What Ever Happened To Bleeding Ford Blue?????

[69fastback]

I have been on this website for a few years now and it seems like less and less people like ford on here Why are you still on a ford website????? Other than the usall comments that I have already read about how ford quality sucks and imports are better. You all know who I am talking about. Why do you guys bother if ford is so horrible Yeah i know foci suck so don't bother telling me about those. I know that you can't buy anthoer car that offers what the mustang can for the price. I don't even want to get started on the trucks because you can't compare ford trucks with anything. I will debate that all day long. I drove every truck on the market before I bought my f-150 and it didn't have the most hp or the most trq but it was by far the most soild truck. If you go the to track look at all those chevys being towed to the track by fords. It is quit funny if you ask me. I don't want to hear the same comments that have been going around this website latley. Give me something new. So show me a car under 24k that can whip a mustang and so forth. Prove to me a truck that is better than a ford truck and your stupid magazine articles mean nothing. Those are from idiots with partcial opions to begin with. So I challege you all to tell me something that sucks so bad about ford I don't already know?????????? or better yet something you haven't said before because I don't see it.

[RBatson]

The main problem I have with Ford is their service, it sucks. I dropped the mustang off to get an oil change, align the front end, fix the power window and check for a noise coming from the rear.. a week later I called to see how it was going, I hadn't heard from them and they said they lost my number. I asked if everything was finished and they said yes. I said oil change, front end, window and the noise? They said "Oh, umm.. you wanted the oil changed too?" Yeah, the oil changed too. They called back the next week and said it was ready to pick up. I dropped my Avalanche off at the dealership to check for an oil leak and change the oil. A salesman gave me a ride, in a new car, to the Ford dealership. I paid the bill and went to get in the car, my window was scratched. I go back inside and someone comes out and looks at the window and says they will cover it under warranty. I'm thinking, that was easy, maybe they finally fixed their service issues(I'd consider a new F250 if they had). I have to ride in a van with 4 other people, all over town, before I finally get home. The Chevy dealership called the next day, the oil leak was a simple fix and the truck was ready. I told them to go ahead and change the tranny fluid and wash it. They call the next day, the truck is ready and its washed inside and out for $20 more. I get the truck. Meanwhile the Ford dealership calls and says they won't cover the window and say its because its dirty is why its scratched. This is after the service rep has told me they would cover it and called to see if the window was in stock(while I was standing there). I'm hot by this point and tell them I want to talk to the manager, they end up getting a Ford rep to look at it.. again, they won't cover it. So I go to pick it up and they try to charge me again for the service I already paid. I tell the service rep that this is why I won't be buying an F250, crap like this. We argue about it and I asked "did someone have to take that door panel off to fix that window regulator?" I get a 'deer in the headlights' look and they say "ummm, yes". I say "It seems kinda funny to me that the window is fine when I bring it in, you work on the window and now its scratched!" They said, "you have a point". I said, "its the felt on the end of the guide that holds the window steady, it needs to be replaced. It must have come off." Something I already told them a few times. They finally say they will replace the felt. They call back a couple days later and its ready. The window is slightly etched but its not scratching the window while sliding up and down. I tell them I will be selling the car and Ford will get a letter. They call back and say they will replace the window, I haven't returned that call.. the car is sold. I'm not sending a letter, I just won't be buying a new Ford until they do something about their service or lack thereof. I have other stories but I won't bore you with them and while I know this dealership sucks, its not just this one. The Chevy dealership always gave or offered a free rental when I took the Avalanche in for service under warranty(and I bought the truck in Orlando). Ford, never. Chevy will usually call or send a letter wanting to know how the recent service went. Ford, never. So if Ford wants to know why they are losing business, this is why. Service cost money but its the price of keeping loyal customers, something Chevy seems to have picked up on. I know a couple of diehard Ford people that recently switched to Chevy because of this. Who wants to spent $50k on a truck and not get good service? Not me. I don't care how good the truck is.. at some point it will need service. I hope someone from Ford reads this; You guys have some serious service and integrity issues at your dealerships.

I will probably never sell my 89 mustang and I may buy another Ford product, I've always wanted an 68 Cougar but I will not be buying a new Ford vehicle anytime soon unless they make some serious changes in their service dept.

[Unit 5302]

I won't be buying another new Ford because of my piece of crap 2002 Mustang GT.

I've owned the following Ford vehicles:

1977 Mustang II V8 Fastback
1988 Mustang LX Hatch
1988 Mustang LX Hatch
1988 Mustang GT Hatch
1985 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
1993 Escort GT
1987 Mustang GT
2001 Mustang GT
2002 Mustang GT

I've had an engine failure, 6 transmission failures including the 2002 GT which was babied for 17k until the 3rd gear syncronizer failed, and the entire transaxle exploding on the '93 Escort with only 90k on it. I've also become very aquainted with removing entire dashes to replace heater cores, but that's only happened 5 times.

