New Ford study is evidence of improving quality
Many of us in the know, i.e. auto enthusiasts, are well aware that our domestic automakers have made significant strides in improving the quality of the cars and trucks they sell. We also know that it's been extremely difficult to shake their reputation of shoddy quality that may have been deserved in the past, but is becoming less so by the day. Ford revealed today that it has taken steps to provide some objective data to support improvements in quality that are beginning to pay off. In conjunction with RDA Group, a market research firm based in Bloomfield Hills, Ford has released details of the Global Quality Research System (GQRS) report, a survey of 31,000 new vehicle owners. The survey focused on 2007 model year cars and trucks and asked participants to list any problems experienced within the first 90 days of ownership.
Normally we would question a study about vehicle quality that was associated with a particular automaker, as there are some pretty clear conflicts of interest that could taint the results. However, the results of this study appear not to favor Ford in particular, as Honda was found to be the best brand when it comes to new car quality, earning a TGW score of 1313 "things gone wrong" per 1,000 vehicles. Ford's TGW score of 1,456, which includes both Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, placed it in a virtual three-way tie for second place with Toyota (1,453) and Nissan (1,456). The victory is a bit more significant for Ford than Toyota or Nissan since it represents an 8% improvement for the domestic manufacturer over last year, which is well ahead of the industry's average improvement of 2%.
After the jump you'll find out how some individual models scored on the survey.
Thanks for the tip, Scott!
[Source: Ford, Detroit News]
We don't have the TGW score for every model in the industry yet, just some Ford models, but the results are still surprising. For instance, the Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion had the two best TGW scores in the mid-size car segment, which includes the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The Fusion recorded a score of 1,066 "things gone wrong" per 1,000 vehicles, while the Milan achieved just 910, the lowest score of any Ford product.
The Ford Shelby GT500 and Expedition EL also acheived the lowest TGW score in their segments, though we don't have the exact numbers yet. When the report is released in full, we'll hopefully be able to publish the scores of all vehicles to get a better picture of the industry's quality leaders. It turns out, though, that Ford is fast becoming one of them.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
John P. 4:14PM (4/18/2007)
As Ford slowly gets it's head out of it's you know what, I think they'll only get better. Let's hope they can continue in a positive direction.
Slowly but surely wins the race. No more stupid decisions Ford OK?
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Bob R. 4:17PM (4/18/2007)
That is impressive. Glad to hear about the Expedition haveing the lowest TGW, I am hoping that the reliability of the new one will be much better than the 2006 models.
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geo.stewart 4:20PM (4/18/2007)
and what is included in things gone wrong? I know there are a lot of parts in a vehicle but the fact that at least one thing is messed up in every car on average is odd with several QC checkpoints and the amount of robotic/ automated steps. maybe I am naive. depends on perspective. 1000 in a 1000 cars is screwed up or that only 1 in a 1000 components that go in a car is messed up
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MinnesotaJoe 4:29PM (4/18/2007)
It's about time! It looks like Ford's move to take a key Toyota Quality Executive is paying off. Quality is JOB #1 at the Blue Oval again! Let's all hope the trend continues.
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Aki 4:39PM (4/18/2007)
Gee, does that mean that Honda is actually (gasp) reliable, and not the product of some "biased media" or whatever else people here say?
I understand the Fusion is getting good reviews, and I'm not saying that their quality isn't getting better. But it'll take at least 4-5 more years before I trust a Ford product. My friend's 05 Escape and all of its bugs is soomething that won't be easily erased from my mind.
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jas28 6:08PM (4/18/2007)
I saw the data from last year's GQRS study (I work in the auto industry) - think JD Powers plus some. The questions are along the same lines of JDP, but they also look for additional details.
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chopsui 4:49PM (4/18/2007)
They just don't get it, do they? There's quality and there's quality. Domestics have been plenty reliable for a long time. The problem is that they are still (rightly) perceived as low quality because of craptastic materials, finishes, and low attention to detail.
