Unhappy Ford Customer. Where do I go now? Need CEO's #.
MAV
Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to re-build/repair
and $600 for scheduled service 2 months prior! Something's not right!
Ford said be happy with the $400. Why should I be?
Ford knows there's a problem and won't admit it.
Maybe I should call the CEO or at least his office.
Customer service won't give me the number.
But, when I find it I'll be sure and post it.
Kirk A Heck
MAV <10255...@compuserve.com> wrote in article
<01bcb338$0bf6dec0$13e8...@CWADB72MV10697.Keybank.com>...
@@ You know the sad part? Ford to my knowledge has no internet address
available to voice comment or concerns. Why does it seem that they hurry to
sell you a car but when ya try to look them up on the WWW to send a comment
there is no address available? Are they hiding from Ford owners? I have
searched and searched and even asked the webmaster for Ford.com and didn't
recieve a reply at all.
--
Sincerely,
Kirk A Heck
"To reply remove the "n" from my address"
Brian Hepler
Hear ye! Hear ye! "Kirk A Heck" <kh...@netsc.net> proclaimed:
>@@ You know the sad part? Ford to my knowledge has no internet address
>available to voice comment or concerns. Why does it seem that they hurry to
>sell you a car but when ya try to look them up on the WWW to send a comment
>there is no address available? Are they hiding from Ford owners? I have
>searched and searched and even asked the webmaster for Ford.com and didn't
>recieve a reply at all.
I am just curious here: What other car manufacturers provide an
internet address for complaints about their product? I was not aware
that his was a common practice. Just image the "Fords suck!!!"
messages they would receive...
Brian
****************************************
Brian Hepler bhe...@erols.com
"Come with me, Newt. Join the Dark Side
Together we can rule the galaxy."
- Jessie Helms
****************************************
Huggy Bear
The front wheel bearings on my probe went out while it was STILL under
warranty, and Ford would not replace them, although they did offer to charge
me 1100 dollars to do it, funny thing was the bearings were 60 dollars each,
and it only took me 3 hours to do both. that works out to approx. 325
dollars an hour by my best guess.
Buy german, all cars have problems, but foreign companies CARE about you,
domestic car companies think you should buy their cars and pay more for
them, just because they are domestic. What a crock.
HuggyBear
"I am the PimpBot 2000, I have transformed you all into an army of hoes."
Kirk A Heck wrote in article <01bcb416$307b5300$5966...@xxx.etsc.net>...
>
>
>MAV <10255...@compuserve.com> wrote in article
><01bcb338$0bf6dec0$13e8...@CWADB72MV10697.Keybank.com>...
>> Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
>> gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to re-build/repair
>> and $600 for scheduled service 2 months prior! Something's not right!
>>
>> Ford said be happy with the $400. Why should I be?
>>
>> Ford knows there's a problem and won't admit it.
>>
>> Maybe I should call the CEO or at least his office.
>> Customer service won't give me the number.
>>
>> But, when I find it I'll be sure and post it.
>>
>>
>>
>@@ You know the sad part? Ford to my knowledge has no internet address
>available to voice comment or concerns. Why does it seem that they hurry to
>sell you a car but when ya try to look them up on the WWW to send a comment
>there is no address available? Are they hiding from Ford owners? I have
>searched and searched and even asked the webmaster for Ford.com and didn't
>recieve a reply at all.
>
Arthur Moore
MAV wrote:
>
> Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
> gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to re-build/repair
> and $600 for scheduled service 2 months prior! Something's not right!
>
> Ford said be happy with the $400. Why should I be?
>
> Ford knows there's a problem and won't admit it.
>
> Maybe I should call the CEO or at least his office.
> Customer service won't give me the number.
>
> But, when I find it I'll be sure and post it.
Ca;; Ford in Detroit. The number should be in your manual. Mine is in my
truck right now. I got hold of them even though I got a used vehicle and
they were very responsive. Which I didn't expect. They had a rep contact
me and a person from the dealer also contacted me to solve some
problems.
--
Arthur/just outside of Boston C=:-)
Internet woo...@thecia.net
URL http://www.users.thecia.net/users/woodart/
Great Home Improvement/Woodworking discussions without all the Spam!
