Having been a FORD worshipper for many years, I have finally "de-sourced" FORD as a supplier for my family cars.
Dating back to to the late 1980's, I had not purchased anything but FORD products. From a Taurus Wagon to two Escorts and two Explorers.
FORD products were, in my opinion, the best quality cars/suv's on the market. Lately though I have changed my mind.
Yesterday I received my second recall letter in less than six months.
Everyone has heard of the Firestone fiasco. Today's recall concerns the suspension system. And over the years I have had a huge amount of trouble with the 4 wheel drive system.
The new FORD Focus has been out for less than a year and has had 5 recalls already! What's going on?
Since my company is a supplier to the automotive industry, I can only assume that FORD will be going steadily downhill. For the past 6 or so years, to boost their profits, they have demanded from all suppliers a 5% per year reduction in price. Their Q1 program is supposed to reduce costs such as waste, and inefficiencies to allow the supplier to pass along the savings. How many years in a row can you reduce your price and not cut back? Could you work for 5% a year less every year? Sooner or later you would need to cut back some critical area affecting your quality of life.
Well the same is true with suppliers, you can only go so far. Some suppliers have redesigned their product so they can sell a cheaper product. (Note: My company supplies a non-critical item) My guess is that they are cutting corners in quality which passes the initial FORD testing but is failing in the long run. The blowouts involving Firestone were mainly on original equipment tires, not the aftermarket.
I no longer trust FORD or their products. They are our worst customer!
I will no longer buy a FORD vehicle.




Amount Paid (US$): 33,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 1995