Just found out today that my 2003 SC 4x4 FX4 that I ordered is being built at the Ontario, Canada plant. I was sort of disappointed to say the least. It seems like they ain't the friendly neighbor they once were with all the criticizing of us lately. You know they like having us as a neighbor whether they say so or not.
I'm concerned that my new truck isn't going to be built as good as it could be. Further, I wanted another American made truck made by Americans. My '97 F-150 built in Norfolk has been tight overall.
Does anyone have any opinions on my way of thinking or experience with a recently built Canadian truck?

 

You know "they" may be listening?

 

Yeah, cus us canadians can't turn a wrench as well as u americanas.
It won't matter were its built, its still an F'in ford.

probaly all the parts are made in mexico anyways, by workers who make as much as you spend on coffee a day

 

My truck was built in Canada and it's still holding together quite well.

I don't think there will be any difference in quality or workmanship. I would guess that the folks assembling the truck up in Canada are as proud of their work as the ones in Norfolk.

"They" is kind of a general term, don't you think? When people talk about "us" don't you feel like they don't have a clue what the citizens of this country think and do? I do. Perhaps it's true that the Canadian government has issues with some of the US's policies but I can't imagine that all the Canadian citizens share all the same views. Unless you know a majority of the Canadians, and they all have a problem with the US, and inturn do a poor job assembling the F150's, I wouldn't worry so much about where it comes from.

From what I see here on the boards and from what I have experianced in my life people from different countries are good people too. Of corse there will be some that oppose the US (in a general way) but hey, we still have issues in our own country. We have north-south issues, east-west issues and issues between the states. It's not a perfect world out there, but I don't think it's as bad as the evening news leads us to believe.

 

My '97 was built in VA and my '01 L was built in Canada. The '97 had a little better paint quality. If you wish, cancel your order and just find one from Norfolk or even Kansas City.

 

I really didn't mean to offend anyone from Canada; I guess I was being selfish and looking out for my own interest. With the heightened sense of patroitism going on down here maybe I got a little sideways. I consider us the good guys and always considered the Canadians and the British to be our closet allies. I was just disappointed to hear the recent criticism of our way of doing things; maybe I need to expand my tolerance. I had a relative recently telling me to buy a Toyota truck because it'd be more reliable and my response was I'd rather buy American even if it gives me a little trouble. And I try to do that with as many products as I can. I appreciate the responses and differing points of view and look forward to getting my Canadian built truck very soon. I think I'll go have a Molsen.

 

zjr150:

First, don't be concerned about offending FOUNDONROADDEAD. He is a Chevy owner wanting to hang out with real men rather then boys that have not learned enough yet in order to own a manly truck. They (Chevy owners) like that girly "heartbeat" thing.

Anyway my 01 Sport was built in Canada and I haven't had any problems with it. It now has 30,000 miles on it. The paint is in great shape on mine, then again I use Zaino polish on it.

From what I understand most of the Canadians are with Americans as far as our policies go with the war on terror and other things. It is basically the Canadian gov't that are not completely on our side. You have to remember they don't have much of a military to begin with but I would be willing to bet if things got tough most of the Canadians would be right beside us if needed.

So to be honest I don't think you have anything to worry about. Usally if there is a big problem it usally shows up before the warranty is up. However I did recently buy an extended warranty 6yr/75,000 mile since I plan on keeping my truck after its paid off.

 

All my trucks were trouble free and all were built in Kansas City. My last two engines were built in Canada and have been fine. No problems yet.

I figure if the Canada plant can build all the Lightnings, they should be able to build an SC.

 

If avoiding a Canadian-built vehicle really concerns you, go down to your friendly Ford dealer and check out his stock. If the first digit on the VIN is a "1", it is a US built vehicle. For Canadian vehicles the first VIN digit is a "2".

 

I completely wouldn't worry about it personally. The recent Canadian government's disagreement with the US was primarilly started atleast by the US's threat of unilateral action against Iraq, not with the 'war on terror' and many other countries around the world have shared the same concerns. The US government often complains about Canadian policys aswell, such as the recent decriminilation of marijuana. I'd highly doubt however that two governments not completely agreeing on domestic and foreign policy is going to cylce down to poorly built Ford trucks in Canada! It's not like these trucks are really build by hand anyways!

Not to mention, at just about anytime in American history when a real conflict has arrived, the Canadian military has always been the first to send over there three canoos and a slingshot. (jk)

 

Since this is the first Ford truck I've owned I have no basis of comparison. Having said that, it was built in Ontario and here's my experience.

At 600 miles the theft control module (located deep in the dash malfunctioned and shut off the fuel supply. The dealer towed it in and it took three days to get the part and make the installation.

At 3100 miles the rubber gasket/seal at the top of the windshield came loose at 60 MPH and created a few scary moments. The truck was down for two days waiting for the part and installation.

At 4600 miles the lombar support on the drivers side seat started making a loud squeak. This problem was corrected quickly by the dealer. Seems there was a TSB out there on this issue.

The truck now has 6300 miles and all seems well. Just the same it makes me wonder about the Ontario Plant.

Regards - Remo

 

As you may already know, the Oakville Truck Plant is on of the best truck plants that Ford has. It has one of the best ratings for quality yet Ford wishes to close it and move to the plants down in the states. A Ford truck is a Ford truck whether it is built in Canada or the U.S.

Like Dennis said, the Oakville Plant has built all of the Lightning trucks. From what I have seen while touring the plant for the past two years, they build the Supercab, Short Box version of the trucks. Doesn't matter what package either, FX4 or XLT, I believe they build them all.

A majority of the truck engines are also built right here in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. So if you were really concerned about your truck being completely U.S., you would also have to check to see where the engine was built as well.

Have Fun & Keep on Truckin'
Dean

 

I don't know how anybody can live near a truck plant, much less one that makes all the Lightnings. I'd die of dehydration from the constant drooling.

 

Of the 3 F-150 plants, the Oakville Canada plant has the worst quality control. I'll take that over a GM anyday though.

 

Do you really think we are any different than you . It's mindless remarks like that cause so much of the anti-american sentiment around the world. We Canadians are just as proud of our country as you are of yours. Both (ALL) countries have thier faults, (usually the result of some politician) but that doesn't mean as a whole the country is screwed up. I have no problem at all with americans and very much respect your sense of pride in your country and your willingness to fight for it (some of which is missing in some of my fellow countrymen), as I would for mine. I would think at this time, with all the tragic events that have happened in your country, that you would be looking for support from your friends and neighbours to the north not wondering if they can or can not build a god damn truck. 2001 Lightning. Zero defects. Imagine that