Sally, my grandma had a Speed Queen that lasted her almost 25 years. She kept hoping it would break so she could get a newer model!
Jules, I know what you mean about appliances not lasting like they use too:
I bought a Kenmore washer/dryer set in 1982. I used it 22 years and gave it to a young couple when we moved in 2004. That set was moved across country 5 times! It only had one $20 repair to the washer in all that time. My Fisher/Paykel set have lasted 7 years. Both need to be replaced.
I had a Kenmore refrigerator that I bought new in 1987. We gave it away when we moved. It had never had a repair. It just was not very energy efficient. We bought a Kitchenaid in 2004 and the compressor and some switch went out this March. It cost more to repair than getting a new one, except I went high end with bells and whistles.
However, I love this refrigerator! It holds everything and has soft LED lightening that doesn't hurt my eyes when I open the door!