On the 2001, I discovered the dealer had sold me a car that had been through a major accident and didn't disclose the information to me only a day after I bought it, when the power window motor failed and another dealer was looking at it. The new dealer found all the signs I had missed on the 12k car. The old dealer then tried to screw me on their money back guarantee/exchange policy and they attempted to avoid giving me the rebate on a new car which is why I purchased the 2002 off the new dealer's lot.

On the 2002, the power window motor failed, the transmission failed, the stereo failed, the engine had a random no-start condition related to some sort of bad connection in the transmission, the car would occationally start and chug for about 1min spewing heavy smoke. The 2002 still had the plastic on the seats when I bought it, and I took excellent care of it. I sold this heap of crap with 17k on it. By the way, when it was in the shop, the dealer's "rental car" was already being used so they couldn't offer one to me. Luckily, it wasn't supposed to rain, and I could ride my motorcycle everywhere I needed to go.

A side note, my sister's 2000 Ford Focus. The engine just blew up a couple months ago... with under 100k on it. This wonderful little vehicle has seen at least a 1/2 dozen recalls, and the recall work was often botched by the dealer resulting in the car going right back. The fuel pump failed 3x leaving her stranded and fighting for repair under warranty. She's now concerned that her transmission is failing.

You also might want to talk to Capri 306 about how GREAT Ford trucks and dealer service are. I can't remember if his family experienced the massive 5.4L crank failure problem or something else. The friggen CRANKSHAFT was failing. How do you not find that in proving grounds testing????? Maybe it was another cheapass move by Ford like the 1999 Cobra incident where they made a change to save $1 per unit at the last minute and didn't test it?

Why am I here? Because I would like to be able to bleed Ford blue again, and because I still love my old Mustangs. My 1987 and 1988 GT's were very reliable considering how I and their previous owners drove them. They had more problems than I would have expected from some soulless Toyota, but with a transmission that wasn't even rated to handle the engine produced in stock trim, failure was going to happen.

Don't give me the BS line that I should shove my head in the sand like an ostrich and pretend everything is a-okay. That's what got Ford into the trouble they're in now. Hopefully, if enough people that care about Ford finally start speaking up, Ford will be able to deal with these issues and start producing vehicles and dealerships that make Ford owners proud to have the blue oval in their driveway. If I didn't care, I wouldn't be here.

[Capri306]

Yes, it was my father's 2000 F-250 Super Duty V10. In short, the engine blew a spark plug out its threads & bore. The stealership service manager told us, with a $hit-eatin' grin upon his face, "yep, they do that!!!" Gee, thanks fvkker!

Yeah, we really really love Ford for their quality of manufacture, service, and concern for their customers. What's pathetic is the lack of any serious corrective action by the suits up top in that company. They seem to have reserved spots on the lifeboats as the rest of the ship slowly slips below the surface of the water, figuratively speaking.

Now my mom, dad, and younger brother drive Hondas. Let's just say we're going to be customers of theirs for a long time, just based upon their customer service quality ALONE. I'm the black sheep that bought a Bronco because I needed something with 4x4 that could haul a lot of crap to and from college through snow and stuff. I've always been a truck man at heart anyway.

[rwhite65]

I am torn on this one, but will say this.
Most of the complaints are in regards to the dealer’s service. My old home town Ford dealer gave me great service, including on the used Grand Cherokee I bought from them.

I will not sit here and tell you that Ford makes the best products in every category. But I will say this. I am impressed with the new stang so far. However, I do not own one nor have I driven one, so I can only go off what I have seen, heard, or read. Their trucks however, I can attest too.

I have personally beat a 77 f150 for 10 plus years, 79 f250 (mine since I turned 14) and also have extensive experience with a 97 power stroke f-250 and a have yet once again tortured a 96 f-350 with a 460. All these trucks ride like tanks, but they were bought to work and they have done that time and time again. If I wanted a car ride, I would buy a Chevy, or better yet just get a caddy and not work at all. Their reliability has been great and I would never buy a truck other then the Ford if I ever planned on anything other then getting groceries with them. Ford has been good when it comes to their trucks, plain and simple.

You may see in my signature that I drive Jeep. I am not a Chrysler fan, dislike dodge or anything else mopar as far as that is concerned. But, I wanted a vehicle with a nice ride and serious four wheel capabilities with rock solid reliability. My family has owned 7 Jeep vehicles in the last ten years and they all have proven that they are good for what they were designed for. Ford's explorers just never added up.

