I feel sorry for the people who get our cars after we are done with them. The company sends them off to the leasing dept. then to auction. Blew the tranny out 4 of my last cars. Should you not bounce it off the rev limiter then drop it in drive?
Just the car section of MSN.com Their reliability ratings come from Automotive Information Systems. So it's not just comsumer reported problems, but ones from actual repair facilities. I put some stock in them, since their ratings are spot-on for the Crown Vic. All the listed problems(significant/moderate) are very common on those cars. Didn't bother with the Mustang as most of us fix them ourselves, thus skewing the reliability rating some.
I would go with the escort wagon....those things run forever...if you don't get that, go for a hyundai pony. THOSE things go FOREVER, and you'd keep your stable of horses at least