The first gen was a different vehicle. The 2nd gen they took over the European Ford Mondeo. To make it even more confusing the Ford Contour was also the Mondeo in Europe and originated there and not at Ford US.
I don’t think it is related to Mazda. It’s built on a Ford platform and was part of Europe Ford family where it is the Ford Mondeo and existed in different variants. I may be wrong but this is what I always thought. Merry Christmas.
I still have My wife's first car 1997 Mazda Protégé LX and when ever I need a part. The ford dealer has it with no problem. Just keep up the maintenance on you're fusion. And it will last a long time.
Town Cars are good. But these aren't crap. They cost the same as most decent Town Cars, but handles better, are as comfortable, way better on gas, just as reliable, and over all much better value than a Town Car.