My 99 SVT has been very reliable, now at 40,000 very HARD miles. I do maintain my car extremely well though.
I've taken mine to the track a few times and auto-x numerous times. The rear suspension creak is really the only problem I've had, lubed the sway bar bushings and that took care of it.
Basically it all comes down to what DemonSVT said...maintenance
-neal