At a time where it is no longer cool to be associated with minivans, and even SUVs, Ford has tried to create a new niche that aspires to blend the virtues of both bodystyles, while inheriting the downsides of neither. With the 2009 Flex, have they succeeded? Let’s have at it.
What Is It?
A slab-sided, updated product that looks as though it derived from another time, the Ford Flex is a fresh stab at a station wagon, or a minivan. Or is it a crossover? It’s big, or little enough to fit into any of the above categories.
What’s It Up Against?
Logical competitors to the Flex would be the GM Triplets, otherwise known as the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. Toss in a Chrysler Town & Country, Nissan Quest and Toyota Sienna for good measure, and you have all the usual suspects. We haven’t had the chance to drive Toyota’s new Venza yet, but we suspect the so-called “crossover sedan” might attract a similar customer.
There’s just one problem here: it looks like none of the above.
Boxy in more than just its shape, it has a demeanor to match. Equipped with an imposing profile, featuring an all-black greenhouse, it’s one that you will either love or hate.
Any Big Breakthroughs?
Well, for one, the shape. I can’t recall in recent time anything so box-like. Except for the cardboard box our refrigerator came in. But getting past the obvious, it has much to add in visual interest. Like the flat sides with styling strakes that streak along the lower flanks from front wheel-well to rear. And the two-tone characteristics of the car, including the Mini Cooper-esque white roof. Further down towards the floor, the rocker panels have been wrapped underneath the Flex so they are no longer liable to cause dirty pants legs or worse.
Next comes the noise. Or in this case the lack of it. The Flex is one of the more quiet vehicles we have tested in a longtime, which is amazing considering the last time we drove a boxy vehicle down a highway, it whistled like a teapot at full boil. Not so with the Flex. NVH engineers must have worked overtime on this joint.
Ford’s EasyFuel capless refueling system makes one of its first appearances in a Ford vehicle, which will make gassing up an easier and cleaner affair. Expect it to spread across the entire line of vehicles.
Inside gets its share, too, with the “between-middle-seat” icebox that will keep sushi and drinks cold on long trips where you can’t live without a raw fish fix. But more about that later.
How Does It Look?
Starting at the front, the familiar three-bar chrome treatment allows the Flex to let the world know who’s its daddy. The grille gives way to an area so flat you could lay a tablecloth across the hood and set dinner for six. On either side are quad grooves, which are the Flex’s signature touch.
A mild ground effects appearance is incorporated into the rocker panels which have been cleverly designed to open with the doors, offering a straight drop down when entering and exiting the Flex, so as to avoid rubbing pants along muddy or wet door sills.
Fog lamps on the model we tested look like they are straight from the corporate parts bin, and our test car rode nicely on optional 20-inch tires mounted on 10-spoke aluminum wheels. A passing glance as it rides by reminds us of a chop-topped and slammed Ford Explorer with doors that have been grooved on. And as much as the Flex is a clean slate, no pun intended, it is a fresh new piece of canvas for those who care to modify it.
At the end of the day, the unique styling will come down to personal preference. It’s not the most badass vehicle on the road, but when compared to the rather bland competition, at least it will turn heads — that is, until there’s one at every supermarket, movie theater, and fast food joint. And this leads us to an important question: how will this look stand the test of time? There were pundits early on who said the Cadillac’s Art and Science look would quickly become dated. Seven years later, it’s clear they were wrong. We’ll give Ford the benefit of the doubt on this one — for now.
And Inside?
The first thing you notice is how much space is inside. It seems to be as wide as the Hummer H1 in full military spec. No, not really, but you get my drift. That it’s built on the same platform as the Volvo XC90 and Ford Taurus, should give a clue as to what the designers have been able to work with both inside and out. Legroom, especially in the rear is copious.
A strip of faux wood trim punctuates the wide expanse of the dashboard. In an interesting turn, the same strips serve to bisect the gauge cluster, as well as offer a contrast on the nicely padded, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Typical Ford controls occupy places in the center stack, and they are all logically placed and easily identifiable. A Sony audio system supplies aural entertainment, and controls are operable by way of Microsoft’s Sync system, which does offer iPod connectivity. We especially like the cool seats that were offered in the version of the Flex we tested. (The seat design itself was typical. We are fans of anything that blows cold air up….oh, never mind.)
