Last summer, Ford announced that it would be discontinuing most of its models in the sedan line to cut costs and focus on their SUV sales in North America. The only models not getting discontinued, are the Focus (re-commencing after moving production plants) and the Mustang (because, duh). That leaves both the Ford Fusion and the Taurus ceasing production by the 2020 year models. Thankfully, Ford was able to make both sedans for 2019 before the inevitable change—it’s somewhat bittersweet, but we’re not busting out the Sarah McLachlan CDs just yet. Take a look at some of the new features and changes for the last model years of the Fusion and the Taurus.
Ford Fusion
Produced in 2005, the Fusion began as a four-door, five-passenger mid-size sedan replacing the Ford Mondeo in Latin America markets. It eventually made its way into North America as an intermediate sedan option between the Focus and the Taurus. The Fusion also became the first Ford model to offer gasoline, EcoBoost, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options to choose from. Additionally, that entire lineup in its 2013 year model garnered the Green Car of the Year award at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. For its final year, the Fusion gains the Hybrid SEL trim with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Intelligent Access and Remote Start System, along with a premium audio system with 11 speakers.
Ford Taurus
The Taurus, in particular, is a bit of a sombre loss considering that Ford has produced this sedan since 1985 in the United States. It was also a huge milestone for the company because it was the first Ford automobile designed and manufactured with statistical process control, and it was responsible for bringing several new features and innovations to the automotive industry. Some of these features included power touch-activated power windows and locks, as well as dashboard controls reachable within a safe distance for the driver. This year, the 2019 Taurus adds more standard features to its base level models, including a manual tilt/telescoping steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a new exterior colour option in Agate Black.
While it’s hard to say goodbye to both these excellent sedans, they aren’t completely gone just yet. You can always come by Kentwood Ford to check out the 2019 models for both the Fusion and the Taurus to see what they have in store before they’re gone.