Ford replaced the Taurus sedan with two distinct models, the Ford Five Hundred and the Ford Fusion sedans. Concurrently, the Taurus wagon was succeeded by the Ford Freestyle crossover SUV. This transition marked a significant shift in Ford's vehicle lineup, moving away from its long-standing best-selling car.
A Strategic Evolution in Ford's Lineup
The discontinuation of the Ford Taurus, once America's best-selling car, occurred without an official event or function to mark the end of its production. This quiet phasing out led to a strategic repositioning of Ford's mid-size and full-size offerings, catering to evolving consumer preferences for sedans and the burgeoning crossover segment.
- For the Taurus Sedan: Ford introduced the Five Hundred as a larger, more traditional full-size sedan, while the Fusion was positioned as a contemporary mid-size sedan, appealing to a broad market with its modern design and features.
- For the Taurus Wagon: Recognizing the growing popularity of versatile vehicles, Ford replaced the wagon variant with the Freestyle, a crossover SUV that offered a blend of car-like driving dynamics with the utility and space of an SUV.
This multi-faceted replacement strategy aimed to cover the various market segments previously served by the single Taurus nameplate.
Overview of Taurus Replacements
To clarify the direct successors, the following table summarizes how the Taurus models were replaced:
| Taurus Model | Successor(s) | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|
| Taurus Sedan | Ford Five Hundred, Ford Fusion | Full-size/Mid-size Sedan |
| Taurus Wagon | Ford Freestyle | Crossover SUV |
The End of an Era
The Ford Taurus held a significant place in American automotive history, notably being the best-selling car in the United States for several years. Its quiet departure from Ford's production lines, without fanfare, underscored a shift in industry trends and consumer demands, leading to the introduction of new models designed to meet these changing needs more effectively.
