They used to be. There was a tear-down test online about fifteen years ago, which showed that to be the case.
I've been using SuperTech filters for years, Walmart's brand – these were rated highly in that old test. But last month Walmart finally pulled the plug on the ST filters – they are sold no more. Walmart now stocks the Fram Tough Guard, and this is what I bought. It looked really well-made, but I remembered the bad reputation of Fram, so felt let down.
I feel much better after reading this:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/e...visit-frams-r-d-facility-dayton-ohio-1261517/. You will draw your own conclusions, but it does appear that Fram has changed for the better.