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Jat 4:54PM (4/18/2007)
Just counting the number of "things gone wrong" is pointless unless you somehow rank the importance of the defects. Having a transmission that "went wrong" is a little different than having an air conditioning knob come off.
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Drewboy 4:59PM (4/18/2007)
"5. Gee, does that mean that Honda is actually (gasp) reliable, and not the product of some "biased media" or whatever else people here say?"
My Honda has been reliable, but the cost of any dealer service is rape. The local dealer service feels like a scam the costs are so high.
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Abe 6:04PM (4/18/2007)
While I'm not diputing Hodas are reliable, there is certainly a media biased. recently Honda has recalled over a million vehicles worldwide with 350,000 being in the US. where did I find this? buried in business/automotive section of msnbc.com. Ford recalls 35000 of its new deisel, 29000 of which haven't even been sold yet and it is on the home page of both Msn.com and msnbc. How does that make sense. I am a salesman at a dealer that sells both products, as well as lincoln-mercury, mazda, and VW so we have a bit of everything, I just want to know why Ford can't buy good press.
PS remember that JD powers study last fall put Mercury just below Lexus, and three spots above Toyota in problems per hundred reported.
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BlueMan 6:32PM (4/18/2007)
Not all have bugs in 2005 Escape cause I owen 05 Escape and its been all good. I think you are one of those people who HATE Ford.
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BlueMan 6:37PM (4/18/2007)
It for Aki, Not all have bugs in 2005 Escape cause I owen 05 Escape and its been all good. I think you are one of those people who HATE Ford.
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SGV 11:32PM (4/18/2007)
I have an 05 Mercury Mariner and the only bugs it has ever had have been smashed in the windshield.
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david 5:40PM (4/18/2007)
My sons 05 escape with 44K has been perfect so far with the exception of noisy tires. Can't blame it on Ford, he blames the mud tires that he replaced the originals with.
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Bob R. 6:05PM (4/18/2007)
#5, Aki, the new Escape is a BIG improvement over the previous gen. The interior finally looks good and is a really quiet vehicle. When I was in one, I didnt think I would walk away as impressed as I was with it.
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3cubedminus3squared 6:49PM (4/18/2007)
The only problem with a Ford I've had was the thermostat, which with many long drives from here to Mexico is probably the culprit. other than that its been running good.
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Sandy 11:28PM (4/18/2007)
Bought new in 2003 my Lincoln Town Car hasperformed flawlessly and I have yet to have "Problem #1" It's my 3rd Lincoln, first Town Car. 1 month after I bought it, a nearby neighbor bought a Mercedes. He has been in Lemon Law now for 18 months. It's a common sight to see it getting a flat bed ride to the dealership. Town Cars are simply fantastic! Comfort, smooth & quiet ride, every convenience and huge 23 Cu Ft trunk, they make every road seem repaved while you slept. No squueks, no rattles,like a vault. Heated power reclining seats & fabulous stereo set into real wood veneer. I luv it.
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Chris 7:18PM (4/18/2007)
I have a 01 Mercury Sable and a 06 Mercury Milan bith bought new. And I have never ever had a single problem with either on of them their both fantastic cars I don't plan on switching car makers anytime soon because Mercury has always made me feel like a truly valued customer so in my opinion Ford/Mercury has always had great quality but I have only had two cars I have never shopped around the Ford line-up I have always like Mercury so I just shop at the Mercury dealership. But like I said I have never bought a Ford but I am sure that the quality is just as good with a Ford Vehicle has it is with a Mercury Vehicle.
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Just Me 7:52PM (4/18/2007)
Aki,
since your friends Escape problems are etched in your mind and you are so upset for him, could you enumerate some of them so that we all just don't call BS on your remark.
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Gardiner Westbound 7:53PM (4/18/2007)
It's a start! Domestic car long term reliability and durability are the real issues. They don't seem to wear well, many implode shortly after the warranty matures.
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