Hot on the heels of a report that Ford Motor Company was deliberating whether to continue offering Ford Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion in the US market, the automaker today formally announced that it will “not invest in next generations of traditional Ford sedans for North America.” In short, over the next couple of years, Ford will prune its US car lineup drastically, eliminating the Fiesta, Fusion, and Taurus, while the Focus range will be reduced to just a single model: the crossover-inspired Ford Focus Active.
Ford says it will explore “new ‘white space’ vehicle silhouettes” – or new opportunities to replicate what its Active models achieve, by combining attributes of cars and utility vehicles to offer a higher ride height, more space, and better versatility in a car-like package.
Ford says its decision to axe the bulk of its North American car lineup is rooted in the declining demand and profitability of such vehicles. The Ford Mustang will remain in the portfolio as a sporty halo vehicle, and a Focus Active based on the new, fourth-generation compact car will be brought in as a sort of “crossover lite,” but there will be no replacement for the sixth-generation Fiesta, the second-generation Fusion, or the sixth-generation Taurus.
“The entire team is focused on improving the operational fitness of our business, as well as meeting and exceeding our accelerated 2020 target of 8 percent margin and ROIC in the high teens,” Ford Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks said in a release. The automaker’s earnings through the first quarter of 2018 are “in line with expectations and consistent with our outlook for the full year, but we know we can, and must, do better.”
Ford earlier this month unveiled an all-new version of the Focus compact car aimed at the European and Asian markets. Previously, it was planned that North America would import the car from China starting with the 2020 model year, with certain, special models like the ST and RS being shipped in from Europe.
A new, sporty all-electric van.
Enabling it to gain market share, too.
This is no wagon turned SHO, either.
A simple but potentially useful idea.
Sales increased 6.6 percent to 1,492,905 units during the first eight months of 2025.
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I guess Ford would rather us buy someone else's vehicle. Guess my 2017 Ford Fusion Sport is my last Ford.
is your fusion a good car ?
My 2017 Ford Fusion is a wonderful car. Roomy in seating, great trunk, terrific acceleration.
Right on, my 2004 Marauder will be my last Ford, have owned Fords since 1987.
My feelings exactly, Michael. Ford enthusiast here, and my Fusion will likely be my last Ford ride. I guess I struggle to see how some of these smaller crossovers are much more profitable than a decently equipped sedan. Will be interesting to see how this pans out when gas gets closer to $5/gallon again. I have no desire to roll around in some shorter wheelbase, pregnant rollerskate.
Still have an older 2007 fusion. I guess making a good car comes second to their profits. I had a 65 mustang that drove just like this fusion. The fusion is made well, engineered well, fun to spin round,.. no defecs engineered into it. I'm impressed. Kept it.
I just might consider getting another or a Taurus b4 they halt production. It's a shame that business and good quality can't go hand in hand.
Go w Taurus. I ordered a 2017 Taurus (Show), I don't like SUVs or small noisy sedans. This may be my last new car purchase, if I can get 15-20 yrs, w this Taurus.
I guess when the early 2000s gas prices hit again Ford will be the one needing a bailout not Chrysler and GM.
I would love to see their stock go to $5.00/share
My Fusion Sport is a great csr. When you calculate prce, utility, comfort, and.performance it is an exceptional vehile.
Meanwhile, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have no issues selling cars of all shapes and sizes... including sedans.
The lineup is a bit stale. A few years ago dealers wanted a quicker schedule to have new products. Never saw the replacement for the Ranger, but to not have a five passenger sedan is nuts not all of us want a truck or suv. I'm very happy with my Fusion!
With so much competition, there are clearly better car brands out there. Pick-up trucks are Fords bread and butter.
I've owned Taurus's since 1996 with a 2013 currently as well as a 2012 Fusion. It looks like I need to start looking to another manufacturer for my mid-size cars in the future. It won't be a Ford.
What a bummer! I understand trimming but you've now given the American driving public the choice of a sports car that is A) cool but impractical in winter weather as is evidenced during wintertime here in the Midwest and B) too small for many. If I still lived in California, the Mustang would be a solid choice and don't get me started on the gutless wonder, Focus, albeit a better choice in many ways than the Fiesta.
Wow, I'm shocked that sales of the Fusion have slacked off that much as they were selling like gangbusters a few years ago. The last 9 cars/SUVs we've had have been Fords. If we need a car, we'll have to go to another manufacturer. Thank goodness it sounds like the SUV line is ok right now as we are Escape fans. We miss the Sport Trac, loved our F150 Platinum and the Taurus has been a staple for many years for us. We are excited to see the reintroduction of the Ford Ranger to the American market.
Hopefully, we'll see something we like in the future.
Here's hoping that they still give us the ST and RS instead of telling us that an Edge ST is a perfect substitute. I'm also curious if the Fusion does return, but with the Active trim that resembles the Volvo S60 Cross Country (i.e. Sedan with a crossover ride hight).
I would guess the reason for discontinuing these sedans is because of future EVs.... Most of those will be replaced with an EV on EV specific platforms vs adding the EV bits to an ICE car.