Don't Buy a FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!

[posegate]

1. My car gets serviced more regularly than a hypochondriac.
2. It is not out of the question that a certain year/make/model is prone to lemonitis (ie. Edsel).
3. 1997 was 8 years ago.

[cbuck]

My vehicle ownership history--all bought new except the first two:
'67 VW Bug
'86 Chevy S-10
'85 Chevy S-10
'88 Chevy Spectrum (Isuzu)
'88 Isuzu Trooper
'96 Dodge Caravan
'98 Dodge Caravan
'00 F250 SD Gas V8

Add to this my past business vehicles--all bought new:
Several 1980+ Dodge 3/4 and 1-ton trucks
Four 1986-2000 Ford Diesels 1-ton


Currently in the household:
'00 Pontiac Montana--Bought Used
'96 Geo Metro--Bought Used
'97 Ford Taurus--Bought Used
'04 F250 SD 6.0 Diesel--Bought New
'92 Dodge Dakota V6--Bought New

NONE of these vehicles were ever TROUBLE-FREE, but I never expected them to be. Some cost a lot to maintain and repair, some cost a little. The ones that cost the most to REPAIR were the ones that I spent the least amount of money on for MAINTENANCE. (NEGLECT)
I can't see how anyone can point to a specific make or model and label them as "lemons" based on their experience with just one of thousands that came off the assembly line.

The point is: No matter what you buy, you will spend money to maintain their condition and reliability. If all cars were perfect and expected to last forever, there would be no warranties, repair shops, parts stores, or new car dealers. We'd all be driving Pre-WWII vehicles.

[tasteph]

Whether you currently have or have owned an Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Daewoo, Daihatsu, Datsun, Dodge, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Geo, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Peugeot, Plymouth, Pontiac, Porsche, Renault, Rolls Royce, Rover, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen, Volvo, Yugo, or any others there will always be problems somewhere with at least one of these types of vehicles manufactured.

I have owned Ford, GM, Plymouth and Volkswagon products before and I tend to have better luck with the Fords. Not knocking GM products either but I’m not to keen on the Plymouth lines.

Here's my list:

1973 Plymouth Scamp (decent car with 318, had this one when I was in High School in 1982)

1976 Chevrolet Van (good van, had this one in High School after my Scamp died)

1973 Plymouth Duster (hated it but was the first car I could afford during my first year in the US Air Force)

1982 Pontiac T1000 (hated this car too got it after my Duster died)

1985 Chevrolet Cavalier (great little car, wished I had never traded it in)

1987 Volkswagon Fox (great little car but I never should have traded in my Cavalier for it)

1989 Ford Ranger XLT (what a wonderful little truck, bought the truck from my brother who had bought it brand new in 1989, I drove it until it died in 2004 with 140,000 miles on it)

1998 Ford Contour (bought this one right after getting married because we just couldn’t get in my Ranger, which I still had at the time and we were expecting our first child)

1997 Plymouth Voyager (traded in our Ford Contour to have more room for the family, wish I had never traded that Contour that was a great little car (This van was totaled in a wreck in Jun 2003))

1993 Ford Taurus (bought this one after my old faithful Ranger died, the Taurus had 96,000 miles and with the exception of a few minor details it is a very good car)

1996 Ford Windstar (got this one last year too with our income tax refund, have had a few minor problems with it too but have found many solutions to those problems here on these forums)

What next? Probably another Ford of course, but if the price and mileage is right on another type then who knows. Anybody know anything good/bad about the KIA Sportage?

[mlw35405]

AAAH! KIA SPORTAGE!! STAY AWAY STAY AWAY! If everyone arguing here about Fords being junk would just drive a Kia for a month, there'd be nothing for praise for the ol' blue oval, in terms of reliability, quality, and comfort.

