[12Ounce]

Being the oldest poster...I'll be first in line for this one. I would buy the 2001 if possible. It took six years, ...but I believe by 2001 most of the functional drivetrain bugs were eliminated.

Here is a list of little Fordism's that run me a bit crazy ... "ism's" that Ford designers are perfectly happy with ....and will probably never change:

1. The ac is automatically turned on whenever "defrost" is selected. Ford knows that we are not smart enough to turn on the ac when needed and appropriate...so we get ac even if it sometimes means condensation on the outside of the windschield.

2. Illuminated instrument panel message text is automatically turned lower in light intensity if the headlights are turned on. Once again, Ford is looking out for its stupid customers...who shouldn't be out driving with the headlights on in the daytime! We should be grateful. ....And there should be no state laws dictating that we turn our head lights on if it rains.

3. Radio speakers on sliding side doors. This makes the back seats a good place to put the in-laws. They will not be back for a another visit if they think they are in for another "intermittent concert" back there.

4. Each engineer/designer is required to develop his own unique fastener. Each screw, bolt or plastic clip is to be different from all others on the vehicle. He gets a pay bonus if he uses a screw or bolt for which there is no wrench!

5. Similarly to #4.... each electrical connector is to be unique, and complicated, so that the customer/mechanic can feel a true sense of profound and exhilarating achievement when he finally manages to get one to un-snap! No need to buy brain challenging parlor games if you can work on a Ford!

I have others, but these are my favourites.