Everyone,

Ford is very last in build quality, as reported on BON. Re-assuring isn't it. Of course it is only statistics....

http://www.bonforums.com/quality_downsixsigma.htm

later

------------------
Brian K
kimmel_brian@prc.com
thedink@ix.netcom.com

99.5 Black - Born 5/17/99

• "Full Trim" Club
• 13.28 @ 102.31 (8.52 @ 83.84) Street tires & 93 octane
• 12.97 @ 105.18 (8.30 @ 84.68) MT's & 100 octane
• Appearance Mods: Tinted Windows, Clear Corners, Bed Rug, Street Scene Grilles, Pro-Sport Lid, Autometer "Phantom" Boost Gauge
• Performance Mods: JL Stage 2 intake, JL Ram Air, JDM Street/Strip FlipChip, FRP Single Blade TB, NGK TR-6's, Electric I/C Fan, MT ET Streets 26x11.5x16's, PSP Lower Pulley, 90mm MAF
• Sound Mods: Alpine Audio w/MB Quart Components(F) & Pioneer(R) speakers
• Misc: Tow Package, Mobil 1 5W-30
• Coming Soon: PSP Electric Fan

Foolish man give wife grand piano, wise man give wife upright organ

 

"J.D. Power Reported earlier this year - Ford has fallen to fourth place in build quality behind Toyota, GM and Chrysler."

Now, I find it hard to believe Ford is worse than GM. I've owned nothing but GM's until now and just got used to constant rattles, trim falling off, loose doors and little crap like ***** breaking even though they do run well for a long time, generally.

I've done a lot of complaining about my engine and tranny lately, but I gotta admit, my truck is absolutely fantastic in the overall build quality. It's very solid and tight.

 

Here's a nugget from that reporting, that should not be ignored:

"...are driven by...increased standards of refinement implemented by newly released competitive vehicles..."

Relative build quality is a factor of not only the skills, attention to detail, and 'quality' of the persons and machinery assembling the vehicle, but as well the design and construction methodology employed.

Newer vehicles, on new platforms, tend to exhibit more refined design, and as such, higher build quality.

My '94 L had more squeaks and rattles by 30K miles than my '99 has exhibited. Is this because of better construction quality, or superior (more refined) design (allowing for easier/better/stronger/faster assembly)? My guess is the latter.

FFTF,

-Jim

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----
Jim Cain
JHCain@raising-cain.com
White 99 Lightning
Black 00 BMW M Coupe
http://www.averagegeek.com

 

Here is something else to think about, the closing of the Ontario truck plant where the Lightning is made. I think that was also reported in the BON. Where will they be built then, Dearborn??? Hold on to your six!!!
Anyhow the build quality in my 01 is quite good and have no complaints yet, close to 5,000 miles on it.----JIM

 

If the recalls enter into this I would rather have the recall than a problem ignored. Like intercooler leak and piston slap.

My .02 ...Chrysler products are junk after 30,000 miles, and some even before they are driven.

 

I don't trust that sh#t because all i have ever owned were Fords... My 1st car was a 1984 Mercury Topaz(laid to rest- THANK GOD!)which gave me no problems til about 140K then needed a rebuild on the engine... My second car was a 1989 Escort GT(I miss that car) no problems too big but was bought used at 75K and at 78K needed new clutch which i knew when i bought it for $1500... 1 year later i sold that car with 90K for $3500... My next was my 1st brand new vehicle which was a 1994 Ford Ranger Supercab XLT 4x2 which was a very dependable truck... It saw the shop 1 time in 5 years for a starter bolt that came out... The problem wasn't even Ford's but they replaced the starter and the bolts n/c... I had headers put on and they left the bolts loose... My next new is my 1999 Lightning which has had the common problems: control arm clunk and exhaust rattle and vibrations... So all in all i don't believe that b#llsh*t reported and have had excellent service and vehicles from for for the last 10 years...

Reality1,
LOL on the chrysler statement... But you got that wrong because most of them are junk before 30K and some make it to 60K...

Later, Justin

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99.5 Black Lightning
Down's Filter
M/T ET 26-11.50R16
SuperChip FlipChip Tuned by JL
2# Lower Pulley from JDM
JBA Headers
Flowmaster 40 Series Mufflers
Best ET with slicks/filter/headers and 100 octane with R9 program side 2 13.48 @ 100.32 at GLD 5-3-01
Best with stock tires/JL tuned superchip/headers/filter and 100 octane on side 1 of chip 13.45 @ 102.29 at Gateway on 5-20-01

 

BONAFIDE UNION LABOR!!!!

 

The crash test, now this thread is very disconcerning..My 2000 is very good.Doors, bed,hood alignment, perfect as you can get with an assembly built vehicle..I have nothing to complain about yet..This is my 22nd new vehicle in 41 years..

------------------
Ted O, Black 00 "L"
Superchip, PSP filter kit.
Roll & Lock bed cover
#4944 of 4966

 

I think I will stay with my bottom rated Ford quality. I have a 95rmodel, 2000 lightning, 1999 ranger, and 2000 focus which have given me enjoyable trouble free driving mileage. My old man drives a 1999 Caddy. I think they were like #7 or 8 on the list. he has had nothing but problems with the car since day one. I do not follow quality ratings obviously or I would be driving all Toyota's. I believe in personal experience. Do not let too much of that bother you just enjoy your own rides. later 95rcobra.