According to Automotive News in 2003, the indictment was a low point in Ford's reputation.[132] Some saw the suit as a landmark for taking a corporation to task for their actions while others saw the case as frivolous.[133][134] In 2002, Malcolm Wheeler, a lawyer working with the Ford defense team, noted that the case was a poor application of criminal law.[135] The case also impacted how Ford handled future product liability cases both legally and in the press.[136]