I've had 3 - 93 civic hatchbacks over the past years.. and it really makes me appreciate good engineering on a vehicle.. I just worked on my girlfriends 2001 ford focus hatchback.. I have to replace the alternator again after 1 year.. The ******* engineers make it so you have to jack up the engine in order to replace the fuking junk plastic idler pulley... What kind of joke is that??? I have 4 hours in changing an alternator and idler pulley.. No wonder america is in a recession.. Most places make **** parts, manufactured in mexico, and if you're not a "certified trained technician" Guess what.. you cant work on this junk.. It's a good thing I had my good frined johnny walker to calm my nerves. I'm sure as **** glad all of my vehicles are hondas, which are very nice to work on.

 

I have a few friends with the Ford F*cus. They are terrible! Absolute junk.

Have you seen the engine bay of many of the new cars, though? Even the Japanese cars. Everything is so jam packed that even routine maintenance is a huge PITA. It's not just American cars. But most of the domestic cars ARE feces. I will agree with you on that!

 

Don't you love the Ford drain plugs that drip all over your hand while you're unscrewing it? And if you're lucky you'll be able to twist it out with your fingers instead of put the wrench on it 25 times, while it's dripping oil all over your hand and tools. I like a '67 Boss 429 and that's it. Hondas are just too good.