[papasmith]

Originally Posted by jer_bond

I don't know why people are so defensive when it comes to Ford. Sure you can like a car but don't consume yourself-it's just a car, it has no emotions. Ford makes a lot of plastic parts when they should be using metal. They design and build the cars as fast and cheap as possible so that as soon as the warranty is expired the car goes to crap. It's all about the profit and that is the same reason why i think they still make gasoline guzzling and not deisel or clean fuel cars. I i have a '90 Taurus and i have had the tranny rebuilt twice. The first time it failed, the odometer read 57 000 kilometers or about 35 000 miles. When i open up the hood after having the car run awhile, i get an instant sun burn(all that heat trapped causes a lot of the problems) Also there is rust everywhere, especially around the wheel wells like you always see, the oil and fuel consumtion is horrible(dispite doing a lot of work on it), the brake designs are crap on the old tauruses(requires more foot power) and the lines should be made out off stainless steel. When i replaced my headlamp bulbs the screw device busted on both lights-the plastic was brittle after 14 years-i don't understand how they come up with these weird nonsense designs. Furthermore, my rear driver's side door wouldn't open so i had to take the door off to fix that and now the front driver's door doesn't lock. The rad is starting to rust, i know this because of my coolant reservoir...the air conditioning doesn't work. Hmm what else...oh ya the multi-function switch broken-only my highbeams work, need to replace a bearing and also i have to replace another broken brake line. My odometer reads 105 000 kilometers or 65 000 miles(odometer not turned back). I am paying $6000CND(robbery) this year to insure this piece of crap!

Well, I don’t think “people” are really being defensive about Fords so much as expressing opposition to a broad stroked condemnation of a brand based upon one person's experience with one car. I don't know, but I would be willing to bet that a thorough analysis of the posts in automotive forums would reveal that GM cars have at LEAST as many problems as Fords. From my own experience, having had a number of both GM and Ford products, I can say that I have found the Fords far and away more reliable including the Ford Taurus of which I have had three. By the way, I think one thing that would extend the life of the Ford Transmissions is to change out the transmission fluid. Of the three that I have owned, two I did a transmission fluid change and one I didn't. In the one I didn't, the transmission failed. Still it had 150,000 miles on it when it did fail. The other two have over 200,000 miles on them and are still running strong last I heard. (I no longer own them)

In regard to the Ford only being a car and thus not deserving the ardor used in their defense is missing the point. What is being referred to is safe, reliable, economical and enjoyable transportation. Many Ford owners do become defensive about the validity of their experiences and opinions which lean toward Ford products. The depth of their fervor in defense of the Ford comes from the same source as your denunciation of your Taurus.

As far as plastic parts and Ford having more and in places where metal should be used, well, it depends on the plastic and where it is located. Having driven a number of examples of cars from GM and Ford, I see no appreciable difference.

In regard to your experience with your Taurus, I now have a 93 Taurus. It has given me over 180,000 miles of reliable service. And I am not anal when it comes to maintenance. I do what is necessary but no more. Oh, by the way, I am looking at some luxury cars from both GM and Ford. Specifically, I am looking at the Deville, and Lincoln Town Car or Continental, 1998 to 2001 models. Look at Car Survey and discover which gets the best marks. As usual, it is a Ford Product. I went in with an open mind. I actually like the styling, generally speaking, of GM in this class of cars. That is only my opinion. I wish you luck and hope that one day you will again consider a Ford. I feel your pain about your car. Believe me, I know how it feels to have mechanical money pit. It was an Oldsmobile Aurora. Beautiful but a piece of crap!

[papasmith]

Originally Posted by FlamingTaco

I hope this turd is done posting his hate for Ford in various thread as I'm getting tired of having to bypass his BS posts. What a waste of electricity.

Hello FlamingTaco. Do you have any idea why Jer bond is bashing Ford and not the other American Car Companies? What is the agenda here??? Has he got stock in GM or something?? I mean I would like to really know.

[tomlcollins]

First of all, hello.. I don't post in here much but I occasionally peek into this forum when my girlfriend's taurus has a problem I can't figure out on my own.
I can honestly tell you that her 98 Taurus is the biggest piece of crap I have ever had the displeasure of having to work on (CONSTANTLY!) We've had to replace an engine, various suspension components, and basically the entire charging system. This doesn't even include the other constant annoyances/design inefficiencies like the windows falling off track, creaks and rattles EVERYWHERE, and an awful paint job. This car only has 50K miles on it, and if she didn't get it for free from her grandparents I swear to God I would push it off a cliff. About the only good thing I can say about it is that the seats are comfy.
...by the way...her grandfather had to replace the transmission and various sensors before she ever got the car.
Have also been good friends with three other Taurus owners who have had nothing but headaches.
Not all Fords are crap, but to give credit where credit is due, the Taurus definitely qualifies.
And by the way, I'm not attacking anyone here, I'm just giving my opinion on this particular car...don't want to butt heads with anyone as there is a very good chance I may need your help in the future!

