When America Needs A Better Idea: An Alternate Ford Corporate History

1989

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Banned
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The Fiesta got its first full redesign since its launch in 1976. Most notably, it gained a 5 door model.
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The Thunderbird was redesigned. By this point, the market for big coupes was expiring.
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The front drive coupe that was to be the new Mustang was sold as the Ford Probe, named after a series of concept cars from the late 70s and early 80s. A twin to the Mazda MX-6, it sold well.

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Ford brought out a sporty version of the Taurus known as the SHO or Super High Output. The Yamaha 3.0 Liter V6 put out 220 horsepower and turned a humble grocery getter into a sports sedan.
 
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1990

kernals12

Banned
The UAW agreed to switch new hires to a 401k plan. This helped Ford shed pension costs.

For 1990, all cars had to have either a driver's airbag or automatic seatbelts. Despite the annoyance, most automakers chose the cheaper seatbelt option.
 
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1991

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Banned
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The Escort was redesigned with significant input from Mazda.

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The Bronco II was replaced by the Explorer. Ford started a revolution by selling a 5 door model. The high driving position and rugged off road looks kicked off the SUV boom. The Explorer's impact in the 90s would be comparable to the Mustang's in the 60s.
 
1992

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Banned
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1992 brought a redesign of the Taurus. It was an evolutionary design as there was no reason for radical change. Changes included standard antilock brakes and driver's airbag and an even more aerodynamic shape.

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The Crown Victoria was given the aero treatment, most controversial was the lack of a front grille, which would be changed for 1993.

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The F-series, the best selling nameplate in America, was redesigned, as was the SUV version, the Bronco.
 
1997

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Banned
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The Taurus was all new for 1997 with Ford's "new edge" design.

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The F-series was redesigned

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Ford brought out a replacement for the Bronco, the Expedition. Meant to be a larger Explorer, it was a major cash cow for Ford.

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The last Thunderbird rolled off the Lorain, Ohio Assembly Line on September 4, 1997 with the words "That's all folks!" across the hood. It was the end of one of the most iconic nameplates.
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The Ka was introduced to the European market as a youth oriented small car with funky styling.
 
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1998

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Banned
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For the full sized Crown Victoria, the 1998 model year brought a new body. The market for traditional body on frame rear drive sedans was dwindling, with the Chevrolet Caprice having been discontinued in 1996, but the Crown Vic was very popular with fleet buyers especially the police and taxis.

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The Probe was redesigned.
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The Fiesta based Puma was introduced as a Probe companion.
 
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1999

kernals12

Banned
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For 1999, the Escort was replaced by the Focus, an all new compact with avant garde styling and fun to drive handling. With the Focus, Ford was able to take the small car fight to the Japanese.

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The Windstar was redesigned.
 
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2002

kernals12

Banned
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The Mondeo was redesigned with more Germanic styling inside and out. The increase in size allowed the Contour to be discontinued and the Taurus to become its stablemate.

The Probe and Puma were discontinued as sales of front wheel drive sports coupes vanished.
 
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2003

kernals12

Banned
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The Ford Explorer was redesigned right as full sized SUVs reached their peak. Rising gas prices would wipe out the market for such big trucks.
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The Fiesta was redesigned with standard anti lock brakes.
 
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2004

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Banned
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The F-150 was redesigned.
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The Windstar became the Freestar. Minivan sales were in terminal decline thanks to SUVs.

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The C-max, a tall version of the upcoming Focus, was unveiled for the European market.
 
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2005

kernals12

Banned
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The Crown Victoria was thoroughly redesigned for 2005. It got smaller, gained front wheel drive, and switched to unibody construction, the last passenger car to do so.
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The Explorer also switched to unibody construction for 2005. This helped keep sales strong against the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.
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The Focus was redesigned.

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The Mustang was revamped with retro styling and independent rear suspension.
 
2007

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Banned
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The Mondeo/Taurus was redesigned for 2007. The new car was more stylish, bigger (almost as big as the Crown Victoria), and nicer to drive than ever.

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The Edge, a 2 row crossover slotting between the Escape and Explorer, was introduced.

The Freestyle was killed off.
 
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