The Education of Mr. Ford [Backing away from Trying to Please Enviro-Wackos]

The Wall Street Journal ^ | Monday, August 26, 2002

[TroutStalker]

Corporate executives are notoriously naive about politics, and as a prime example we'd offer the recent experience of Ford Motor Co.'s family scion and current CEO, William Clay Ford Jr. He's taking a beating now for having tried to please the environmental lobby.

[Righty1]

The Fords appear to have a naivety gene. Succeeding generations have been hoodwinked by Hitler, the shysters who stole their foundation, the PC/diversity crowd, and now the environmentalists! The family has a reputation as anti-managers (also see Detroit Lions) I don't wish them any luck.

[RushLake]

I wish the employees of Ford Motor Company all the best. They don't deserve the backlash that followed in the wake of Jac the Knife Nasser. I retired from Ford at the end of December. I agree with the entire article except for the comment that Jac threw himself at the environmentalist's altar. Jac was and is an enemy of the United States of America. He willingly went along with the environmentalist wacko's agenda and probably helped design their altar. I'm not bitter, I just virulently hate Jac Nasser. Green Billy boy isn't the answer to the company's problems either, but his name is on the building.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

They still make a damn good truck. But the seats aren't as comfy as GM's. 'swhy I'm driving a GMC.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Welcome to the world called, "there's life after Ford." I am partly retired after a career with a major company. I found out a long time ago that there's no appeal when the big guy's name is on the front door.

[spald]

"'This report takes a giant step in the wrong direction,' declared Carl Pope of the Sierra Club, which led the many recent green denunciations of the company."

At one of these press conferences, a reporter should ask representatives of the environmental groups what kind of car they drive. Did Ford's decision to align with the environmentalists encourage any additional support to Ford by purchasing their vehicles? There's a metric I'd like to behold.

[bandleader]

I've never owned a Ford truck but they won't get my GMC YUKON until they pry it from my cold,dead fingers!!

[Pining_4_TX]

How about the reliability issue? I like some of the GM vehicles, including the Yukon, but I've heard bad things about GM's quality. Some people I know have had a terrible time with their new Chevy Trailblazers, and my dads' Chevy Venture has had multiple problems. And I will never own another Chrysler unless it comes with a gift certificate for 3 new transmissions as needed. So, what are the best quality vehicles for those of us who can't afford a luxury brand?

BTW, this is off the subject, but the Ford guy has the creepiest eyes. Ford isn't doing itself any favors by putting him in their commercials.

[newgeezer]

So, what are the best quality vehicles for those of us who can't afford a luxury brand?

Honda, Toyota.

You asked.

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

In my and friends' experience, the reliability of GM stuff seems to be all over the map. Some Suburbans and Yukons are great, some are horrid (specifically the ones assembled in Mexico, I was once told, but I was unable to find any assembled elsewhere when we looked). And some good friends' experience with their Venture has been nothing short of disastrous.

Meanwhile, our Expedition was pretty good for three years. Lousy seats though. And if you don't need the size of a Suburban or Yukon and want reliability, safety, sprightly performance, unmatched snow driveability, and excellent resale value in a U.S.-assembled vehicle, I highly recommend Subaru.

[Hugin]

FORD

Fix Or Replace Daily

Funding Of Radical Democrats

[Eric in the Ozarks]

I noticed this in an ad on TV last night. Mr. Ford looked like he had quite a buzz going.
The Trailblazer is new and bound to have a bug or two. I'm driving a 2001 GMC Sierra extended cab and, except for the length of the thing, I love it. Drives and rides good. No failures at 24,000 miles. But I got a 100,000 mile extended warranty to cover what might go wrong after 36,000, and I think that's money well spent. (One trip to the 4WD doctor and I'm even)

[TheMole]

Found On Road Dead

[Righty1]

Were you one of the culled white males who the black personnel VP said didn't have any civil rights?

[stumpy]

I have to replace the water pump on my toyota. But it's got 268,000 miles. My last Chrysler product got donated to the make a wish foundation (I felt guilty for that but I was desparate). I do like ford P/ups though. But I have to say after their giving money to all the enviro's , should I be able to buy another p/u in the future it will be a Toyota.