Speaking of cold, there are secondary a/c controls in the back portion of the storage bin for second seat passengers, as well as an auxiliary power port, and 110-volt outlet. The frigid theme continues with the between-the-seats refrigerator in the second row to keep food and drinks cold.
Further back is a full array of folding seats that allow access to the third row or fold completely forward to allow for bulky cargo and a volume of 83.2 cubic feet behind the first row, and 43.2 cubic feet behind the second. A grocery net fills in the very back, and the auto-opening rear door allows easy entry to the rear cargo areas. It also comes in handy during frequent rain showers that are so prevalent here in South Florida.
We mentioned earlier that the Flex looks as though its roof has been “chopped” (lowered) as it was being designed. What’s amazing is that the headroom inside is still substantial.
But the Flex gets an added assist from the multi-panel Vista Roof on our SEL model, which opens up the closed confines of the middle and back rows. It’s really not necessary but is an attractive piece of eye-candy.
But Does It Go?
Well, it’s no sports car, but it is powered by Ford’s Duratec 3.5-liter V6 engine with 262-horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, and mated to the firm’s six-speed automatic transmission. Although our test vehicle was not equipped, an intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is available with predictive traction control. The Flex is not a lightweight by any stretch, but it is a competent cruiser, and displayed the ability to get out of its own way when needed. For those counting gross tonnage, the FWD weighs in at 4498 lbs. The AWD gingerly tips the scales at 4661 pounds.
Handling is as you would expect in any large vehicle. Which is to say that this is not really a corner clipper. Special attention needs be paid while parking and lane changing, as one would with a minivan. The Flex tracks true with pretty direct input from the rack and pinion steering, and road irregularities are soaked up nicely through the Flex’s gas charged McPherson struts in front and multi-link independent rear suspension. Lane changes occur without any undue effort.
Ford estimates fuel economy at 17 city / and 24 highway mpg for the front wheel drive version and expects the AWD variant to achieve 16 city / 22 highway mpg. We realize that gas was not at the four dollar a gallon stage when the Flex was penned in Dearborn. But with no end to price increases in site, we hope the manufacturers have a few more tricks up their sleeves as far as fuel economy is concerned. Three years ago 17/24 was acceptable. In today’s market, it just might be a deterrent to sales.
Why You’d Buy It
If you need a seven-passenger people-hauler that features innovative looks, and resembles a Mini Cooper Clubman on steroids, the Flex is for you. Ditto, if you can’t live without a refrigerator on wheels! Or, a vehicle that could haul a refrigerator, for that matter.
Why You Wouldn’t
If you favor curves in your life, this slab-sided meat wagon isn’t for you. Like I said, you’ll either love or hate the styling. And make no mistake, for most folks, the styling will be the deciding factor.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
06/12, 12:14 AM
posted by:
maxcar
it’s a big floppy mini clubman.
06/12, 12:40 AM
posted by:
RTT10
its shoebox with wheels!!
06/12, 1:07 AM
posted by:
F451
Big brother of Scion xB.
06/12, 1:31 AM
posted by:
howsmydriving
A Clubman for Americans who think big.
06/12, 2:25 AM
posted by:
BlackX
Clubman for huge american asses.
06/12, 3:50 AM
posted by:
WordPressSucks
Seriously, what is with Ford’s square/boxy design language?
They must have underpaid illegal immigrants working in their NA design studios.
What a farce.
06/12, 6:44 AM
posted by:
ricky_b
So if they just started production, I guess rebates will hit some time before launch. The boxy styling works fine on small cars like a Forester or a Scion but on a larger vehicle its says, “I’m a 21st Century Soccer Mom And I Drive A School Bus” . That’s what they would say at their next AA meeting (Automobile Anonymous).
06/12, 7:26 AM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
For some reason, I like it… lol Not Ford Bronco Concept like it, but I like it.
06/12, 7:27 AM
posted by:
CleanGTO
Take a look at how small it makes the guy look who’s driving. They should’ve incorporated this styling into the Taurus X instead of just badge-engineering the Freestyle. That would’ve made more sense. Just don’t order this thing in yellow, or you WILL be driving a school bus.
