Why are Ford Fusions discontinued?
Ford Motor Company has announced that it will be discontinuing the Ford Fusion sedan by the end of 2022. This decision is part of the automaker's broader strategy to shift its focus towards more profitable SUVs, crossovers, and trucks. The Fusion, once a popular and well-regarded midsize car, is being phased out as consumer preferences continue to move away from traditional passenger cars.
The Decline of Passenger Cars
The Ford Fusion's discontinuation is a reflection of the broader industry trend towards SUVs and crossovers. Over the past decade, consumer demand for passenger cars has steadily declined in the United States, while the popularity of larger, more versatile vehicles has surged. This shift in consumer preferences has led many automakers, including Ford, to reevaluate their product lineups and allocate more resources towards developing and marketing their SUV and truck offerings.
Ford's Strategic Shift
Ford's decision to discontinue the Fusion is part of the company's broader strategic shift towards more profitable and in-demand vehicle segments. The automaker has announced plans to phase out most of its traditional passenger car models, including the Fusion, Focus, and Taurus, in favor of expanding its SUV, crossover, and truck lineups. This move is aimed at improving Ford's overall profitability and aligning its product portfolio with the changing preferences of American consumers.
The Fusion's Declining Sales
The Fusion's discontinuation can also be attributed to its declining sales performance in recent years. Once a strong competitor in the midsize sedan segment, the Fusion's sales have steadily declined since peaking in 2013. This trend has been mirrored across the broader passenger car market, as consumers have increasingly gravitated towards larger, more versatile vehicles.
The Future of Ford's Lineup
As Ford phases out the Fusion and other passenger car models, the company is focusing its efforts on expanding its lineup of SUVs, crossovers, and trucks. Some of the key vehicles in Ford's future lineup include the popular F-150 pickup, the Expedition and Explorer SUVs, and the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover. These larger, more profitable vehicles are expected to play a central role in Ford's strategy to improve its overall financial performance and better meet the evolving needs and preferences of American consumers.
Is Ford bringing back the Fusion in 2025?
No, a 2025 Ford Fusion is not available for purchase in North America, as production of the model for the North American market was discontinued after the 2020 model year. While the "Fusion" nameplate is not being revived in the US, Ford does produce a model called the Mondeo in other parts of the world.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2025 Ford Fusion in North America: 36sOtoDriftYouTube · Jan 18, 2025
- North America: The Ford Fusion was officially discontinued in North America after the 2020 model year. Some articles may discuss a "2025 Ford Fusion," but this likely refers to the international Mondeo model or is a misunderstanding about a new sedan, as seen in this YouTube video and this Ford Authority article.
- International markets: Ford continues to produce a model similar to the Fusion, known as the Mondeo, in other countries.
- Alternatives: Ford's lineup in North America is now focused on SUVs and trucks, but they do have other sedan models available.
You can watch this video to learn more about the international Ford Mondeo: 52sDrive Force YouTube · Jan 8, 2025
Why did Ford discontinue the Fusion?
Ford discontinued the Fusion primarily due to declining sales of sedans as consumer demand shifted to SUVs and trucks. This was a broader industry trend, and Ford made the strategic decision to focus resources on more popular and profitable models like the Explorer and Bronco. Additionally, sedans generally offer lower profit margins than SUVs and trucks, which influenced the decision to shift away from them.
- Shifting consumer demand: More drivers were choosing SUVs and crossovers over traditional sedans, making sedans less popular and less profitable.
- Strategic focus on SUVs and trucks: Ford decided to invest in developing and marketing its more popular SUV and truck models instead of its sedans.
- Lower profit margins: Sedans, including the Fusion, typically offered lower profit margins for the company compared to SUVs and trucks.
- Reduced investment: Ford chose not to invest in significant refreshes for the Fusion, which indicated its eventual discontinuation.
How long do fusions last?
The longevity of a "fusion" depends on what type it is. A Ford Fusion car typically lasts 200,000 to 250,000 miles with proper maintenance, while spinal fusion surgery can last for decades or even a lifetime.
Ford Fusion (car)
- Lifespan: Expect a well-maintained Ford Fusion to last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, or about 15 to 20 years.
- Factors: Regular maintenance, like oil changes and transmission care, is crucial for reaching the higher end of this range.
- Examples: Many owners report getting well over 200,000 miles, with some surpassing 300,000 miles.
Spinal fusion (surgery)
- Lifespan: A spinal fusion can last for decades or even a lifetime.
- How it works: The surgery permanently connects vertebrae to prevent them from moving, providing long-term pain relief.
- Potential issues: While the fused segment itself is unlikely to fail, the surrounding vertebrae may take on more stress, which can lead to issues like adjacent segment degeneration over time.
- Factors: The success of the surgery depends on individual health, how well the surgery is performed, and post-surgery care like staying active and maintaining a healthy weight.
What year of Ford Fusion to avoid?
The Ford Fusion years to avoid are primarily 2010-2012 due to widespread power steering issues. The model years 2013-2016 should also be approached with caution due to potential head gasket problems with the EcoBoost engines and transmission issues, including recalls for certain transmissions.
You can watch this video to learn more about the worst years for Ford Fusion and their issues: 1mAutoMotivateYouTube · Aug 24, 2022
Years to avoid
- 2010–2012: These model years are frequently cited as the worst for the Fusion, with power steering failure being the most common complaint. The 2010 model had the highest number of complaints, followed closely by 2011 and 2012.
- 2013–2016: These years are associated with engine issues in EcoBoost models (1.5L, 1.6L, 2.0L), primarily head gasket failure, which can lead to expensive repairs. Some models from this range also had transmission problems and were subject to recalls.
Specific problems
- Power Steering: A major issue in the 2010-2012 models, often resulting in a complete failure.
- Engine: Head gasket failure in 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines from 2013-2016 can cause coolant leaks and overheating.
- Transmission: Some 2013-2016 models experienced shifting problems and leaks, leading to recalls and potential replacement.
- Rust: In snowy climates, earlier models may have a higher susceptibility to rust.
- Hybrid Batteries: The early hybrid versions had less robust batteries compared to some competitors.