Check out Dueling Modems:
URL http://fixit.dm.net/
http://wood.dm.net/
dm.members.woodart
Bryan Wilemski
My second Ford was a 88 T-bird LX V6. Nice car with great lines for the
times. My Ford Catalytic converter had a melt down which was covered under
the 5 year emissions warrenty all cars have. My service plan did give me a
rental because it was covered under the emissions warrenty, Oh well. Two
days latter I pick up the car and they tell me they broke the exhaust
manifold replacing the converter which I had found out was a recall item.
Another 4 days to wait for the part to arrive and get installed. Good news
the Free rental car was covered by this service under my extended service
plan. Bad news is when I picked the car up and tried to drive it off the
lot there was a BIIG CLUNK!! I take a look and see the motor mount is
either broke or not attached - motor is jumping out of engine compartment.
Raise hell with service manager and tell him to look at transmission which
clunks into overdrive at low speeds. He says is an inherant problem with
transmission and is not serviceable. Great! Wait another 2 days for
engine mount to be repaired. I pick the car up this time and there is a
terrible rattle under the hood. The air conditioning bracket was never
reattched to the exhaust manifold when they jacked the engine up to replace
the motor mount. Let service manager know where he can put his service
and call FORD Quality Corprate Service. They take down the information and
say nothing can be done about bad service. Don't care anymore - sold the
car and will never buy another FORD EVER! Too bad I like the styling on
the ford line (F150) but am happy with my Extended Cab 4X4 RAM and the
great service I have received from Chrysler. Yes some things went wrong
with that vehicle also.
Huggy Bear
You know I had a thunderbird, 93, V8, leather, etc. A semi nice car which
I traded in on my Probe, (a whole different nightmare). And I find it hard
to believe that ANYONE would call it a muscle car. My father owned a (don't
quote me) 63? Thunderbird 429. Even that would have been difficult to call
a musclecar. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder and some people
view the world through clouded vision. Ford Trucks?? Love them, I want an
F350 Powerstroke, but domestic cars are shit. My Probe, MX6 call it what
you will has been problematic since the day I purchased it, and Ford was far
from receptive. All manufacturers have problems, but I assure you I also
read alt.cars.audi and alt.cars.volkswagen, and they don't gripe about them,
they promote them in THOSE newsgroups. Domestic cars are way overrated, and
while the quality may be going somewhere, I don't think the foreign car
market is threatened, because unlike the domestic companies, the foreigners
generally always made good cars, and a rep goes a long way. People who buy
volkswagen, generally stay that way, etc.
HuggyBear
"I am the PimpBot 2000, I have transformed you all into an army of hoes."
Elizabeth H. Graf wrote in article ...
>I have nothing but compliments for Ford...
>
>My family has owned a 1949 FORD, 1960 T-Bird, a 1967 Cougar, a 1975
>Fairmont (ok, so all cars in the 70's stunk), a 1982 Grenada, a 1988 Ford
>Limited Crown Victoria, a 1991 Taurus (clunky transmission), a 1997
>T-bird, and my dad will soon purchase a 1998 Lincoln Town Car...
>
>We've had very few problems, luckily, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy
>another Ford...
>
>I actually wouldn't really hesitate on any American car these days. I
>think Chrysler has really outdone themselves in the past several years,
>and well, GM, still rusting....
>
>I would hesitate on a tinny Japanese car though...
>the HONDA ACCORDIAN!!! For one...
>
>EHGRAF
>
>--
>The Thunderbird will live on in hearts of all those Americans who love a
true muscle car.
Kirk A Heck
** WIDE GLIDE ** <karl_fengler@*RemoveToMail*hp.com> wrote in article
<5u6l7s$t4...@hpbs1500.boi.hp.com>...
> Kirk A Heck wrote:
>
> > @@ You know the sad part? Ford to my knowledge has no internet address
> > available to voice comment or concerns. Why does it seem that they
hurry to
> > sell you a car but when ya try to look them up on the WWW to send a
comment
> > there is no address available? Are they hiding from Ford owners? I have
> > searched and searched and even asked the webmaster for Ford.com and
didn't
> > recieve a reply at all.
> > Sincerely,
> > Kirk A Heck
> > "To reply remove the "n" from my address"
>
> WRONG:
>
> http://www.ford.com/us/ (this gets you to FORD USA)
>
> I happened to send for info on one or two of their
> products and within a week I had it.
>
> I also asked a question, can't remember exactly where,
> but I aske, "Is Ford thinking of building a 2dr version
> of the Expedition"
>
> I got my answer from the salesman I bought my Bronco from.
> I hadden't seen him in 2 years, since I bought it, but he
> did remember me and he got the information from Ford somehow.