06/12, 7:39 AM
posted by:
bobsyouruncle100
Turn heads, ya as you stick you head out the window to puke! What a monstrosity. I think Ford needs to get out there and see what people really want. This is a re-engineered Windstar at best!
06/12, 8:25 AM
posted by:
VictorRaikkonen
As I was reading this I thought, “So ford decided to build a Scion XB, big whop.” Then I scroll down to the comment section and see that F451 said basically the same thing… glad I am not alone. [8.25 pm not am]
06/12, 8:28 AM
posted by:
VictorRaikkonen
Also, the damn thing is ugly as sin.
06/12, 9:20 AM
posted by:
xyunya
I love that synthetic oak on the side panels and steering wheel. If anyone thinks it is not oak - prove it to me! I am an oak man, myself. But why seats don’t fold flat into floor? I personally think it looks OK, butI like old xB.
.
The article mention every possible competitor of that thing except the leader in minivan sales. How the hell it will compete with Odyssey? Or may be Mark Elias right and I am wrong here - it will not, I just did not get subliminal context. My bad
it has aerodynamics of a barn and weight of one full of heifers, so if Ford will prove mileage estimate to EPA it will be an achievement.
06/12, 9:27 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
It aint pretty, but it also aint bad. And it’s at least different that the normal looking garbage out there from Toyota/Honda/GM. The GM lambda’s, however, get 10% better mileage for the same money, and with the Traverse coming out probably even less money, plus the Traverse has a more cool look to it.
Still, this will do okay. Doubt it will sell 100k units/yr - I’d bet 75k/yr after the initial “gottahave-its” get theirs.
06/12, 9:36 AM
posted by:
1c3d0g
I have to say this is one Ford that I find incredibly unattractive. They really need to go back to the drawing board and start with a clean slate.
06/12, 9:56 AM
posted by:
SigmaHyperion
Fancy shapes look nice but it leads to poor cargo space utilization. A lot of crossovers and sport wagons have this problem — a lot of cubic feet, but the dimensions of the rear area are such an an odd oblong shape or the rear swoops down so low the actual rear trunk/hatch is so small, that you can only effectively use maybe half the actual cubic feet because it’s all you can fit through the door. Just because someone has 85 cubic feet of AIR in the rear doesn’t mean it’s got 85 cubic feet of usable cargo space. There’s a reason why a Suburban doesn’t look like a Murano.
This is a car for people who currently drive SUVs. It’s not looking to convert people from Accords. It’s not looking to attract people who own Odysseys. It’s looking for people who drive boxy SUVs now, so they won’t be put off by the boxy crossover. It has MORE usable storage space than a Ford Explorer but gets 25% BETTER mileage. It gets just 2mpg less than your average midsize sedan but seats 7 and has exponentially more cargo-carrying ability.
06/12, 10:16 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
I’d drop the 20″ blingmaster wheels for something more sensible. Also, is the built-in refrigerator optional? For the weight and power draw, it’s an extravagance unless you use it daily.
06/12, 11:13 AM
posted by:
shaver
I thought it was goofy but my wife liked it. So it will probably sell well.
06/12, 11:19 AM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
That’s because one big box deserves another.
06/12, 11:47 AM
posted by:
inline6
Wow…9 paragraphs on the styling alone. A little much, maybe?
You use the term “slab-sided” at least 3 times in those 9 paragraphs, and “get out of its own way” describing the acceleration and power at least twice. Filling space a little?
06/12, 12:16 PM
posted by:
Bubs Solo
Sigma hit the nail on the head… This shoe box is going to capture the suv driver that neads the size and towing capabilities of the suv but wants better fuel economy. The EPA rating for this ford have been released. http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
06/12, 12:24 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Ford should hire Larry the Cable Guy as their spokesperson as this is likely to run out of steam about as fast as his last movie.
06/12, 12:48 PM
posted by:
Bubs Solo
or the Vancouver Canucks for that matter
06/12, 1:00 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
LOL Bubs Solo! At least the Maple Laughs sucked just as bad.
06/12, 1:07 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
Too much product (same class, same manufacturer), too little demand. Wrong product at the wrong time.
