Sounds like Jac Nasser's legacy right there--they really did some cost cutting in the late 90s, I think, and it shows, what with all the problems the Focus had when it came out.
Ford service does indeed suck, their customer service line is useless (all they do is refer you back to the dealership where you had the problem--you won't speak to anyone with any authority or ability to solve the problem). I've noticed that they treat any contact information for Ford corporate other than the 800-392-FORD number as top-secret.
(The manual for my 1988 Mustang lists about 25 Ford regional offices to contact in case of any problems. A google search for the phone numbers listed turned up nothing, so I wonder if those offices are still around. As it's 10:25PM on a Saturday night, I'll wait to call the Washington region number).
On flatratetech.com they even go as far as suggesting you "bribe" the dealership mechanics for doing major warranty service because Ford doesn't pay them as much for warranty work.
All that said, my '96 Contour needs the 99m03 recall done and probably a new oil pressure sender (I think it's leaking from there) and it should be good for the next several years.
The fact that Ford service sucks doesn't really bother me (except for the 99m03 recall, which is the only reason I'm dealing with them right now). Once the warranty expires, I don't go back to them.
