[Dion]

But Ford has now caught up to Toyota and Honda, the group says, based on owners opinions of their new 2008 vehicles.

The top-selling products built by Ford, by comparison, shocked the industry a few years ago by matching the best Japanese brands. And they are holding that pattern, which means their high ratings are no fluke, Champion said.

"Ford is doing exceptionally well. The Fusion and Milan are still outstanding. Nearly all Fords are average or above average. Ford's reliability is now on par with good Japanese automakers."

Ford's V-8 powered F-150s trucks and truck-based SUVs were of lower reliability.

Ford appears to have solved its former problems by designing its new products from the ground up, which allows the company to "get their (manufacturing) systems in line and their suppliers in line" with quality goals

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