my Contour has been very reliable. ALL of the problems I have had with it were original Ford design flaws.
I have suspensions clunks, clanks, etc.
The heater blower relay thing burns up every 10k miles or so.
Steering components are rattly.
Five recall notices in one month- airbags, other 'minor' stuff.
So, while few things on my car have failed inexplicably, I am NOT impressed with Ford's engineering department.
In short, I will be at the Honda shop next time around. I am also considering Volkswagen.
There are horror stories with each manufacturer, of course, but some cars are far more reliable than others. Look at the new Focus- it got Consumer Reports WORST rating for reliability- even though they like it better than any other small car...
That's my six scents.
Randy
