Like the all-new Honda Pilot, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150 and half-a-dozen other large vehicles debuting this fall, the 2009 Ford Flex
enters a rather hostile new-car market.
That's too bad, because like GM's Lambda triplets and Kia's all-new Borrego, the Ford Flex could have been a rock star...two years ago.
Of course with mileage ratings of 17/24 it's not exactly an environmental disaster. Those numbers are actually quite impressive for a large, powerful, comfortable, and stylish people mover capable of hauling seven adults (along with a built-in refrigerator) in comfort. No, the question isn't whether or not the Flex is a "good" crossover. The question is, will people care?
I'm hoping they do care, at least enough to give the Flex a try. Beyond its obvious standout styling the boxy Ford has enough innovative and family-friendly features to earn consideration on parental test-drive lists.
I'm a huge fan of Sync, even in its base form (ala our long-term Focus). When combined with a navigation system and a multi-media player, as in this Flex test car, Sync is both easy and fun to use. Pairing my iPhone and listening to my playlists required no owner's manual reading, and I like that Sync requires only a USB cable to work with an iPhone/iPod, versus the wonky USB/Audio dual cable design for that other driver interface.
With a wheelbase and overall length nearly identical to the GM Lambdas (Acadia, Enclave, Outlook, Traverse), I expected the Flex to drive as "small" as those large crossovers. It did -- for the most part. But while the Flex is controlled and confident, it also feels big where the GM quarduplets feel medium-to-small. This is a very subtle sensation that I can't easily explain. It could be as simple as steering weighting (the Flex is heavier than the GMs, but not in a bad way).
Regardless, the Flex is easy to drive, and the optional back-up camera made it relatively easy to maneuver in tight parking areas. It also features one of the best interior design and material combinations in the segment. Clear gauges, logical controls, plush leather seating and options like multiple sunroofs and an integrated refrigerator create a pleasant environment.
What's not so pleasant is the lack of a telescoping steering column. This isn't cool on the $15,000 Focus (a car that used to have one, btw), but on a $30,000 to $40,000 crossover? It took me awhile to find a comfortable driving position in the Flex, and ultimately I had to move the seat up and tip it forward somewhat to comfortably reach both the wheel and the pedals.
With GM's Lambdas offering a telescoping wheel standard, as well as additional cargo space (116 cubic feet versus the Flex's 83), Ford is asking a lot of the Flex's unique styling and features.
That combination would likely still work in a crossover-friendly market. We'll have to wait and see if it works in this one...
By opfreak
on July 25, 2008
06:15 AM
I heard a rumor that these are selling so poorly ford already slowed down production
By dougtheeng
on July 25, 2008
06:34 AM
"I heard a rumor that these are selling so poorly ford already slowed down production"
Its not a rumor, its true. The Oakville, Ontario plant hired a third shift to produce these vehicle, expecting them to sell like hotcakes. Now, according to local papers, most of that third shift has already been laid off - they don't need the extra production capacity.
Its a shame, really. This vehicle looks cool, and it sounds like its a decent option to the omnipresent Lambdas. If I was in the marker, I would certainly give it a try.
By ahightower
on July 25, 2008
06:50 AM
The styling is growing on me. But with 13" difference in height between my wife and me, we've got to have a telescoping steering wheel and/or adjustable pedals. Also didn't realize there was so much less cargo space compared to the Lambdas. I suspect a big part of that is the distance from floor to ceiling, and it's very rare that you have a vehicle like this completely packed like a cargo van. What really matters is the depth of the storage space behind the third row. How does this compare to the Lambdas, Pilot, CX-9, etc.?
By verdi942
on July 25, 2008
08:11 AM
Once again, Ford is caught somewhat flatfooted thanks, I guess, to the 2 year + leadtime [at least] to produce this new model. Let's see - it needs to be about 12 inches shorter, about 1,000 pounds lighter, about 2 inches higher with better ground clearance and have about 20 cubic feet of additional cargo space. Then it should be capable of 30mpg. However, if gas prices back off enough, it may sell as is.
By 7driver
on July 25, 2008
08:29 AM
I vaguely seem to remember that the Flex has adjustable pedals. If this is the case, wouldn't that at least partially negate the need for a telescoping column?