>
> BTW the reason I took the Bronco in was that I felt some
> vibration when I stepped on my brakes. This happened while
> decending Teton Pass, which is a 10% grade...
> Anyway, got a whole brake job (pads, shoes, turned rotors,
> and drums and an alignment!) no questions asked. I have
> almost 24K on the odometer, so should be good for a few
> more miles.
>
> I was very happy how my dealer treated me.
>
> --
> -Karl Fengler---------------- BRONCO*351 - FXDWG -
> ---------------------------- karl_f...@hp.com -
> -!! You Have Strayed Upon The Motorway To HELL !!-
>
@@ Not to be sarcastic but Ford.com gets you nothing but information. It
does not give you a link to Ford Technical support or nothing of the sort.
That is what i am looking for. A company concerned with there customers or
opinions of the mechanics such as me should provide a link just for that. I
was looking for an inside support address so that i could contact Ford over
the net or the engineering department to make product improvement
suggestions.
Thanks for wasting you time.
Ford.com and Playboy.com are alike all ya get is in the door but you don't
get to talk to anybody.
Later,
--
Sincerely,
Kirk A Heck
"To reply remove the "n" from my address"
ASE Certified Ford/Toyota technician
Dick Campagna
According to the _AutoWeek_ website directory, Ford's website is
http://www.ford.com. There is no *1-800* phone number listed for Ford;
however, Lincoln/Mercury is 1-800-446-8888.
Kirk A Heck <kh...@netsc.net> wrote in article
<01bcb416$307b5300$5966...@xxx.etsc.net>...
>
>
> MAV <10255...@compuserve.com> wrote in article
> <01bcb338$0bf6dec0$13e8...@CWADB72MV10697.Keybank.com>...
> > Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
> > gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to
re-build/repair
> > and $600 for scheduled service 2 months prior! Something's not right!
> >
> > Ford said be happy with the $400. Why should I be?
> >
> > Ford knows there's a problem and won't admit it.
> >
> > Maybe I should call the CEO or at least his office.
> > Customer service won't give me the number.
> >
> > But, when I find it I'll be sure and post it.
> >
> >
> >
> @@ You know the sad part? Ford to my knowledge has no internet address
> available to voice comment or concerns. Why does it seem that they hurry
to
> sell you a car but when ya try to look them up on the WWW to send a
comment
> there is no address available? Are they hiding from Ford owners? I have
> searched and searched and even asked the webmaster for Ford.com and
didn't
> recieve a reply at all.
>
Dick Campagna
Elizabeth H. Graf <eg...@mindspring.com> wrote in article
<egraf-31089...@ip230.islip.ny.pub-ip.psi.net>...
(stuff snipped)
> I would hesitate on a tinny Japanese car though...
> the HONDA ACCORDIAN!!! For one...
>
'85 Honda Civic and a 95,000 mile '89 Acura (Honda) Integra. I guess I
should've bought a cheaper Escort in '85, right? NOT!!!! The bulletin
board at the local Honda dealer is filled with photos of local Hondas which
have hundreds of thousands of miles on them (mine's just a baby). I'm not
saying that American cars can't do it, too, but I am tired of hearing that
the Japanese cars can't. (P.S. - Taurus (which, according to this
newgroup, has the world's suckiest transmission) wouldn't be #1 in total
sales if it wasn't for vehicles sold to rental agencies. Honda sells more
cars to INDIVIDUALS. And, this year, Toyota Camry is kicking the ugly
Taurus's butt.)
Dick C.
Bill Harris
Andrew W. Frank wrote:
>
> In article <34060c51...@news.gmi.net>, ro...@gmi.net wrote:
>
> > This time I do agree with you. I don't know if it is Ford or all car
> > companies. They sell you a vehicle and if you have a problem it is
> > tough and they act like it is your fault. Ford used to not be like
> > this but today it seems like they are in it for the money.
> > >--
>
> They're SUPPOSED to be it for the money. But ... I'm surprised they don't
> realize that theirs more money, long term, in repeat buyers than in
> one-time buyers.
As a rule that is the way corporations used to operate, that happy
customers were repeat customers which and repeat customers is what
would assure the corporaton a future. Unfortunately, the current
generation that is now running these corporations couldn't care less
about happy customers and the long term, they simply want it all and
they want it now. The current bottom line is all they are interested in.
Gary Jones
Huggy Bear wrote:
>
> Nope, just said they weren't covered. Apparently sealed wheel bearings
> that should be good for the life of the car are wear items.
