Summary

• Ford is bidding farewell to iconic models like the Ford Escape and Explorer Hybrid to make way for more profitable and larger vehicles.
• The Ford Transit Connect and Explorer Hybrid are being discontinued to prioritize fully electric models, adapting to changing consumer preferences.
• Ford's strategic decision to trim its lineup of smaller cars and streamline SUV offerings showcases their commitment to evolving with industry trends.

Ford Motor Company has been at the forefront of automotive innovation for over a century. But in order to make way for new ventures, some iconic Ford models that have made a significant impact are now preparing to say goodbye. We'll delve into the impact of vehicles like the Ford Escape and Explorer Hybrid, bringing light to what they have done for their respective markets. Not only does Ford provide these spectacular passenger vehicles, but they have cornered an area of the small business market.

The Ford Transit Connect has amassed popularity among small business owners, praised for its adaptable nature and efficient performance. Introduced as a compact van, it offered a great balance of size and capability, perfect for city navigation and cargo transport. However, Ford will discontinue the Transit Connect after the 2024 model year. The decision comes off the heels of changing market dynamics and Ford's strategic shift towards more profitable and larger vehicles, as well as an increased focus on fully electric and hybrid models.

Another notable departure from Ford's lineup is the Ford Edge, a midsize SUV that stood out for its comfort, technology, and decent interior space. Since its debut, the Edge has been a popular choice for families and adventure seekers alike. However, Ford's decision to discontinue the Edge is part of yet another larger strategy to streamline its SUV lineup, focusing on newer models that align better with current consumer preferences. The general consensus for Ford trimming the fat from their current lineup is to make way for the big EV push in the years to come.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Ford, Forbes, and J.D. Power.

Ford Models Discontinued In 2024

In 2024, Ford is bidding farewell to several iconic models in their lineup. Those in the U.S. are already familiar from 2019, but for the rest of the world, the Ford Fiesta is leaving for 2024, renowned for its fun drive, affordability, and compact size, making it a popular choice in the subcompact car segment. Despite its popularity, Ford made the strategic decision to discontinue the Fiesta as part of their shift away from smaller cars. The shift began and is now in full stride as these other models are being dropped for the 2024 model year.

2024 Ford Edge

First off, we are seeing the last model year of the Ford Edge, a mid-size SUV known for its two-row layout prioritizing comfort and spaciousness, coupled with solid performance from its standard four-cylinder engine. Despite its handsome exterior, the Edge felt outdated compared to newer models, with its sporty ST variant overlapping in price with the Lincoln Nautilus. Ford's decision to discontinue the Edge is part of its obvious shift, but also its need to trim whatever is unnecessary or redundant from the bigger SUV lineup.

2024 Ford Escape

While Ford maintains the Escape's focus on straightforward family transportation, offering a variety of powertrain options including a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, its departure in 2024 marks the end of an era for this staple of mainstream family transportation.

Despite its practicality, with ample space for passengers and luggage, the Escape faces tough competition from rivals offering more dynamic models, particularly those suited for off-road adventures. Ford's decision to discontinue the Escape again reflects its strategic evolution in response to changing consumer preferences and the competitive landscape of the compact crossover market.

Most Impactful Discontinued Ford Models 2024

The discontinuation of the Ford Transit Connect and the Explorer Hybrid SUV in 2024 marks the end of two impactful models in Ford's lineup. The Transit Connect is a great blend of practicality and performance, being small enough for city navigation but large enough for cargo transport. Its departure is again for the purpose of electrification of their fleet, and signifying a changing landscape in commercial transportation.

Similarly, the Explorer Hybrid SUV brought eco-friendly innovation to the iconic Explorer lineup, appealing to environmentally conscious families with its combination of ruggedness, spaciousness, and hybrid efficiency. Its discontinuation aligns with Ford's commitment to refining its vehicle offerings and prioritizing fully electric models, so we can expect to see a fully electric SUV to replace it very soon.

Ford Explorer Hybrid

Marking the end of an era for the eco-friendly Explorer Hybrid, Ford is ditching this iteration of its iconic Explorer lineup in 2024. With a 3.3-liter V-6 engine paired with an electric motor, the Explorer Hybrid delivered 318 horsepower, trying to make the most of the efficient power plant.