By iskch
on July 25, 2008
08:31 AM
Karl, is hard to get in peoples mind but what kind of market is Ford trying to target with this car? Did Ford forgot to review the sales record from the CHRYSLER PACIFICA? This car is a pseudo mix of a large Taurus X (station wagon) with a Scion XB on steroids wanna be.
They might sell more Ford Flex if they convert them to panel truck as an alternative to the Ecoline.
By tysalpha
on July 25, 2008
08:33 AM
I absolutely HATE the metallic brown with white roof color combination that Ford insists on showing this vehicle in. It's like someone said: "Hey! Let's put an early 1970s paintjob on a boxy, 1980s-shaped wagon!"
Seriously, i'm not crazy about crossovers -- especially one this large. But the strafing on the sides would look much more futuristic in dark gray, silver, or even black.
By blackadder5639
on July 25, 2008
11:13 AM
tysalpha, I actually think the metallic brown and white roof combination looks cool!
By ahightower
on July 25, 2008
11:56 AM
I thought it was more of a maroon color... could be wrong. Need to see it in person to judge, but based on the photos I've seen, I like it. Although I'm pretty sure I'd rather not have the white roof. Get one in yellow with that white roof and you're driving the "short bus"...
By ne1butu2
on July 25, 2008
02:01 PM
I've seen many of these things. My favorite color combination is silver with the white roof. Ford just can't get a break... this is a great car. But no full sized car is selling well and the quirkiness of this might not be helpful at the same time that the demand for large suv-like crossover vehicles have cooled.
By rob052067
on July 28, 2008
02:10 PM
I don't think there are any available sales figures yet to indicate if the Flex is selling well or not. July sales figures should be out on Friday 8/1. Production of the Flex began on 06/03/08. While a 3rd shift was added to help with the launch of the Flex, the Oakville, Ontario plant also produces the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. During the summer model year change over, production of the Edge and MKX would cease for a few weeks. The pause in production for changeover from 2008 to 2009 models of the Edge and MKX would reduce the overall workforce needed at the plant, but that doesn't mean that there has been any reductions in production of the 2009 Flex.
Ford - Reported CUV Sales for June 2008:
Edge 9,993 (68,727 YTD)
MKZ 2,622 (18,647 YTD)
Flex 1,379 (1,379 YTD)
GM - Reported CUV Sales for June 2008:
Enclave 2,986 (21,757 YTD)
Outlook 1,625 (13,060 YTD)
Acadia 4,197 (38,269 YTD)
Ford sold more Edge units in June, than the three GM Lambda models combined.
Ford sold nearly as many Flex units in June (a partial first month of sales) than Saturn sold Outlook units.
Looks to me that the Flex is off to a good start.
Flex Production Begins 06/03/08:
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28364
By 1487
on July 29, 2008
05:53 AM
With respect to mileage its important to remember that the Flex's efficiency is respectable when compared to BOF SUVs that Ford expects people to abandon in the coming years. 17/24 isn't bad when you consider the Malibu gets 17/26 and the Fusion gets 18/26. The flex has far more utility than either. 17/24 is enviable if you are driving a 4Runner, Trailblazer or explorer not to mention a Tahoe. Those driving 7 passenger BOF SUVs are not downsizing to Minis and Fits so the Flex could end up being very popular.
By rob052067
on August 1, 2008
12:46 PM
1st full month of Flex sales: 2,204 units in July (3,583 YTD).
Edge sales for July were 8,508.
By cebritt
on August 1, 2008
05:24 PM
Who in the world is clamoring for the return of the station wagon? I can't believe that Ford killed the Freestar for this. The Freestar seats 7 and gets 18/24 MPG. The Flex has all the disadvantages of a car (swing out doors, low seating position) plus all the disadvantages of a minivan (uncool image). The $900 fridge/freezer is insane when DC coolers are about $100 and large enough to hold groceries.
Ford's only hope was to go with the Mariner hybrid drivetrain and position this as a "green" people mover. The Flex will go the way of the Pacifica, the Impala SS wagon and the Dodge Magnum wagon. It's no surprise that the Flex's designer, Richard Gresenes, jumped ship this week...