Ford has spent the better part of a decade stepping away from affordable compact cars like the Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion in favor of larger, higher-margin SUVs. With fuel prices fluctuating and new car costs climbing steadily, there is renewed interest in something simpler, smaller, and more attainable. With Ford planning to introduce a sub-$40,000 four-door car to the US market, the idea of an affordable Ford sedan returning makes perfect sense.
A Global Platform Ford Can Actually Use
When Ford phased out its compact cars, it did so because SUVs and pickups were delivering far stronger returns. That decision paid off, with Ford currently ranking as the third best-selling automaker in the US. Still, the company never completely walked away from sedans on a global level. The Ford Mondeo remains in production in China and has just been updated. It rides on the C2 platform already shared with models like the Bronco Sport and Maverick, which means the groundwork is largely done. Bringing a version of that car to North America wouldn’t require starting from scratch, making it far more realistic than many might expect.
Sedans Still Sell, Even If SUVs Steal The Spotlight
There’s no denying that SUVs dominate the market, but that doesn’t mean sedans are irrelevant. Brands like Toyota and Nissan continue to prove that point year after year. The Toyota Camry is Toyota’s second best-selling model, sitting just behind the Toyota RAV4 – America’s best-selling car. Over at Nissan, the Nissan Sentra also secures second place, topped by, you guessed it, the Rogue in overall sales. Sedans may not be the dominant force they once were, but they still appeal to buyers looking for a more traditional driving experience
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Ford CEO Sees A Sedan In The Future
Jim Farley has already made it clear that sedans are not off the table. The challenge, as always, is profitability. But it might not be as difficult as you might expect. Using an existing global platform, like the Mondeo, combined with Ford’s cost-effective electric powertrain, could allow Ford to re-enter the segment without pricing themselves out of the market. Seeing as Ford loves to rehash past cult models’ nameplates, we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s called the Fusion or Taurus – the Crown Victoria name isn’t out of the question, either. Ford’s SUV-heavy lineup isn’t going anywhere, but adding the right sedan back into the mix could create a more balanced lineup.
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