Topic: Food For Thought / Opinions Please
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NON-VETTE RELATED
Anyone out there have an opinion of the later model Fords?
Reason I'm asking is this;
My wife and I are looking to trade in our (lousy, unreliable, bucket of bolts, expensive to fix & maintain, piece of junk, 
etc...) Volvo Wagon.
etc...) Volvo Wagon.She wants a station wagon type vehicle and does not like mini vans.
She's not too thrilled with the Subarus. However, we looked at a Ford Freestyle Crossover. It's somewhere in between an SUV and a wagon and it has a third row seat. It looks like it would be a good fit for us and both kids.
We had a '97 Ford Taurus wagon that went to the shop alot, right after it was paid off. I swore off of Fords then. However, I recently read an article in the local paper's Automotive Section which stated that in '05-'06 Ford really stepped up on quality control.
Any info or opinions are appreciated!
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20226
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Well, I can't speak of the "quality" of the other aspects of the newer Ferd cars, but the transmissions sure give me job security!
We see them quite regularly, some with less than 40,000 miles on them, especially the '05 cars. Then again, we also see some that go over 100,000 with no problems. All depends on the maintenance history, when you're dealing with "previously owned" vehicles. Lots of folks get suckered in to that "No maintenance for 100,000 miles) BS.
Just be careful, and ask for complete maintenance history on whatever you do look at.
We see them quite regularly, some with less than 40,000 miles on them, especially the '05 cars. Then again, we also see some that go over 100,000 with no problems. All depends on the maintenance history, when you're dealing with "previously owned" vehicles. Lots of folks get suckered in to that "No maintenance for 100,000 miles) BS.
Just be careful, and ask for complete maintenance history on whatever you do look at.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
20111021145147r.jpg)
I own an Mazda 6 Sportwagon, you might want to look at that one. Very sporty and no major issues after 78000 miles. It's built in Flat Rock, Mi at the joint Ford Mazda Line.
Lifetime MemberHot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
[QUOTE=KDADDY79]NON-VETTE RELATED
cthulhu 2008-01-20 22:09:47
Anyone out there have an opinion of the later model Fords?
Reason I'm asking is this;
My wife and I are looking to trade in our (lousy, unreliable, bucket of bolts, expensive to fix & maintain, piece of junk, etc...) Volvo Wagon.
etc...) Volvo Wagon.She wants a station wagon type vehicle and does not like mini vans.
She's not too thrilled with the Subarus. However, we looked at a Ford Freestyle Crossover. It's somewhere in between an SUV and a wagon and it has a third row seat. It looks like it would be a good fit for us and both kids.
We had a '97 Ford Taurus wagon that went to the shop alot, right after it was paid off. I swore off of Fords then. However, I recently read an article in the local paper's Automotive Section which stated that in '05-'06 Ford really stepped up on quality control.
Any info or opinions are appreciated!
[/QUOTE]
im surprised you had prolems with your volvo... I had an XC70 and loved it... but youre talking about going from one ford product to another....
I upgraded to an 08 GMC Acadia crossover... My wife and I love it...
Lifetime MemberHot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]Well, I can't speak of the "quality" of the other aspects of the newer Ferd cars, but the transmissions sure give me job security!
We see them quite regularly, some with less than 40,000 miles on them, especially the '05 cars. Then again, we also see some that go over 100,000 with no problems. All depends on the maintenance history, when you're dealing with "previously owned" vehicles. Lots of folks get suckered in to that "No maintenance for 100,000 miles) BS.
Just be careful, and ask for complete maintenance history on whatever you do look at.[/QUOTE]
cthulhu 2008-01-20 22:18:17
We see them quite regularly, some with less than 40,000 miles on them, especially the '05 cars. Then again, we also see some that go over 100,000 with no problems. All depends on the maintenance history, when you're dealing with "previously owned" vehicles. Lots of folks get suckered in to that "No maintenance for 100,000 miles) BS.
Just be careful, and ask for complete maintenance history on whatever you do look at.
[/QUOTE]
Do you have alot of issues with the x300 series jags and the J-shift ZF 4HP24?
MARK
LIFETIME MEMBER #117 
Click here to see my new friend P-Racer
"Keep up the Pace"
Look at the Dodge Durango or the Chevrolet HHR. Both manufacturers back the vehicles very well.
We are on our second Dodge Caravan (2003), if your wife liked Mini Vans I'd say check out the new Caravans cause they are much better now.
We are on our second Dodge Caravan (2003), if your wife liked Mini Vans I'd say check out the new Caravans cause they are much better now.Aaron 
CLICK HERE to enlarge picture
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20226
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
[QUOTE=cthulhu] Do you have alot of issues with the x300 series jags and the J-shift ZF 4HP24?
Not a lot, but there are some issues with the shifter assembly itself causing problems. We've had to replace MANY of them. If the shifter gets just a little wiggle in it(wear), it can cause the electronics in the trans to go all goofy. We actually keep a J-shift assy in stock...what does that tell ya?
The trans itself is fairly durable, with the exception of the internal speed sensors...we do see a few of them failing, and causing shift concerns.
Ford, Mazda, Volvo, Jag...most(but not all) of these cars use transmissions made by the same company...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Check out Consumer Reports. I always look for the "black dots".
Anyway my latest issue 2008, actually rates the Ford Freestyle pretty good.
The latest year covered was up to 2006.
The only black dot was in Body Integrity.
It actually rated the trans above average.
Would I buy one? Probably not.
But you gotta admit, they really look nice...
Anyway my latest issue 2008, actually rates the Ford Freestyle pretty good.
The latest year covered was up to 2006.
The only black dot was in Body Integrity.
It actually rated the trans above average.
Would I buy one? Probably not.
But you gotta admit, they really look nice...
Steve, Lifetime Member #129
74 coupe 4 speed 350, 54K actual miles,
all original; paint, interior, engine,
split bumper. #'s match. 2nd owner, no stress cracks.
Thanks for all those replies!
We were going to go look at an '07 Freestyle leftover/demo today, but the missus had to get to the dentist in a hurry. All is ok now, though.
We'll kick some tires next week when I'mm off of work again.
I just want to be real careful this time after having such a HORRENDOUS experience with that darn Volvo (Never Again!).