My point is this, Ford does not make the best of everything nor do I expect them too. Will there be failures? Absolutely...they are machines and machines will fail. If Ford ever loses their credible truck line, I will still bleed blue on my trucks....just may always be driving older ones is all.
Ryan

[fast_pony]

I for one am/ was a chevy guy for the last 25 years or so..I am at this time in the middle of a 92 mustang 408 stroker build. When asked "why a mustang" or "why a Ford" all I can say is "so I can put one more chevy or import notch on my belt. I am so sick of these bic lighter imports thinking they rule with the young punks that are driving them til the blow up. And then there are the infamous Chevy guys, Camaro guys in particular. They think they own the road and can beat anything on 4 wheels. I have taken care of too many imports and Camaros with my other mustang 92 LX 331 that I can't wait til they see the twin with the 408. I will prove once and for all that a ford can be built to win for under 10 grand. Right now the 408 is planned for 500 HP to the wheels motor only...add the juice and a supercharger and I probably won't be able to keep tires on it. I love my Ford and I could give a rats ass less about their dealer service or bad parts or anything else. Isolated incidents don't mean much to me. I believe all the companies have problems. Not just Ford. Depends on your circumstance, location, etc. I honestly don't believe I would have the nerve to come to a Ford forum though and bad mouth them though without expecting some kinda flack. JMO.

[Mr 5 0]

As anyone who has been on this website for awhile knows, I am the former owner of a '90 Mustang LX 5.0 that I drove and enjoyed for 15 years and 125,000 miles. That particular Mustang hatchback was near-flawless in terms of reliability and overall manufacturing quality. Maybe I was just 'lucky' and maybe Ford just did it right back in 1990...I'm not sure....but whatever the reason, my '90 LX was a 'gem' - and I'm glad I owned it.

I only sold it due to my changed circumstances (it had become impractical as a daily driver for me) and the fact that, at 15 years old, I had the choice of refurbishing the car (new paint, engine rebuild, etc) - at a cost of thousands - and having to hold on to it for many more years to wait for it to appreciate..if it ever would - a crapshoot..or simply sell it for a reasonable price and avoid possible breakage/rebuilding hassles (been there, done that, no thanks). I opted to sell - and give my beloved 'Stang a good new 'home'. I do not regret that decision one bit. That late-model Fords are lesser cars these days is sad but as I do not own one, or have any plans to buy a Ford, it's something I can deal with while still admiring the new Mustangs (albeit, from afar).

I remain a visitor and sometimes contributor to this site because of my nostalgic connection for it ( I first registered here in '97) and the fact that, in a remote, almost abstract way, I'm still a Ford fan, especially when it comes to Mustangs. I believe that I can still contribute to the forum and I'll continue to do so as long as I can.

[Unit 5302]

Originally Posted by fast_pony

...I love my Ford and I could give a rats ass less about their dealer service or bad parts or anything else. Isolated incidents don't mean much to me. I believe all the companies have problems. Not just Ford. Depends on your circumstance, location, etc. I honestly don't believe I would have the nerve to come to a Ford forum though and bad mouth them though without expecting some kinda flack. JMO.

So service and quality don't mean anything to you?
Isolated incidents, these are not.
As far as expecting flak... I've been here for more than 7 years, and I've never been a person to hide from my feelings on something. I don't care if there is any flak. I stand by what I say and what I believe.

I suggest you pop over to www.consumerreview.com and take a look at the reviews of Ford vehicles compared to most imports. Most domestic owners believe that a new alternator and water pump at 120k is routine maintanence. The reviews are by average consumers, and I've found it to be a very neat tool to compare used cars.

5,163 reviews on Ford. Avg score 3.62 of 5.00. The thing is, there were some remarkable performers. The Bronco and Econoline received the best marks in their respective classes, but the FWD bread and butter passenger cars sucked hardcore. As a general rule, the RWD platforms and trucks performed significantly better.

2,869 reviews on Honda. Avg score 4.22 of 5.00. That's a huge friggen gap with both manufacturers having a very large database of reviews. Interestingly enough, the Honda reviews were outstanding on their bread and butter passenger car models, but their SUV the Passport and their minivan, the Odyssey scored poorly compared to the rest of their lineup.

Now, you may choose to drive a Crown Victoria, Mustang, Bronco or a Econoline. If you do, according to the reviews, you should expect very solid reliability and a good vehicle all around. If you choose a Focus or a Taurus you might have a nightmare to look forward to. Overall, Ford's quality is a little below average and that's only made worse by the fact they have several very good performers.

Just as an FYI, the Ford Mustang scored an impressive 4.15 of 5.00.

i still love fords, but i like my current jeep for 4x4ing better then the 1998 f-150 short box that i had. but i can't wait to get another mustang and it will happen when i get a place where i can keep it.

[mustangII460]

I have 5 Fords.

