Everyone has an opinion, I know I do but my experience with Ford over GM and Chrysler is not just personal. I've owned a 64 Mustang, 71 Pinto, 74 Maverick, an 82 and 96 Escort, an 02 and 03 Focus and my 03 Ranger truck with NO problems other than normal wear and tear, gas and oil, etc... I did have to replace the fuel pump in 82 Escort, it cost me 15 bucks at the bone yard and took ten minutes to replace.
I've owned a 79 Camaro, 84 Regal and an 86 Chrysler, all bought new and they were junk....I know that the eighties were tough on GM and Chrysler but nothing in the last twenty years leads me to think anything has changed. Ford didn't make a very good car then either.
I read the reviews, the reliability ratings and independent surveys and they all lead to the imports or Ford Motor Company...with all the information available at your fingertips, you should be able to make a reasoned decision.