>
Same thing happened to me at the Honda dealers. My 85 Accord was using
front brakes up like they were going out of style. "That's not covered
by warranty, it'e a wear item." 10,000 miles per brake set?
Give me a break.
I have a 1931 Model A Ford that has over 300,000 miles on it. I've
owned it since 1974 and have driven it myself cross country several
times without problems.
Ford Had a better idea! Then!
--
When you are younger, you get blamed for crimes you never commited.
When you're older, you begin to get credit for virtues you never
possessed. It all evens out.
Mroczkowski
Dick Campagna wrote in article
<01bcb649$035c9c00$0b20...@bigpapa.nothinbut.net>...
>According to the _AutoWeek_ website directory, Ford's website is
>http://www.ford.com. There is no *1-800* phone number listed for Ford;
>however, Lincoln/Mercury is 1-800-446-8888.
>
>Kirk A Heck <kh...@netsc.net> wrote in article
><01bcb416$307b5300$5966...@xxx.etsc.net>...
>>
>>
>> MAV <10255...@compuserve.com> wrote in article
>> <01bcb338$0bf6dec0$13e8...@CWADB72MV10697.Keybank.com>...
>> > Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
>> > gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to
>re-build/repair
>> > and $600 for scheduled service 2 months prior! Something's not right!
>> >
>> > Ford said be happy with the $400. Why should I be?
=====================================================================
Ford left me hangin' in the breeze...I'd been happy getting $100 against
$1800 (it was $1200 the first time)
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS when dealing with Scrooge McFord!!!
=====================================================================
Luggnut23
IF THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING OR UNABLE TO HELP YOU-CALL CUSTOMER
ASSISTANCE CENTER(1-800-392-FORD).THE VEHICLE IS WARRANTED BY FORD
MOTOR-NOT THE DEALERSHIP.THEY MUST GET PERMISSION FROM FORD TO REPAIR YOUR
VEHICLE.
YOU MAY WANT TO CONTACT NHTSA AND FILE COMPLAINT.YOU CAN TAKE THIS
MATTER ALL THE WAY TO ARBITRATION WITH YOUR RESPECTIVE STATE AGENCY.USE
YOUR HEAD-DON`T GIVE UP!
R. Cuellar
I have a 94 T-bird and it needed a new transmission at 31,000 miles. Lucky
I didn't have to take it in after the warranty was up. $1800 was the total
cost of repairs.
Rob
Mroczkowski <mroc...@flash.net> wrote in article
<5ug2hf$h1n$1...@excalibur.flash.net>...
lee
In article <01bcb649$035c9c00$0b20...@bigpapa.nothinbut.net>, "Dick Campagna" <camp...@nothinbut.net> says:
>
>According to the _AutoWeek_ website directory, Ford's website is
>http://www.ford.com. There is no *1-800* phone number listed for Ford;
>however, Lincoln/Mercury is 1-800-446-8888.
>
>Kirk A Heck <kh...@netsc.net> wrote in article
><01bcb416$307b5300$5966...@xxx.etsc.net>...
>>
>>
>> MAV <10255...@compuserve.com> wrote in article
>> <01bcb338$0bf6dec0$13e8...@CWADB72MV10697.Keybank.com>...
>> > Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
>> > gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to
snip :
If you can can get hold of the service bulletin dealing with this
problem, I`d have an atty file suit for consumer fraud. The suit will
get their attention _quickly_. They`re up to their eyeballs in lawsuits
and really don`t want their legal dept. handling any more legal costs.
My hunch is that they will offer to foot the _whole bill and possibly
reimburse you for most of your grief in order to make the suit go away.
Talk with an atty that deals with the auto companies on a regular basis
and knows which arms to twist. LEE
w.j.ward
> >> @@ You know the sad part? Ford to my knowledge has no internet address
> >> available to voice comment or concerns. Why does it seem that they
hurry
> >to
> >> sell you a car but when ya try to look them up on the WWW to send a
> >comment
> >> there is no address available? Are they hiding from Ford owners? I
have
> >> searched and searched and even asked the webmaster for Ford.com and
> >didn't
> >> recieve a reply at all.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Sincerely,
> >> Kirk A Heck
> >> "To reply remove the "n" from my address"
Here are some other suggestions: 1) Write a letter to the plant manager
of the assembly plant where your vehicle was made; 2) Write to the
"program manager" of the carline, especially if it is a new car; or 3) make
up a short WWW page detailing your complaint, include appropriate
"metalinks", and make sure that your page is registered with all of the
search engines...and then try #1 or #2 again, mentioning your #3.
