Subject:  1994 Ranger

Date:     7/19//2000

Todd, although I have been a pretty loyal Ford customer over the years, I
guess it's time to go back to Toyota.  From the messages that I read on your
page, it seems that many of these poor souls had the same experiences that I
have.

First, in 1995, I thought I got a great deal on a 1994 Ranger XLT 4X4.
Why not, it only had 8.5 miles on it.  After 24hrs of ownership, it's back
to the dealership, seems that the guys on the assembly line neglected to
install several bolts that hold the front axle assembly to the frame.  Easy
fix right?  Next, 72hrs into ownership, the "check engine light" makes an
appearance. Whew! only 125miles on the truck and most of it was travel to the
dealership.

Just when I think that things may be alright, "CLUNK" automatic transmission
starts shifting REALLY hard.  Of course this is "normal" for 4X4 trucks.
Anyway, to make a very long story even longer, the Firestone tires that came
on the truck self destructed in just under 10K miles.  After several
complaints to Ford and Firestone, the tire company sends me a certificate for
a front end alignment.  This it seems is all well and good, except for one
thing:  I NEED TIRES, NOT AN ALIGNMENT!!!!!

The next item on the list is power windows.  After supposedly replacing
everything but the glass in both doors, two weeks later, everything falls to
the bottom of BOTH doors.  Warranty work is obviously job one, so is assembly
for that matter.

OK, the update on the transmission:  "could not duplicate customer complaint"
 this annoying phrase seems to be the mantra of the skilled professionals
they call mechanics.  Anyway, after the 36K warranty is up, transmission
fails.  I am convinced that this self destruct mode is programmed into the
ECM.  Speaking of Ford mechanics, I used to be one before going back to
college and I don't understand why when I have the same shop manuals that
they do, why can't they fix the damn thing and so I have had to, several
times.

Oh, by the way, there are many other stories to the professionalism of the
Ford family of fine technicians, sales personnel, and of course the service
manager, don't even get me going here.   Oh yea, where I was going with this
is I also bought a 95 Escort to drive while I was repairing the Ranger.  Bad
idea.  Seems that it also possesses the same transmission self destruct code
that killed the Ranger. And yes, surprise, at 45K miles scratch another Ford
automatic tranny.

That's part of my story and of course, there are more.  The only Ford that I
own now is a 68 Mustang that I have had for 17 yrs and NO, the only Ford
technician that will even breath on it will be me.  So, back to Toyota for
me.

Thanks for letting me vent.