Vanilla ice-cream car, now sugar free.

I think if they make a hybrid version of the Venza, it would be a really good seller for families. Just a thought.

ford flex just sh!t its pants

Expect a Hybrid for 2011
DrFill

acura_el2000-

Is the Ford Flex really in the same class? Are they both CUVs? Yes. Does the Venza carry 7 passengers? No, but the Ford Flex can. Does the Venza have any real utility with a rounded backside (try loading a few chests of drawers upright in it)? No, but the Ford Flex can. I think you are right that the Venza will siphon off sales for the average 2.5 kids family; but, then, there is a lot to say for utility and having those extra seats for larger families (minivans sold for a reason). I will grant you that the fuel economy on the weakest engine for the Venza (21/29) does best the Flex (17/24). However, that Venza model is not available yet and is not comparable in performance. The high-end Venza only does marginally better than the Flex with fuel ratings of 18/25 and, yet, the Flex is set to receive newer MORE POWERFUL and MORE FUEL EFFICIENT engines next year (not too many months after the low-line Venza goes on sale). So, it seems to me that, other than the family looking at sheer economics, it is going to come down to looks. I like the Flex AND the Venza, so I have no opinion on that one. As for others, the Flex seems to be incredibly divisive on looks; but, then, the Toyota brand is known for “take-it-or-leave-it looks” as well. It will be interesting to see if you are right that the Flex gets destroyed. I hope you are wrong.

Oh and one last thing . . . I am, currently, attributing the weak Flex sales to the economy. I guess we will see, after a few months, if the Venza bucks the economy. If it does then I’ll have to admit you were right; but, even if I am wrong, I’m banking on your having forgotten by then.

does the venza have any style whatsoever like the flex? no.

Still pounding the Flex drum, huh Leon?
Considerably faster and with better EPA than the pudgy Ford, the V6 will see little trouble from the Flex.
C&D wasn’t impressed with the powertrain when they ran it against Highlander, CX-9 and Pilot
Ford just heard a toilet flush
Again.
But you do make a good point.
The new Ford Eco engine could make people take a second look.
The extra 500 lbs will mitigate a lot of the new engines extra power, but I think, eventually, the powertrain will be competitive.
If Ford makes it until then
DrFill

WHY IS EVERYBODY COMPARING THE VENZA TO THE FLEX???

Wrong CUV… Do a side by side comparisson, toyota basically rebadged the Ford Edge

eff1Fifty, it’s primarily because they’re the newest players. You are right in that the Edge is a closer match to the Venza, but the comparison with the Flex is still a valid one. The marketing types can spin this and that to make the same vehicle with different hubcaps sound like they’re going after two different demographics. Truth is they’re all going after the same basic piece of the pie. My only question is why does Ford need 3 CUVs (don’t forget the Taurus X) in essentially the same segment?

johnnycanuck-

My answer to your question is: Stupid focus groups. Does anyone else remember FordBoldMoves.com? One of the pieces they had on that site was with engineers and Mark Fields explaining that the studies they have done show consumers literally expect a vehicles to match EVERY single one of their criteria. As a result, Ford and other auto companies believe they have to make as many iterations of the same basic thing as possible. I guess there is something to be said for the fact that you have to build the cars consumers want, but that seems to be where you are getting car companies that are overproducing a segment.

Stupid website
The shoulda called it LameBrain.com or
Simpleandsorry.com or
Gettingleftbehind.com or
Whyme.com
DrFill

In their defense
I’msorry.com was taken
DrFill

Lionwithoutpride, I used to sell cars. I can’t tell you how many times a customer walked in with ‘criteria’ and drove out with a color they really liked.

Holy cow … that is one UGLY piece of crap.

johnnycanuck-

Further proving that you should run GM, Ford and Chrysler. Fields wishes he could run the same scam . . . MARKETING SCHEME, MARKETING SCHEME!

This thing has one ugly face.

Dont even bother with it Toyota. We all know that this is not going to go anywhere, and if it does, its not going to be for a really long time. But I have to say, the market aim for this car is good, build for the american market, a family CUV, but I’ll still have my doughts intill I see one out on the roads.

Venza is just a more affordable version of the Lexus RX for the middle aged ladies who are on more of a budget. Like the Ford Flex… bad timing.