--
Inalienable rights: God ==> Man ==> State
(You'll have to modify my e-mail address to send me any nastygrams.)
Steve and Christine French
> ...
> > >> @@ You know the sad part? Ford to my knowledge has no internet
address
> > >> available to voice comment or concerns.
Ford Motor Co's Customer Assistance Center
See ya,
Steve
Rick Jones
lm...@gte.net wrote:
>
> I agree with everything you said, but the cars from the 70s did not stink. They are much more
> dependable than the new ones today. And safer too! Also stay away from Jap cars, they are
> for traitors-----economic traitors!!
Might look into where a bunch of those domestics are being built (Canada
and Mexico) while a bunch of so called imports are being built here. Its
tough to define import and domestic anymore. Does it mean where it was
built, or "where the original location of the manufacturer was when they
first started, but doesnt matter now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think they are all building a good product anymore because of the
competition, and we all benefit from that, keeps quality up and cost
down! Well, it has atleast kept quality up! :-)
Rick Jones, Toyota Master/ASE Master/L-1
CHECK OUT MY "NEW" WEBPAGE AT
http://www2.netcom.com/~ssauer40/webpage.html
Updated with a link of my pictures in Glacier Nat'l Park
=========================================================================
If the hunger for liberty destroys order, then the hunger for order
will destroy liberty. "Will Durant"
=========================================================================
The "Militia" described by George Mason, who co-authored the
2nd amendment, was composed of "Gentlemen, Freeholders and
other Freemen" and "was necessary to protect ancient laws and
liberty from the standing army"
=========================================================================
If you think health care is expensive now,
wait until it's FREE!
=========================================================================
"Outside of the killings, Washington D.C. has one of the lowest
crime rates in the country" "Mayor, Marion Barry of Wash DC"
=========================================================================
"1935 will go down in history! For the first time a civilized
nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer, our
police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead
into the future" "Adolph Hitler"
=========================================================================
"Definition of a bigot"
A conservative winning an argument with a liberal
=========================================================================
They should make getting welfare as difficult
as getting a building permit
=========================================================================
A democracy is not a form of government that will survive. For it will
only succeed until it's citizens discover they can vote themselves
money from the treasury, then they will bankrupt it. "Karl Marx"
=========================================================================
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men,
under go the fatigue of supporting it. "Thomas Paine-1777"
=========================================================================
" America is in that awkward stage, where it is too late to work within
the system, but too early to shoot the bastards"-- Claire Wolfe
lm...@gte.net
I agree with everything you said, but the cars from the 70s did not stink. They are much more
dependable than the new ones today. And safer too! Also stay away from Jap cars, they are
for traitors-----economic traitors!!
Elizabeth H. Graf wrote:
> I have nothing but compliments for Ford...
>
> My family has owned a 1949 FORD, 1960 T-Bird, a 1967 Cougar, a 1975
> Fairmont (ok, so all cars in the 70's stunk), a 1982 Grenada, a 1988 Ford
> Limited Crown Victoria, a 1991 Taurus (clunky transmission), a 1997
> T-bird, and my dad will soon purchase a 1998 Lincoln Town Car...
>
> We've had very few problems, luckily, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy
> another Ford...
>
> I actually wouldn't really hesitate on any American car these days. I
> think Chrysler has really outdone themselves in the past several years,
> and well, GM, still rusting....
>
> I would hesitate on a tinny Japanese car though...
> the HONDA ACCORDIAN!!! For one...
>
lm...@gte.net
It's not just Ford, it's all American companies. They are only interested in
screwing you THE CONSUMER out of your money. Rainsoft,GM,Carrier,Packard
Bell.......and the list goes on and on.
ro...@gmi.net wrote:
> On 29 Aug 1997 00:58:04 GMT, "Kirk A Heck" <kh...@netsc.net> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >MAV <10255...@compuserve.com> wrote in article
> ><01bcb338$0bf6dec0$13e8...@CWADB72MV10697.Keybank.com>...
> >> Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
> >> gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to re-build/repair
> >> and $600 for scheduled service 2 months prior! Something's not right!
> >>
> >> Ford said be happy with the $400. Why should I be?
> >>
> >> Ford knows there's a problem and won't admit it.
> >>
> >> Maybe I should call the CEO or at least his office.