[papasmith]

[quote=tomlcollins]First of all, hello.. I don't post in here much but I occasionally peek into this forum when my girlfriend's taurus has a problem I can't figure out on my own.
I can honestly tell you that her 98 Taurus is the biggest piece of crap I have ever had the displeasure of having to work on (CONSTANTLY!)


Thanks for the input. What year is your Taurus? I have had three 1993 Taurus' and one has 220,000 miles, another has 192,000 miles which I still have, and the other, has 148,000 miles but was parked when the Torque Converter Seal blew. The interesting thing was, this was the only one that didn't get the transmission fluid changed over at about 100,000 miles. I am curious if yours is a newer models and if they are more problamatic. Also, don't give up on Fords. I have looked at and have had GM's, specifically and Oldsmobile Aurora. God, talk about a nightmare. Also, I am currently looking for a new used car, and was looking at the Lincolns and Cadilacs. I was leaning toward a Seville because I like their looks. However, if you check out carsurvey.org, you will find that the Devilles almost without exception have some kind of suspension problem that causes them to shake at around 60 to 70mph. Look at Loncolns, and all you about see is Smiley Faces indicating very satisfied owners. Wish you luck with your Taurus.

[papasmith]

Quote tasteph

"1993 Ford Taurus (bought this one after my old faithful Ranger died, the Taurus had 96,000 miles and with the exception of a few minor details it is a very good car)

What next? Probably another Ford of course, but if the price and mileage is right on another type then who knows. Anybody know anything good/bad about the KIA Sportage?" endquote

Do you still have the Taurus? I have had 3 of them. Two went over 200,000 miles. One went 148,000 before a seal blew in the transmission. This was the one I didn't have the Transmission fluid flushed on at about 100,000 miles. If yours is anything like mine, and you still own it, then you can look forward to many more miles of reliable service. Some things that have went wrong are;

Body Control Computer - Controls or has impact on things like fuel pump, Idle, etc. This seems to be a perenial problem with these cars.
Throttle Position Sensor - Car doesn't idle properly, cuts off.
Ignition Module - Car jerks and surges at speed.

That's it. Each of these items can be replaced in under 20 minutes.

Good luck.

[tasteph]

Originally Posted by papasmith

Do you still have the Taurus?

Yes I do and I’m planning on keeping it. Will soon be getting that Tax Refund and gonna spend a little money getting some brake work, minor body work, and an oil leak repaired and it’ll be almost like new considering everything else seems to still be in good working order.

I’ve got my eye on a 1999 Taurus SE wagon with 83,000 miles and the asking price is $4300.00. I’ll let you know how that turns out, waiting on that BIG check. The wife and I just e-filed our taxes and should be getting our refund in 8 to 15 days. The IRS website has links to complete e-filing and in some cases it’s free.

[chuckebag]

Just got rid of my 92 taurus with 210,000. Still ran good with original motor and trans. New England winters got to the floors and rockers

[nfaber]

I have also been burned by Ford.

A few years ago I replaced my old Dodge Intrepid with a 98 Taurus. About a month after selling the Dodge, the troubles with the Taurus started. First the dome light that wouldn't shut off. Then the ABS light came on. Then one of the rear seatbelts quit working. Now, as icing, the spark plug threads on the aluminum head stripped out, so it's sitting in my driveway waiting for me to spring for a new head. Oh, yeah, did I mention the windshield that cracks if a pebble passes within 5 feet?

I know my old Intrepid is still running strong. At least I still have my Dodge Dakota and my wife's Dodge Caravan are running with no problems.

So my answer to the question, "Have you driven a Ford lately?" Yes. Being pulled home.

I'm grabbing life by the horns from now on.

[sfontain]

Originally Posted by nfaber

I have also been burned by Ford.

