But the real champ is our old '62 Studebaker Lark convertible (200k miles plus) with the 289 Jet (police pursuit) engine - had a Holley 4 barrel until my dad dropped a Maserati injection system into it (and it was, unbelievably, a drop in job). I take the car out and crank it up just to hear that motor purr.
Glad to hear you've had good experiences with your Fords. I have friends who drive Expeditions and like them - plus put on many trouble-free miles.
I have a ten-year-old GMC Suburban that'd doing great. Will replace it with a new one when I start having too many problems with the '93.
My experience with GM vehicles has been excellent, for the most part. The worst one I had was an "84 El Dorado. The engine failed early (was replaced under warranty.) Other odd problems popped up from time to time, causing me to trade it once the warranty ended. Replaced it with an '87 Chevy Caprice that was nearly bullet-proof, mechanically. Most durable GM car I ever owned, traded it with 100,00 miles on (still got a good allowance) for the Suburban.
Ford better get its act together in engineering and quality control or few will have the experience you've described IMHO.