> >> Customer service won't give me the number.
> >>
> >> But, when I find it I'll be sure and post it.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >@@ You know the sad part? Ford to my knowledge has no internet address
> >available to voice comment or concerns. Why does it seem that they hurry to
> >sell you a car but when ya try to look them up on the WWW to send a comment
> >there is no address available? Are they hiding from Ford owners? I have
> >searched and searched and even asked the webmaster for Ford.com and didn't
> >recieve a reply at all.
> >
>
> Kirk,
>
> This time I do agree with you. I don't know if it is Ford or all car
> companies. They sell you a vehicle and if you have a problem it is
> tough and they act like it is your fault. Ford used to not be like
> this but today it seems like they are in it for the money.
Jesse James
Rick Jones <ssau...@switchboard.net> wrote:
:]Might look into where a bunch of those domestics are being built (Canada
:]and Mexico) while a bunch of so called imports are being built here. Its
:]tough to define import and domestic anymore. Does it mean where it was
:]built, or "where the original location of the manufacturer was when they
:]first started, but doesnt matter now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:]
:]I think they are all building a good product anymore because of the
:]competition, and we all benefit from that, keeps quality up and cost
:]down! Well, it has atleast kept quality up! :-)
:]
:]
Well Rick, I agree on the point of quality. The automotive industry has
focused on the quality point in their competitive spirit, to the benefit of
the consumer. All manufacturers are now at a much higher quality level
than that of the '70's.
On the cost point, I purchased a home in '71, total cost $28,000.
In '75 I purchased a new '76 Torino Wagon for $4,8000.
Guess which product cost has increased the most since those days.
(Well, at least here in Populous New England).
If one looks at today's automotive cost as a percentage of average income,
I believe it's less than that of the '70's.
Jesse
Jim
Jesse James wrote:
>
> Rick Jones <ssau...@switchboard.net> wrote:
>
> :]Might look into where a bunch of those domestics are being built (Canada
> :]and Mexico) while a bunch of so called imports are being built here. Its
> :]tough to define import and domestic anymore. Does it mean where it was
> :]built, or "where the original location of the manufacturer was when they
> :]first started, but doesnt matter now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> :]
> :]I think they are all building a good product anymore because of the
> :]competition, and we all benefit from that, keeps quality up and cost
> :]down! Well, it has atleast kept quality up! :-)
> :]
> :]
> Well Rick, I agree on the point of quality. The automotive industry has
> focused on the quality point in their competitive spirit, to the benefit of
> the consumer. All manufacturers are now at a much higher quality level
> than that of the '70's.
Not really! They (the manufacturers) have done a fairly good job of
making everyone think this. The issue to be considered should be one of
reliability and cost of maintenance. With all the electronic gagetry
the cars of the 90's are much less reliable than their '70s
counterparts. Plus, there is the advantage of extremely high
maintenance, particularly on front wheel drive vehicles.
Actually you are getting less for more. Consider in the 1960's-1970's
one could basically order a car with paint and interior schemes that
were a reflection of one's personality and one could also get a variety
of powertrain options. Today one has the choice of a very few exterior
colors and basically blah interiors of casket lining gray, baby crap
beige, red, blue, or black.
You now have the choice of no more than two powerplants most of which
are front wheel drive which is much less costly on the assembly line
than rear wheel drive. No wonder the car makers like front wheel
drive. Granted under certain road conditions front wheel drive is
superior to rear wheel drive, but most who see those conditions only
have them 3 or so months out of a year. Not a very good trade-off for
the owner having to assume a more costly to maintain drivetrain.
In the most simple of terms we now have cars with the individuality of
the 1940's that are less expensive to make, take a higher percentage of
individual income to purchase, and are more costly to maintain, while
automaker profits per unit are significantly greater. What's wrong with
this picture? Since when is getting less for more a good deal for the
consumer?
I personally have owned more than one 70's era American made vehicle
that provided low cost reliable service for over 250,000 miles. No
tranny problems, no engine overhauls, no drop dead on the road
problems. Over the 1/4 million plus miles none of the vehicles had
maintenance expenses that were greater than $1,500 in today's dollars,
which has only 20% of the purchasing power of the 1969 dollar.
