In Ford's defense, I've owned six. Total number of years ownership, 22. Three of the cars were very used when they were purchased. The three very used ones had well over 250,000 miles on them. All six ran without any problems, at all. Out of all six of them I've had to replace one bushing and had one recall. The longest I've owed an individual Ford has been six years and only sold most because life made them no longer practical. I had to sell a Ranger when my son arrived. I sold my F-150 when I received a company car and there was no room to store it, and I really didn't have a need for the large truck any longer. I still own my Explorer and it isn't expected to be replaced before 2011. Two of the very used ones were sold when I moved across country and didn't have enough drivers to drive them, our second car, and the moving van.
I wouldn't drive another GM, if you gave it to me. I've owned five with a total number of years of ownership being 12 years. Everyone I've owned has had to be fixed almost monthly. The brand new one was taken in quarterly to repair a list of warranty related items. The longest I've owned any GM has been three years, only because I grew tired of fixing them.
Don't get me wrong, I think Toyotas and Hondas are good cars, but I've had no problems with the Fords I've owned, so I don't see a reason to change brands.
Many of these cars were purchased, before it first hit me that if I lived below my means I might be able to retire early.