While offering a hybrid powertrain for Limited and Platinum models, the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine ensured sufficient potency and superior highway efficiency. Despite delivering an agreeable ride and handling, the Explorer Hybrid struggled to stand out in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. With its discontinuation, Ford moved its focus to the normal combustion models and set sights on a strict EV model.

Ford Transit Connect

While the Ford Transit Connect van serves as a practical and versatile solution for consumers seeking compact transit options, its departure in 2024 marks the end of an era for this highly useful workhorse. Despite its cargo-van configuration catering to craftsmen, tradesmen, and van-lifestyle enthusiasts, the Transit Connect's lackluster fuel efficiency and underpowered base engine contribute to a less than thrilling driving experience.

With an unchanged model year but a significant price increase, the Transit Connect is accompanying the discontinuation of competitors like the Ram ProMaster City and the impending end of production of the Mercedes-Benz Metris, marking the conclusion of the city-van segment.

Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Transit Connect boasts a towing capacity of up to 2000 pounds and a maximum payload of 1570 pounds, making it a great used market option for anyone who does not want an open bed light duty truck.

Ford Models Discontinued In The Last 5 Years

In a bold move swayed by the shifting market dynamics and heavy investment in electrification, Ford announced in 2019 its decision to discontinue all passenger cars in its lineup, except for the iconic Mustang. The decision strays from Ford's traditional focus on sedans and compact cars, signaling the company's commitment to prioritizing SUVs, trucks, and electric vehicles in response to changing industry trends.

By streamlining its vehicle offerings, Ford aimed to allocate resources more efficiently towards developing and producing models that better aligned with the evolving, while the Mustang, with its rich heritage and incredible popularity, remains a cornerstone of the brand's identity and performance legacy.

Ford Fiesta Discontinued

In 2019, Ford announced the end of production of the Fiesta in North America, in line with the company's shift towards the business model we mentioned before. Prospective buyers were encouraged to make quick decisions as production was set to cease in May 2019.

Available as either a sedan or hatchback, the Fiesta had a standard engaging five-speed manual transmission paired with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower. An optional six-speed automatic transmission provided a similarly enjoyable driving experience. While not the quickest, the Fiesta had crisp and well-weighted steering, offering a playful characteristic in the corners.

Ford Taurus and Ford Fusion Discontinued

Once a household name, the Ford Taurus has now joined the great scrap heap in the sky as 2020 marked its final year on sale. Taurus production officially ceased in March 2019, leaving whatever inventory existing at Ford dealerships the final holdouts for the beloved sedan.

Equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 288 horsepower, the majority of Taurus models drive either the front or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. While the ride is comfortable, the suspension department leaves a lot to be desired, even in the optional high-performance SHO models.

On the other hand, the 2020 Ford Fusion, known for its versatility in a fiercely competitive segment, offered four available powertrain options, including two electrified variants, and could have been equipped with all-wheel drive. Despite its discontinuation in 2020, the Fusion provided a satisfying ride with crisp styling, a comfortable interior, and agile handling, though it fell short of rivals like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6 in terms of refinement.

Ford's Push Towards Electrification

Ford is making significant strides towards a future dominated by larger vehicles and electrification. The company is heavily investing in a wide range of electric vehicle (EV) programs, aiming to establish a comprehensive EV lineup with vehicles like the Mach-E. At the same time, Ford is expanding its offerings of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), with plans to integrate hybrid powertrains across its entire Ford Blue lineup in North America by the end of the decade.

Notably, design efforts are underway for future EV models, including the development of a flexible, small, and affordable EV platform by a specialized team based in California. These initiatives are a large part of Ford's commitment to being a differentiated and profitable EV business while meeting current consumer demand with a balanced mix of gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

Profitable First Quarter 2024

Ford's push towards larger vehicles and electrification is already yielding good results. In the first quarter of 2024, the company reported a substantial 86% increase in EV sales and a notable 42% rise in hybrid sales compared to the previous year. Design work continues on Ford's next-generation EVs, with a dedicated team in California spearheading the development. Led by Alan Clarke and bolstered by talent from Auto Motive Power (AMP), acquired by Ford in late 2023, this initiative signifies Ford's proactive approach toward embracing the evolving landscape of automotive technology and sustainability.