I still regularly drive a '76 Lincoln Mark 1V with slighly less than
150,000 miles on it and aside from oil changes, batteries, tires, plugs,
a waterpump and a timing chain their have been no costs. The car is
still just as nice and reliable as it was in 1976 and even with its 435
hp experimental engine it gets 22 mpg hiway, passes all emissions tests,
etc. And, the interior hasn't gone into self destruct, not even the
dash pad which is something that can be said for but few '80s and '90s
vehicles. Total maintenance expense on this car has been less $1,200
over a now 22 year period.
>
> On the cost point, I purchased a home in '71, total cost $28,000.
> In '75 I purchased a new '76 Torino Wagon for $4,8000.
>
> Guess which product cost has increased the most since those days.
> (Well, at least here in Populous New England).
>
> If one looks at today's automotive cost as a percentage of average income,
> I believe it's less than that of the '70's.
Nope, it's about the same for the same class of vehicles with similar
equipment, only they are a lot smaller. Homes on the other hand are
less costly per square foot verses income ratio than in the late 1970's
in just about every part of the country West of the Mississippi and
South of Kentucky.
>
Jim
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us...@msn.com
Try the following address on the ford motor company web
http://www.ford.com/corporate-info/voice/issues.html
On this page you should be able to send a note to Bob Rewey Group Vice
President of Sales, Service, and Marketing for Ford Motor Company.
If you have any other questions please post a note to this group.
Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to re-build/repair
and $600 for scheduled service 2 months prior! Something's not right!
Ford said be happy with the $400. Why should I be?
Ford knows there's a problem and won't admit it.
Maybe I should call the CEO or at least his office.
Customer service won't give me the number.
But, when I find it I'll be sure and post it.
You know the sad part? Ford to my knowledge has no internet address
available to voice comment or concerns. Why does it seem that they hurry to
sell you a car but when ya try to look them up on the WWW to send a comment
there is no address available? Are they hiding from Ford owners? I have
searched and searched and even asked the webmaster for Ford.com and didn't
recieve a reply at all.
Kirk,
This time I do agree with you. I don't know if it is Ford or all car
companies. They sell you a vehicle and if you have a problem it is
tough and they act like it is your fault. Ford used to not be like
this but today it seems like they are in it for the money.
Sincerely,
Brian Hepler
Hear ye! Hear ye! Jim <rod...@intertex.net> proclaimed:
>Jesse James wrote:
>> the consumer. All manufacturers are now at a much higher quality level
>> than that of the '70's.
<SNIP the drivetrain commentary>
>I personally have owned more than one 70's era American made vehicle
>that provided low cost reliable service for over 250,000 miles. No
>tranny problems, no engine overhauls, no drop dead on the road
>problems. Over the 1/4 million plus miles none of the vehicles had
>maintenance expenses that were greater than $1,500 in today's dollars,
>which has only 20% of the purchasing power of the 1969 dollar.
Goody for you. I have, as I'm sure many others do, have a horror
story about your admired 70s era automobiles. My first car was a 78
Chevy that couldn't decide whether it wanted to curl up and die or
jump off a cliff. It would regularly break down. Maintenance was an
ever-increasing portion of my weekends. While the repairs were never
too expensive, (thanks to the damn thing being so old) they were many.
Fuel pump, water pump, alternator (twice), radiator, battery, spark
plugs every month, gaskets, timing belt, shocks, cracked interior,
poor air conditioning that needed a refill (never did get to it),
window defroster... the list goes on. You have heard the salesman,
I'm sure: "A little old lady drove it to church and to the market" In
this case, it was true. The car had 11,000 miles on it when I bought
it, ten years old. It died before it hit 55,000.
My other 70's era is a 1976 Ford F-350. It has caused numerous
problems, but it has well over 250,000 miles on it, so it is entitled.
us...@msn.com
Try sending a message to Bob Rewey
executive vice president of Ford Motor Company Sales/Marketing & Service
on the web page shown below:
http://www.ford.com/corporate-info/voice/issues.html
Brian Hepler wrote in article <341cacf8...@news.erols.com>...
us...@msn.com
Try contacting Mr. Bob Rewey (Group Vice President of Ford Motor Company
marketing sales and service on his web page.)
Brian Hepler
Hear ye! Hear ye! <us...@msn.com> proclaimed:
> Try contacting Mr. Bob Rewey (Group Vice President of Ford Motor Company
>marketing sales and service on his web page.)
>http://www.ford.com/corporate-info/voice/issues.html
Why? The Fords have performed great. The Chevy was the one that died
in an early and ugly lump. I just don't think that the 70s was such
a great time for the quality of automobiles. Certainly it was better
than the 80s, but the slump was starting.
