Just to hear some contraversy, consumer report

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EddieS'04

EddieS'04

In Memoriam 1950-2022
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It is the best it would scan. may have to resize up or down to read it.

see the link or my library..

Lets hear from some Ford bashers now,,:lol:

 
I've been a CR subscriber for years and do not hesitate to recommend it to anyone interested in getting the most for your money.



However, through the years, they have not been very high on domestically produced autos. When CR does their annual reports based on safety and road tests they do, American auto makers consistently come in behind Japanese and European manufacturers.



When they conduct their annual surveys, which is what this is, domestics tend to do better in reliability. Had I gone with CR's recommendations I would not have bought an ST based on their testing, Ridgeline supposedly gave you better functionality and POSSIBLY better dependability, I guess because it's a Honda and the Chevy Avalanche gave you better passenger room, more performance and was equal in mpg's.



So far the ST has held up well since it's introduction based on reader surveys. Other than CR's take on the ST, they still consider the 01-05 a crew cab Ranger, I'd recommend a subscription for the consumer looking to educate themselves on the latest products and best buys, just don't be surprised when you see Ford & GM ranked near the bottom in reliability and near the top in service issues in their annual reports.



D-
 
After reading the article and the news report a few weeks ago on the same subject, I missed where it said that Toyota dropped in average reliability, and Ford rose in average reliability and was now ahead of Toyota.



I mention that because that's what Fast Eddie said in a previous thread...that Ford was above Toyota...he said:



I have this months consumer reports article. Says that Toyota fell behind Ford in reliability.
Click to expand...



Yes, Toyota dropped to #3 in avg reliability, but it is still ahead of Ford or so says the report.



TJR
 
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Hey TJR, dont shoot me down. I have to make stuff up. Ford is giving me a kickback.

No, Not really,,:p:lol:
 
Reliability rating can be misleading . For example on many Japanese cars they recommend changing out the water pump when the timing belt is replaced, The reason is that it is buried in the engine compartment and since replacing the belt requires a lot of dismantling you save a lot on labor. Well the water pump should not show up on these cars as a problem since it is replaced every 60K miles. Additionally a lot of these foreign cars have extensive required maintenance which increases reliability. It also increase operating costs. Add the additional maintenance to American cars and their reliability would be raised also. BMW gives bumper to bumper for the first 3 years 36K miles. They will replace wiper blades, rotors, brake nearly anything under warranty. Why would their reliability be high since the owner will have any nit-pick thing replaced for the slightest reason. You have to compare the required maintenance and cost to evaluate reliability.
 
MikeC,



Respectfully your post comes off as another "apologist" type excuse on why the domestics rank behind the imports.



The details, the actual stats, the apple vs. orange debate is interesting; but at the end of the day consumer perception defines reality. The perception today is that the imports are more reliable.



When consumers can perceive and report higher reliability and satisfaction from the domestics, regardless the details you mention, then Detroit will once again be a leader.



Until then they will continue to be behind, sucking hind teat so to speak.



Oh, and note, Detroit has come a long way, but now is not the time for complacency or apology.



TJR
 
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TJR,



It is not about quality. Detroit has not been building cars people want to buy.



Seriously, up until the last year or two, Fod did not make a car I would buy. The Focus? No thank you. Taurus, Sorry. Crown Vic? If I wanted to be a wanna-be cop. Mustang? Hell yes. Is it practical? Nope.



What else did they offer?



1992 was the last new car I got from Ford. Went 10 years 135,000 miles. Suffered abuse and neglect (Burning 90% isopropyl alcohol, oil changes "whenever I got around to it", and my abuse). Those years Ford was ruling the roads. 5 of the top 10 cars were Fords. Escort, F-Series, Explorer, Ranger, Taurus.



The Escort was being phazed out in the late 90's to early 2000's. (2003 was the last ZX2).



The Taurus went from 1995 to 2007 without a serious redesign. That is 12 years. The Focus came out in like 1999 and it still the same car today in 2007, though the 2008 did get a facelift, yet it is still the same car. Ranger...umm, that is a 1982 design. 25 years on the same design. No wonder Ford is having a hard time selling them. F-150 is still a strong seller, though sales are down, it is still the top selling truck. Explorers have been priced out of the range of most families and gas prices add to that problem.



Ford has not produces a car that excites me. Sure, I would love to have a Mustang, but I am talking about a small CHEAP car. You could buy a new Escort 12 years ago for less than $9 grand...loaded.



A Focus loaded pushes $18,000. Yea right. To top it off, it is built in Mexico for pennies on the dollar.



Mistakes have been made for profit margin vs. overall profit.



That was Fords mistake.



I could care less what quality vehicles are out there. I do not have problems with what I drive. That is a fact. I drive the SH!T out of them!!!





Tom
 
It's too bad Ford doesn't make small cars that people want. And, they only offer 2! Focus and the Fusion. I don't count in Mazda as they are not majority owners of the company and it's not truly a domestic vehicle.
 
I don't count in Mazda as they are not majority owners of the company and it's not truly a domestic vehicle.
Click to expand...



Ford owns controlling intrest in Mazda. Ford is running the show.



I've driven a Focus as a rental, and they are in no way similar to a Mazda 3.
Click to expand...



You got a Ford engine...:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:





Tom
 
33% maybe controlling. And, that is only due to Japanese law where an American company can only own that percentage in a Japanese company. Imagine if Ford would of bought that interest in Toyota. Where would Ford be today?



It maybe a Ford engine in that Mazda 3 but both cars have a completely differently feel.
 
It maybe a Ford engine in that Mazda 3 but both cars have a completely differently feel.
Click to expand...



That is because it is a Focus from Europe. Really sad part is that the technology is there, but Ford wants to sell the old technology in the USA. I know the reason for it, but I prefer nor to say. TJR will say I am making excuses for Ford.



I am sure he already knows the real reason.





Tom
 
Caymen said:
That is because it is a Focus from Europe. Really sad part is that the technology is there, but Ford wants to sell the old technology in the USA. I know the reason for it, but I prefer nor to say. TJR will say I am making excuses for Ford.



I am sure he already knows the real reason.
Click to expand...



Again, sarcasm. Jeez. You really seem to have an H.O. for me.



I have no clue why Ford would intentionally not sell the best it can here in the states. That seems to be what you are saying Ford is doing, and that there is a reason for it.



If Ford truly is holding back, and justifying so as part of a business strategy, then such a strategy has to have only one goal...to make the company (more) money, either now or in the future.



So, Caymen, you know the reason. Share it if you want. I'm always interested in learning things. I hope that the reason has to do with making (more) money. Because, in business, all other reasons tend to just be excuses.



TJR
 

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