Ford’s decision to exit the sedan market in the United States continues to spark conversation. But this time, the story comes with an unexpected twist involving Pope Leo XIV.
During a recent appearance on Spike’s Car Radio, Ford CEO Jim Farley shared a surprising anecdote. The newly elected Pope, a confessed car enthusiast, apparently missed driving his manual transmission Ford Fusion. Farley recalled explaining to the Pope that Ford lost around $4,000 on each Fusion it sold. The response? The Pope didn’t seem particularly concerned.
That small exchange highlights something many enthusiasts already know. Even as SUVs dominate today’s market, the emotional connection drivers have with traditional sedans, especially manual ones, hasn’t disappeared.
Why Ford Walked Away From Sedans
Ford’s departure from the sedan segment wasn’t sudden. It was a calculated move shaped by changing consumer preferences and shrinking profits.
According to Farley, Ford had been losing billions selling sedans in the U.S. market. Buyers were increasingly choosing crossovers and SUVs for their practicality, higher seating position, and perceived value. Over time, models like the Fusion, Focus, and Taurus struggled to compete against rivals that produced more cost-efficient vehicles.
The Ford Fusion itself was once a strong contender. Between 2006 and 2014, it even offered a six-speed manual transmission, something increasingly rare in midsize sedans. But as demand shifted, those variants became harder to justify financially.
Ford ultimately made the call to focus on trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles. It was controversial at the time, but the company has since doubled down on its strategy.
A One-Off Explorer for the Pope
Despite the end of the Fusion, Farley didn’t leave the story there. Instead, he quietly commissioned a special vehicle for Pope Leo XIV. The result was a one-off Ford Explorer built specifically for him.
The SUV carries a hybrid powertrain, making it unique among civilian Explorers currently available. It also features custom hand-stitched seats embroidered with the Chicago skyline, a personal touch reflecting the Pope’s hometown.
Even more interesting, Farley paid for the vehicle himself. The gesture adds a human element to what could have been just another corporate story.
Chicago Connection Makes It Personal
The choice of the Explorer wasn’t random. The SUV is built in Chicago, the same city Pope Leo XIV calls home. That connection helped make the gift more meaningful.
It also reflects Ford’s broader push to highlight its American manufacturing roots. The Explorer remains one of Ford’s most important models, and tying it to a high-profile figure only strengthens its cultural relevance.
Sedans May Be Gone, But Passion Remains
Ford may have left sedans behind in the U.S., but stories like this show the legacy still resonates. The manual Fusion represented something simple and engaging. For many drivers, that connection still matters.
While Pope Leo XIV won’t be getting a new manual Fusion anytime soon, he now has something arguably even more special. A one-of-one Ford Explorer, built with personal touches and a story behind it.
And in an industry driven by numbers, sometimes stories like this are what people remember most.
