Why Do People Say Never to Buy a Ford Car? Probing the Pros and Cons

Consumers across the globe often debate the merits and shortcomings of Ford vehicles. As someone who has owned numerous Fords over the past three decades, my experience paints a picture, both good and bad, that deserves exploration. In this article, I'll dive into why people might say, 'no more Ford,' based on popular consensus, and then outline the pros and cons I've experienced personally.

Why People Say "No More Ford"

The narrative about Ford reliability primarily stems from personal anecdotes and user experiences. Some unique stories familiar to many car owners highlight the challenges faced. For instance, purchasing a 1988 Ford Taurus LX, a car renowned for its great performance, might be seen as a great investment. However, the daily maintenance this model required nearly bankrupted the owner. Essential parts like the door handle, horn, and suspension components often failed, forcing the owner to constantly make repairs. Often, these repairs were not covered by the manufacturer, leading to escalating expenses. The frustration pushed the owner to advocate, 'not another Ford ever again.'

The Personal Ford Journey

From 1992 until retirement, I owned various Fords, ranging from sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to sedans and compact cars. My vehicles included the 1992-2000 Ford Ranger, 1990-1995 Ford Explorer, 2001 Ford Focus, 1994 Ford Escort, 1994 Lincoln Town Car, 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 1997-2000 Ford F-150, 2014 Ford Explorer, 1997 Ford F-150, 2016 Ford Focus ST, and 2018 Ford F-150. Each of these vehicles has had its fair share of unique experiences and issues, contributing to the robust dataset of my Ford journey.

Every car I owned, either brand new or used, faced a few hiccups over the years. Nonetheless, some models stood out, and the 97 Ford F-150 stands out as a bad example. This workhorse, which had already accumulated 230k miles, was an amalgamation of various parts, all of which were held together by the driver's determination. Only its engine and transmission were reliable. Despite this, other issues like suspension rattle, cracked windshields, and constant need for maintenance, eventually led to its scrap heap. These issues were so frequent that even the dealership started reminding me about getting rid of it.

Pros and Cons of Ford Vehicles

Despite these experiences, I still hold the opinion that Ford vehicles are generally reliable with a few notable exceptions. Here are the pros and cons gleaned from my extensive ownership experience:

Pros

Long-Lasting Durability: Many Ford vehicles have proven themselves to be robust and long-lasting over time. As evidenced by my Rangers, each one reached an impressive 300,000 miles with minor hiccups, indicating durability. Trust in Dealerships: Ford dealerships, especially when it comes to newer models, sometimes go the extra mile when it comes to warranty and maintenance support. Extending warranties on edge can sometimes save a lot of money. Performance in Certain Models: Particularly in models designed for performance, such as the 2016 Ford Focus ST, you can witness how well they handle and deliver a reliable ride, provided you take good care of them.

Cons

Rapid Decline in Reliability: Older Fords, like the 97 Ford F-150 mentioned earlier, can experience a rapid decline in reliability. This can make it challenging to keep the car running as intended. Poor Part Coverage: Some critical parts, such as the door handle, horn, seats, and exhaust, don't come under Ford's extended warranty. This can lead to significant costs that may not be worth the maintenance. Resale Value: While Ford vehicles tend to be reliable, they may not maintain a high resale value compared to some other brands, affecting long-term ownership costs.

Conclusion

While there are valid concerns about Ford reliability, these are not blanket statements. From my personal experience, Ford vehicles can be dependable, especially newer ones, with a balanced mix of pros and cons. Despite occasional maintenance issues, the overall durability and performance of Fords have been positive in many cases.

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