SVT is an exceptional car (in it's price range) that does many things well and is among the most enjoyable (did not say fastest) sedans short of an M3. But reliablity is only "average US carmaker". No better no worse.
The Duratec has some tricks that people can address - add a dual mode damper to protect bearings, which then protects rods. Extra oil in the sump as well (car needs greater than stock 5.8 quarts). Change water pump at 40K miles. This will keep Duratec healty, beacause otherwise its a pretty sweet & reliable engine IF YOU KNOW & ADRESS THE QUIRKS I mentioned. The tranny is a nice shifter with great gearing but the dif willnot withstand hard/bad launches (wheelhop is death). I think the syncros could be stronger too though I think many gearboxs that are used pretty hard do fine.