Patrick Eberhart
--
Watch out for these guys...
Myron
"MAV" <10255...@compuserve.com> wrote:
>Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
>gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to re-build/repair
>and $600 for scheduled service 2 months prior! Something's not right!
>
>Ford said be happy with the $400. Why should I be?
>
>Ford knows there's a problem and won't admit it.
>
>Maybe I should call the CEO or at least his office.
>Customer service won't give me the number.
>
>But, when I find it I'll be sure and post it.
>
>
call the national automotive recall hotline and report your problem.
jj
Ford doesn't know the meaning of Customer Service. The Windstar is
equivalent to the Edsel. Sounds like you have had about the same luck
with your Windstar as we have had with ours.. At 29k and again at 43k
our breaks crapped out. And then at 46k the headgasket blew. Ford
wouldn't do ANYTHING to help. That's the main reason we are going back
to TOYOTA.. They know how to keep people happy and how to build a
decent product. This is the VERY LAST FORD I WILL EVER BUY. I want to
get what I am paying for.
In article <34234983....@news.mindspring.com>,
posi...@mindspring.com says...
Ken Durham
Try: Alex Trotman Chairman and CEO at P.O. Box 1899 Dearborn, MI, or
call information for his number at Ford in Dearborn. (I wasn't able to
find his phone number or email address via Four11 or Bigfoot.) Maybe
someone will know how to use the Web to find him for you.
Ken
danielsm
Myron wrote:
>
> "MAV" <10255...@compuserve.com> wrote:
>
> >Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
> >gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to re-build/repair
> >and $600 for scheduled service 2 months prior! Something's not right!
> >
> >Ford said be happy with the $400. Why should I be?
> >
> >Ford knows there's a problem and won't admit it.
> >
> >Maybe I should call the CEO or at least his office.
> >Customer service won't give me the number.
> >
> >But, when I find it I'll be sure and post it.
> >
> >
> call the national automotive recall hotline and report your problem.
is no recourse, no place to plead your situation. Ask your "service
advisor" for the zone manager's phone number or address - or just ask
them to have the zone manager return your call. Only then will you
realize that ford owners have no "consumer protection".
Welcome to the club.
Mroczkowski
danielsm wrote in article <3425FF...@ma.ultranet.com>...
====================================================
AMEN!!!
That sounds like MY story too!
-Hank
Jay Perrotte
I said it before and I'll say it again...
Don't look to Ford to act on this. They are unlikely to admit to
a $1300 defect that would cost them millions in recalls.
Only through a concerted effort of owners reporting problems to the
NHTSA will they act. So it is VERY important that anyone with ANY
problems with ANY vehicle, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do us all a favour
and take the time to file a complaint at http://www.nhtsa.com
jayp
Screamer
Myron <posi...@mindspring.com> wrote in article
<34234983....@news.mindspring.com>...
> "MAV" <10255...@compuserve.com> wrote:
>
> >Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
> >gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to re-build/repair
> >and $600 for scheduled service 2 months prior! Something's not right!
> >
> >Ford said be happy with the $400. Why should I be?
> >
> >Ford knows there's a problem and won't admit it.
> >
> >Maybe I should call the CEO or at least his office.
> >Customer service won't give me the number.
> >
> >But, when I find it I'll be sure and post it.
My sig says it all. Sorry man
Kenneth Jiam
maybe you should get a chevy, it won't run, but they'll admit to it.
the fly
>> >> >Our Windstar's trans crapped out 6K over warranty period. Ford quickly
>> >> >gave out $400 compensation. This after I spent $1,300 to re-build/repair
>> >> >and $600 for scheduled service 2 months prior! Something's not right!
>> >> >
>> >> >Ford said be happy with the $400. Why should I be?
>> >> >
>> >> >Ford knows there's a problem and won't admit it.
>> >> >
>> >> >Maybe I should call the CEO or at least his office.
>> >> >Customer service won't give me the number.
>> >> >
>> >> >But, when I find it I'll be sure and post it.
>> >> >
I've written and phoned everywhere I could find a number or address.
The only time I got any reply at all (still unhelpful and
unsatisfactory) was when I found:
Ross Roberts
Vice President & General Manager
Ford Div.
Ford Motor Co.
300 Renaissance Center
P.O. Box 43360
Detroit, MI 48243
Don't expect much more than a form letter response, though. They
"regret" my bad experience. Hah! And just from some minion, not the
man himself.