[69fastback]

Some valid points taken. Still some of the same comments I have read before. The service is new to me though. I have never had issues with a ford service center. They have always gave me a rental for free and fixed what I needed with no problem.
Yes i know ford has some cars that didn't do so well, but who the hell cares about a taurus on this website?? You need 4 doors get a truck. YOu can't say that the fusion is not a very good car.

[mustangII460]

HEY !

Easy on the Taurus. I have two and they've been nothing but great !

Ive been looking at the Fusion, maybe my next car who knows. But I don't need anymore cars right now.

[84LX89GT]

i've always been a ford guy and likely will always be. I worked at a dealership as a mechanic from 2000 to 2005 and i can tell you that some fords last forever, others are complete piles and have all the common defects. I've seen stuff come from the factory floor that is unacceptable quality wise, and i performed alot of the ridiculous recalls (focus.....blah!). I can totally understand why people are dissatisfied with fords, the management of the company and dealerships are more interested in cost cutting than quality and pay everyone accordingly. I've seen new explorers with failed transmissions at 100 miles, engine noises off the truck, vehicles that won't start off the truck.....6.0L diesels were still having problems running when i quit, i remember the first 15 programming updates didn't fix them so i'm not sure if they have it down yet.
anyway, i've always liked fords and will continue to follow them and all their quirks. Seriously though, if you want Mercedes quality then buy a mercedes. A ford is a ford and nothing more, but they're built BY americans FOR americans, and regardless of the b.s. that's what is important to me and why i drive them.

[SMOKE]

I've also owned FORD Mustangs and 1 Escort.
All of which have performed admirably considering the requirements to keep up with my lifestyle. The minor issues I've had with my cars have less to do with FORD but more to do with the owner. The largest issue I've ever had was a failed fuel sending unit on my 98. Other than that my vehicles have taken me from coast to coat in service of my country allowing my mind the space of concern for other more pressing issues.
I've never had to worry about 'how' I was going to respond to a recall or arrive at an airport, just 'when'.
I've also been very fortunate to have good support from dealerships. On occassion I may have been put off by a bad employee, but the overall service has been good.

By state ....
Outstanding in FL
GOOD in CA
GREAT IN LA
and so far GOOD IN GA.

FORD had earned my respect and attention but my family and faith have all my loyalty. If FORD produced a bad product I'd tell them about, so I'm far from brand loyal - - maybe just fortunate with my purchases.

[RBatson]

Well well.. I just got a survey from Ford in the mail about my latest service. First line ask if I still have the car.. I wonder if they will even read the rest of the survey when I mark "No".

[mustangman65_79]

some of us old farts posting in here :P

as for me, I havn't had any problems with any of my fords. But the only thing I don't like is that ford is going after websites and companys with the name mustang in them, way to piss off ur loyal customers.

[hetzyhetz]

it just sounds to me like a lot of you people have bad luck with cars. or maybe eveyone that i know has good luck. what ever the case may be ill stick with the oval til i die

[silver bullet1968]

It sounds to me like some people need to learn how to work on their own vehicles. The only time I've ever had a problem with any Ford I have ever owned it started with my 40 pound right foot

[808foxtang]

I feel badly about the first post in this thread. You have really been put through the ringer by your local Ford Dealership. I have to admit, I have owned quite a few Ford vehicles since I was 16 years old. All of them did what was expected in fine fashion, which is to get me from point A to point B. They were never the fastest, nor the most elegant, but for a normal guy like me, it's all good. Since I've been living in this new area I have met some really nice people at my local Ford Dealership. The service manager was even willing to inspect my 91 LX Hatchback on his day off, before I bought it. Gary and his boys are all Ford mechanics, they all drive Ford Mustangs and Mercury Capris and race on the weekends. I think maybe you better switch Ford Dealers, since I can attest to the Ford Dealer in my community. However, I must confess, I did buy a car outside of the Ford box. I bought my wife a Volvo S60. I do believe Volvo is connect somehow to Ford, I just don't know how. My feeling was that if I could buy a safe car for my wife and kids, why not. My 2 cents.

[P.C.]

Picking a reliable ford is like a crap shoot.LOVE THE TRUCKS. I drove a 7.3 powerstoke and loved it..work truck.Some are real good others are not.My 03GT is great..32000 hard miles.A provin winner is my lil black 96 escort..280.000 miles on her before a intake seat sucked.it has a rebuilt 1.9 now.trans is original over 350.000 miles on it.Original exhaust,starter things that went are the normal stuff ..alternator,speedo cable,evap sensor a few batterys and axle as of late.Service depends on the dealer of course.Some really suck while others really care.finding a good one is usually from word of mouth, like picking a good model.Ive worked for a dealer for tweve years and seen the good with the bad.i no longer work for ford.But still like the product.