I don't think so. I was firmly on the side of "nitpick stuff, first model, go through the TSB's" etc, etc... But now, I really don't think so.
Since a lot of posts are now failing to show up again on the 2011 forum, I'll post these, and leave it at that. Since we've decided not to get one, I'll let the '11+ owners post up, so I can stop beating my bald head on the wall in the '11+ subforums. Farewell address I guess.
So, to me- here are my thoughts:
A-pillars: The geometry and aerodynamics are obviously an issue when the attachment angles and fastener styles are taken into account. Lots of vehicles have snap on a-pillar trim. Come up with a style of fastener that will hold it in place, or body adhesive something on.
A-pillars: Using piano black is nice, but it scratches when you breathe on it. Use something else, and for sure, not tape. Unless you give me a roll of it that I can replace myself.
MFT: Why are other manufacturers having much better luck with their infotainment systems? Scrap flash, and rebuild it. It's not rocket science.
Streaky windows: Come on- really? I've never had a new vehicle do that, whatever you started using on this one, just stop using it. Get a new vendor, use "old design" dew wipes, different glass, anything- this is such a stupid simple problem to fix, it's ridiculous. No, ordering new parts made out of the same crap will not stop the streaking. Gee- there's a newsflash.
Air dam: Dude- tighten them. Use loctite. Use different fasteners. Really?!?
Streaky HID lenses: New vendor who wears gloves. Solved.
Cooling fans: Whatever range of vehicles had the old units, just replace them. All of them.
Squealing brakes: I've had new pads squeal for a few hundred miles, then quiet up. If they are still squealing after a thou or something- replace them.
It's like the dealers (and Ford to some extent) think that people enjoy driving a Kia Rio rental for 3 days while your Ex is in the shop. Guess what- it's a PITA, and no, nobody would rather deal with service issues than NOT deal with service issues.
Just fix them- as a shareholder, I consider the Ex release to be the most bungled up, football-kicked-through-the-endzone mess I've seen on a new vehicle. It hurts my stock value, because it could have been higher. Instead, the MFT debacle dropped quality ratings, and the constant try-to-get-out-of-the-mess-for-as-little-as-we-can thinking is doing Ford's reputation no favors.
I'm a Ford guy- if I buy a vehicle, it'll be a Ford. I've owned, what- 35 of them? But- that launch and the poor response is why we just bought an Escape, and honestly- I don't see us buying an Ex anytime soon. Sure, most of them are probably fine, and they are really nice vehicles- but I'm not taking that risk with a $40k+ commitment, and I don't trust the engineering yet to make a long-term commitment.
