The CV stands out because, like the old Caprice Classic(square older version), it is used by police and taxis. They have to pay extra attention to problems and over-engineer it since 75-80% of their sales are to these customers. The engine in it is also bulletproof. When you see what police actually do to the engines afterwards to get more power out of it and how they abuse them, in stock form, it may be old and dated, but it's a tank.
Most everything else Ford makes? Yeah - it's junk.
Compared to a Civic or Corolla, it is a clear winner. Most people who buy budget cars buy them because they can't afford a new larger midsized car like a Camry or something nice like a Volvo. I really wonder why people buy Kias and Hyundais for $10K when $10K buys you a darn nice used car.
GM is the same - they make one or two good choices and the rest is not worth looking at. Currently, the LeSabre is a great car compared to almost everything else they make. My mother's had hers for 40K so far and has had one glitch so far(warranty covered it).
Unbelieveably better than their older cars. Is it a Lexus? No. Not even close. Me? I wouldn't buy it new in a million years. They bought it for about $22K, new. $7K in GM credit card rebates since they rotate their entire income through their GM card and pay of the entire balance during the grace period.(heh)
Compared to a 22K Toyota? Clear winner.
I hear Ford also has a credit card, so a few K off of a CV could drop the price to close to $20K.