06/12, 1:29 PM
posted by:
Spingood Tanoya
So it still takes a 4500 pound vehicle to haul one third-grader to soccer practice? And what’s with the upholstery in the photos? Already looks like crap (stretched, indented) and the photo car can’t be more than a few weeks old.
06/12, 1:45 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Saw a commercial for it, still think the name is stupid. I like the mini-fridge inside.
06/12, 1:48 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
It would look better if it was a foot shorter. Hopefully (for Ford’s sake) they fixed the problem that plagued the Freestyle (which later became the Taurus X) with the gas tanks falling off the car! Look up that recall! It might sell, but probably not. It’s a FORD.
06/12, 2:30 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
The version with the 3.5 liter V6 will probably be more entertaining.
06/12, 2:59 PM
posted by:
americancarssuck
TOASTER
06/12, 3:02 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
I actually like the look of the MKT better.
06/12, 3:04 PM
posted by:
teamfordpartsdotcom
I have seen this vehicle in person and it looks a lot better up close. As for the styling, ya, love it or leave. Me, I like it. There is a ton of room in there, it’s very comfortable. You can fold down the 3rd row, 2nd row, and the passenger seat for long items. The leather is very nice and comfortable seats. The SONY stereo is one of the best OE radio I have ever heard.
When this gets and Eco-boost TT, then it will be the baddest Crossover on the market for it’s price.
Not that any of you has probably notice, but there are a lot of xB and Mini’s on the road. So it will appeal to some people, maybe just not you.
Also, I have always wondered what most you guys drive that is so cool and great that everyone must have one, but yet when everyone has one you slam it for being generic.
06/12, 4:41 PM
posted by:
Fleming in Tennessee
I’ll bet this will sell 100K + in its first 12 months. Ford should give the Taurus X to Mercury with a new grille, new taillights and new dash. (read Ford may drop the Taurus X when Flex hits the showroom). Taurus X is a great vehicle and its built on the Taurus/Sable chassis so it wouldn’t be too costly to keep as a Merc. Might pick up sales when folks shop the upcoming Lincoln MKT and find they can’t afford it, they just might step into the Mercury X (+/-) right next to it! Remember when folks said the HHR wouldn’t sell, that the FLEX wouldn’t sell, that the ‘08 Focus wouldn’t sell, along with several others.
06/12, 5:46 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Fleming in Tennessee, I agree, give the Taurus X to Mercury, it really is not a bad vehicle. They should give it the same powertrain that the Meta One concept had.
06/12, 7:37 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
Looks modern, w/ the worst meaning of the word, cheap and not in a very well oriented segment. Looks like an stretched Range Rover also. It will look old very soon.
06/12, 8:26 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Rafa LL, the Scion xB and Mini Cooper are similar in shape and no one gets sick of them.
06/12, 8:32 PM
posted by:
nitehawk
Isnt this redundant with the Taurus X. Aren’t they basically competing against each other???
06/12, 8:41 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Yes nitehawk they do, but most people expect the Taurus X to be phased out.
06/12, 10:42 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
FORD took too long the roll this one out. It was obsolete before it hit the market.
End of story.
06/12, 10:43 PM
posted by:
sharpie
Like the box actually, but the fold-down rear seats that is NOT flat with the floor? Not so much. Time to rip apart a Honda Fit or Chrysler Town & Country to learn!
06/13, 12:32 AM
posted by:
RTT10
the interior looks so cheap well so does the whole car
06/13, 1:28 AM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Blakkarr, how is it obsolete before it hits the market, it is coming out just a little later then the 8 seaters from GM and before other companies bring theirs here. RTT10, this is one of the nicest Ford interiors and the car is pretty nice to look at.
06/13, 9:20 AM
posted by:
Bubs Solo
Blakkarr how is three years from concept to production to long????
06/13, 10:18 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
The Taurus X is going to be discontinued The Freestyle was such a better name than Taurus X
FoMoCo has to realize that changing a name wont sell a car engineering and reliability will and those are two things that Ford doesnt have and no commercial, no biased marketing research or anything will change that
06/30, 3:16 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
My wife will most likely take a good look at this for her next vehicle. I don’t like it, but it’s hers, not mine. And this suits her well, actually.