I agree.
Until 2001, I had a Ford Tempo.
It really truly was a car from hell. Everything seemed to go wrong on this car.
By the time the car burned up (because it was sitting next to a dumpster that some a-hole set on fire - no, it wasn't me), it seems as though everything in the engine and transmission had been replaced at least once.
Amazingly, I've heard similiar stories from other Tempo owners as well.
Right now, I drive a Saturn VUE and I'm pleased with it.
My wife owned a Probe when we met and it was the same thing. The car stayed in the shop. We've been Toyota owners every since. Last year I sold my Camry with 166,000 miles to a college kid and bought the new Avalon. The wife has a Sequoia and they are both trouble-free.
Sounds like my first car, a '91 Thunderbird. Replaced the transmission and several engine components. Also many belts and hoses. And a compressor. I was so happy when my friend wrecked it. My dad was a loyal Ford man until he got two Taurus' in a row that sucked. Everyone in the family drives Toyotas now.