences, and they all counter one another and keep the debate endlessly and perpetually cycling...
I once had a Dodge and it left me out in the middle of nowhere three times. For different reasons. Never again. YMMV.
Loved my 2006 Tundra, but not exactly fond of the newer behemoth that replaced it.
I had a 2005 Titan for a while. It seemed well made and the fit and finish were of good quality, but the darn thing blew past everything on the road but a gas station, so I had to get rid of it.
This whole debate, though, is kind of like a self-licking ice cream cone. Everyone has their own opinion, based on their own experiences, and they all counter one another and keep the debate endlessly and perpetually cycling...
