This is not something to dwell on, because all companies should have the right to compensate employees for any amount they want, but the pay-scale in general has been an ongoing problem in Detroit for decades. This comparison is a stark example.
Keep in mind the incredible success of these three companies.
Toyota, Honda, Nissan [...]

Ford–the good guys in the somewhat sordid bailout schemes–may show a first quarter profit in excess of $1 billion, says the Detroit News.
This will mark the first time since 2005 that the automaker has shown a net profit for four consecutive quarters.
Is this a sign that buyers are rewarding Ford for refusing the ‘bailout’ money? [...]