In the past, GM vehicles typically had problems with electical components after 40k miles. Ford’s weak spot was usually the transmission at 60K. I swore off (and at) both many years ago.
You are exactly right. I have said on other threads, GM and Ford would do well if their vehicles would outlast the average finance contract. When you see Nissan, Toyotas and Hondas out there with near 200,000 miles, it’s hard not to notice. Not that there aren’t the occassional GM and Ford with that mileage, but I don’t think it’s anywhere near the same number.
I bought a brand new 1976 Ford Granada whose transmission had to be replaced at 36,000 miles. That was only the start of my troubles with that piece of junk. I have never bought a Ford since. I figure a Honda lasts twice as long as a Big 3 car.