I dunno…I’m clearly in the minority here, but I kinda like this Venza. Given the fuel enconomy and decent size I’d take a loaded 4-banger with AWD over similar competition (CX-7, Outback, Forester, Edge, CR-V, RAV-4). Maybe it’s b/c I’m turning 30 this coming year and kids coming down the pike, but the interior does strike my fancy. The front end could use some tweaking, but it’s more than passable. Yeah, the V6 would be nice, but IMHO, the V6 “tax” isn’t worth the added HP or mileage hit…why does every car with a V6 option cost 2k more??? BTW, I’m purely guessing the V6 will be a 2k adder, but given Toyota/Honda/Nissan/Ford/GM’s track record on this it’s not far fetched.

Capacity build is 70K. TOY will be luckiy to sell 35K. It will be a niche vehicle. What’s the difference or advantage over the Highlander? None. I haven’t figured out why they bothered with this one? It seats 5 and no more than 5. Don’t compare it to the FLEX or any of the Lambdas. if you do you are just stupid.

Ricky
Or is it just right timing?
Want to downsize from Exploders and Trailblazers, but don’t want to drive a wagon
Want good power, and good economy?
Won’t be as fast as the Rav4, but will driver like a Highlander
Expect sales to mimic Murano, around 60-70k until they can expand capacity in 2 years.
This WILL sell as much as Highlander by 2010.
Toyota sees this as the next big thing
DrFill

WITH THE NICE “IMPORTATION TAX” THAT THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION WILL PUT ON FOREIGN AUTO MAKERS, THEY HAVE TO START PRODUCING STATE SIDE IF THEY WANT TO KEEP THERE TAX BRAKES, LETS JUST SEE IF THE UNIONS GET THERE WAY, IF THEY DO TOYOTA WILL HAVE NO CHOOSE BUT TO LET THEM IN….

So unions can do to ‘Yota what they did to the domestics?
Put the crackpipe down and think wealthy!
Good companies know better
DrFill

The 2009 Toyota Venza will face off against the Mazda CX-9, the Acura MDX and various domestic knockoffs. Comparing the Venza to the Flex is like comparing a Kia Sophia to the Lexus LS 460L in terms of powertrain and chassis technology. Granted the Flex is a huge leap forward for the struggling domestic automaker. The interior quality closes the gap between Toyota and Ford and the overall build quality and driving refinement make the Flex a strong value. Going back to the topic of engine technology is the all new 182-hp 4cyl (DOHC) engine with dual variable value timing, an ultra low emissions rating of (ULEV-II) and an estimated 21/29 city/highway mpg rating. The Venza also offers a 268 hp 3.5 V6 (DOHC) engine that also offers dual variable valve timing and the same ultra low emissions. The beauty of both these engines is that they are pared to a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. Twenty inch wheels are standard on the V6 Venza with standard ninteen inch wheels on the 4 cylinder.
Overall the new Venza is an agressive package that will draw former Lexus, Acura, and even BMW and Infiniti owners. Leasing will possibly be the most popular venue for the former customers. Many upscale Camry buyers will also be attracted to the style and features of the Venza. When one looks at the history of Toyota and the outstanding value and performance the vehicles offer, the Flex quickly fades into the background as the Venza is poised to dominate an agressive segment.

Comparing the Venza to the Flex is like comparing a Kia Sophia to the Lexus LS 460L

Your ignorance freightens me
And people actually buy the LS460
How many Flex commercials does Ford need?
No one is interested
Take a hint!
DrFill

yawn

‘DrFool’, your illiteracy frightens me. You’re an idiot. With no taste in vehicles. You’re a failure. You’re fooling nobody but yourself … FACT.

This POS is ugly … more FACT.

Buy gold and save yourselves … more FACT.

@eff1Fifty — If anything, Ford re-badged the Venza (in the form of the FT-SX). The whole T-face with chrome-esque bars began with Toyota concept models, like the FT-SX.

But too true, the Flex is more a stretch of a comparison; more than an Edge.

But yes, I can see this selling.

It reminds me (too much, almost) of the first-gen Highlander, aside from the height. Anyone who does not wish to drive such a large Highlander (second-gen) would likely go to this.

-eat your cereal

Ok, i looked up the FT-SX… ford sux

i like the second gen Highlander

At least I don’t have GM stock, and know a winner when I see it.
You walk through life with 2 strikes against you.
Oh, don’t you own a Blazer………
DrFill