Why did Ford quit making fusions?

Ford Motor Company announced in 2018 that it would be discontinuing production of the Ford Fusion midsize sedan in North America by 2020. This decision was part of a broader strategic shift by the automaker to focus more on SUVs, crossovers, and trucks rather than traditional passenger cars.

Declining Sedan Sales

The primary reason Ford decided to stop making the Fusion was the declining popularity of sedans in the United States. Consumers have been increasingly gravitating towards larger, more versatile vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks in recent years. This shift in consumer preferences has led to plummeting sales of traditional passenger cars, including the Fusion.

In 2018, sedan sales in the U.S. accounted for only about 30% of the overall automotive market, down from around 50% a decade earlier. The Fusion was no exception, with its sales dropping by over 30% between 2017 and 2018 as buyers flocked to Ford's own lineup of SUVs and crossovers instead.

Ford's Strategic Shift

Beyond the Fusion's declining sales, Ford's decision to discontinue the model was also part of a broader strategic realignment for the company. Ford announced plans to phase out most of its traditional passenger car models in North America to focus more on trucks, SUVs, and crossovers - vehicle categories that were seeing stronger demand and higher profit margins.

This shift in focus allowed Ford to devote more resources towards developing and marketing the types of vehicles that customers were increasingly demanding. It also enabled the company to streamline its manufacturing operations and reduce costs by consolidating production around its more popular and profitable models.

The Fusion's Fate

Production of the Ford Fusion ended in 2020, with the last models sold as 2020 model year vehicles. While the Fusion was a popular and well-reviewed midsize sedan during its lifespan, its discontinuation was ultimately a strategic business decision driven by broader market trends and Ford's need to adapt its product lineup accordingly.

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. 

Why do cops use Ford Fusions?

Crown Victorias and Explorers, in addition to the Taurus, Fusion, and even F-150 models, were also used as responders. Police like Ford vehicles because of their performance, durability, and reliability.

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.