Topic: FUSION, MILAN, ZEPHYR SCORE BEST START-UP QUALITY EVER

[MKII]

Ford's year-end Global Quality Research System survey (GQRS) shows the three mid-size sedans have the lowest number of Things Gone Wrong (TGW) for any of the company's first-year vehicles. They also outpaced former segment leaders, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

According to the GQRS, the Milan had 1,149 TGW and the Fusion had 1,172 TGW, just behind the Dodge Stratus with 1,066 and the Chevy Malibu with 1,073 and ahead of the Toyota Camry with 1,193 and the Honda Accord with 1,353. The rankings reflect things gone wrong per 1,000 vehicles at three months service.

In the mid-size luxury class, the Lincoln Zephyr had 1,119 TGW, second only to the Lexus 330 with 943.

The number of warranty repairs for mid-size entries also set a company record. With an average of 116 repairs per 1,000 vehicles after three months in service, the Fusion and Milan registered the lowest retail warranty repair rate of any Ford vehicle ever sold.

Warranty numbers for Powertrain are just as impressive. The Fusion and Milan are averaging 16.5 repairs per 1,000 vehicles and the Zephyr is averaging 16.3 repairs per 1,000, the lowest levels ever achieved at Ford.

"It's funny how the quality story never gets told," said Art Spinella , the president of CNW Marketing Research, a consulting firm in Bandon, Ore., that tracks auto industry trends . "I don't care which survey you look at, they all say the same thing. While Toyota and Honda continue to make improvements, other automakers like Ford are moving at a faster pace and, in many cases, they now offer better vehicles."

While the GQRS numbers and the growing trophy case of awards are important, Spinella

says the only real way the story of Ford quality will get out to the public is through word-of-mouth, and that takes time.

"We've done a lot of research on the word-of-mouth issue, and we've found it's the only message that consumers truly believe, and that doesn't happen overnight," he said. "Enough people have to buy the car in the first place before they can spread the word."

http://www.thefusionsource.com/index.php?categoryid=9&p2_articleid=184

[ovr50]

Good, Ford desperately needs these cars to be winners. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

These cars do appear to be good quality efforts.  Even the metal and paint (maybe it's just the lines, but even still) have a solid appearance to me.

[Snowman]

Much needed good news. Ford needs to develop this into a long-term trend to sway buyers from the perceived industry reliability leaders.

[The Mighty Duck]

The title of this thread is misleading, to say the least:

In the mid-size luxury class, the Lincoln Zephyr had 1,119 TGW, second only to the Lexus 330 with 943.

Best start-up quality scores ever FOR FORD.

And while it's great that Ford is making strides, I'll reserve my judgment until I can count the number of 10-year old Fusions on the road compared to Accords or Camries.

[84im]

I've' ragged on' about my Ford 4x4 Ranger, but it has been a very dependable truck.  High quality...no....but it always starts and has, for the most part, been very dependable.  It does what it's suppose to do.
When I want to haul stuff I use the Ranger.  When I want to haul a$$ I use the monster (or the MINI...to a lesser extent).
I'm not sure where this post is going, but hey, it's Friday.

[Mitlov]

Good news.  Hopefully long-term reliability is as good.  EVERYONE benefits from increased competition in the market--even people who end up buying Hondas and Toyotas anyway.  Even a sales leader like Toyota will make substantially better cars if it feels competitors nipping at its heels.

It's also worth noting that these cars are not a Ford platform--they're built from a Mazda platform.

[Julie]

Good for Ford . I like these cars. Stylin' !