Normally I like to blame unions for companies problems, but Ford brought this upon itself. GM is competing even with the high union costs.
First problem that Ford has a poor concept of customer service. About two years ago the vice president of Ford quit because, the customer service department wasn't allowed to inform engineering of any customer complaints. According to this vice president the rationale for this, was that Ford didn't want to risk having to issue recalls based on customer complaints.
Piss, poor engineering. I should admit I am a bit biased against Ford, because I had to recently trade in my 98 Ford Contour, because of mechanical problems that would cost three or four thousand dollars to fix. I had this car for five years. (Prior to this I had two other Ford vehicles, and I didn't have to many problems with them.) About every six months I would get a new recall notice for something that needed to be replaced on this vehicle. I think I was up to 6 or 7 recalls on this vehicle. In addition, this doesn't include the items on the vehicle that I had to be replaced for free, because Ford extended the warrenty on certain parts. (I wish they would have told me of all of the warrenty extentions, because after I traded in my car I found out from a friend that the struts would be replaced for free.)
Ford needs to reign their dealers in. When I was shopping for a new vehicle, I thought I would see what Ford was offering. After walking into the showroom I thought I was going to get raped by the sales person. He put so much pressure on me, that afterwards I had to go home and take a shower becuase I felt slimy. The Chevy dealership where I ended up buying my car, I felt more relaxed and confortable there. And they were about $2000 cheaper then the Ford dealer for similar vehicles (Escort ZX-2 verses a Cavalier.)
After these experiences with Ford I will never ever set foot on a Ford lot again. As far as I am concerned if Ford goes out of business, I wouldn't shed any tears. I fact, if Ford declares bankruptcy it might be a good thing, becuase it would end Ford legacy costs, union contracts, and I think new management would be a good thing.