A few years ago I replaced my old Dodge Intrepid with a 98 Taurus. About a month after selling the Dodge, the troubles with the Taurus started. First the dome light that wouldn't shut off. Then the ABS light came on. Then one of the rear seatbelts quit working. Now, as icing, the spark plug threads on the aluminum head stripped out, so it's sitting in my driveway waiting for me to spring for a new head. Oh, yeah, did I mention the windshield that cracks if a pebble passes within 5 feet?

I know my old Intrepid is still running strong. At least I still have my Dodge Dakota and my wife's Dodge Caravan are running with no problems.

So my answer to the question, "Have you driven a Ford lately?" Yes. Being pulled home.

I'm grabbing life by the horns from now on.

a) The dome light that wouldn't shut off is solved by all of about 30 seconds of work and some grease and is a known issue with the Taurus. It requires no parts and no disassembly to fix.

b) The spark plug threads stripping is a direct result of YOU or your mechanic overtightening the plugs. Most likely you since any mechanic knows that you don't overtighten plugs in aluminum heads.

c) Show me a windshield that doesn't crack when pebbles hit it at highway speeds. You are likely following other vehicles closer than you should.

d) Virtually all Chrysler/Dodge vehicles from 1993-2003 have unsafe "Generation 3" seatbelts, including Caravan and Dakota. Countless lawsuits have been filed stating that these seatbelts unlatch during wrecks. In other words, your head goes through the windshield. You lose on the seatbelt comparison.

e) The ABS light came on. Big whoop. You didn't state the cause, or whether you found a cause. It could have been something as simple as you neglecting to keep an eye on your brake fluid level. It also may have been a wheel speed sensor; not a big deal or an expensive fix.

And, frankly, shit happens to cars once in a while, probably even your Dodge vehicles.

Judging from the level of treatment and neglect you've imposed upon the car, I have no reservations in assuming that most of the problems you experienced are a result of your actions, and if you beat the car when driving as hard as you beat it when you work on it, none of what you say surprises me whatsoever.

[papasmith]

Originally Posted by nfaber

I have also been burned by Ford.

A few years ago I replaced my old Dodge Intrepid with a 98 Taurus. About a month after selling the Dodge, the troubles with the Taurus started. First the dome light that wouldn't shut off. Then the ABS light came on. Then one of the rear seatbelts quit working. Now, as icing, the spark plug threads on the aluminum head stripped out, so it's sitting in my driveway waiting for me to spring for a new head. Oh, yeah, did I mention the windshield that cracks if a pebble passes within 5 feet?

I know my old Intrepid is still running strong. At least I still have my Dodge Dakota and my wife's Dodge Caravan are running with no problems.

So my answer to the question, "Have you driven a Ford lately?" Yes. Being pulled home.

I'm grabbing life by the horns from now on.

Now, I have to agree with you about the windshields. Of course, the Taurus is the only kind of car I have driven for the last several years and it might be that the roads are more hazardous now as far of throwing up objects that might nick, chip or crack a windshield. I have had about 6 to 8 spiders appear in my windshield over about 150,000 miles. I don't know if that is an unusually high number or not.

I did want to reply in regard to your problems with your Taurus for the purpose of determing whether or not the newer ones are not as reliable as my 93s. In pursuit of that, how many miles do you have on your Taurus. Frankly, other than the threads stripping out, I don't see that you have had any major problems. As for the threads, well, someone could have just overtightened the plugs a time or two or worse yet crossthreaded the plugs when putting them in. This is not the fault of the car. You want a real lemon, try an Olds Aurora. That car will put you in the poorhouse in a hurry. Good luck.

[bamasace]

ive owned 2 tauraus a 1990 model with 3.0 and sold it with over 400,000 on it with almost no troubles and still didnt use oil.That caused me to buy my second 1 a 1999 model wow what a difference ive had nothing but trouble out of it tranny, heater, alt.,and more but the 3.0 keeps on going now at 200 thosand plus. I bought both used and to be honest when i researched this car{after purchase} it was a rental from la. i guess you win some and lose some but for all the chevy people who likes to knock fords ive owned 3 chevys and the fords ive owned were far more reliable