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What it Is
Ford Flex Preview – 2009 Preview: Say goodbye, Freestar. And you, too, Taurus X (Freestyle), though we may be getting a little ahead of ourselves with that claim. Chased out of the minivan game by Honda, Toyota and others, Ford has regrouped with what looks to be a modern, seven-seat crossover vehicle named Flex. Built on the same platform as the Taurus (Five Hundred) and Taurus X, the Flex will be available at the end of the year and promises uncompromising style with room for everyone in the family except Granny – who still doesn’t understand what happened to that Fairlane concept everyone was talking about, and why it wasn’t a sedan.
Why it Matters
Ford left the minivan segment bloodied and battered thanks to a vehicle that failed to keep pace with the competition, leaving the Freestyle (now Taurus X), as the only three-row family crossover on Ford lots. That car, while a decent driver and with a new powertrain, has not been able to overcome its vanilla styling. For now, it’s still on sale, and will be joined by the Flex, which is built on the same platform, seats seven and looks far more stylish. If the Flex is a success, Ford will be able to point to their decision to leave the minivan segment as a “Bold Move.” If not, it’s just another failed vehicle soon to be found on rental lots at your local airport.
What's Under the Hood
Powered by Ford’s 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the Flex is expected to produce more than 260 horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque. Power goes to all four wheels via Ford’s all-wheel-drive system, while the Flex boasts Ford’s new independent suspension that has been a hit on vehicles such as the 2007 Expedition. Safety features include an available backup camera, stability control, side curtain airbags, four-wheel ABS brakes, plus more. The Flex wears standard 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch wheels available.
What it Looks Like
While it’s just two inches longer than the Ford Taurus X, the Flex looks longer, thanks to its sleek sheetmetal and all-black greenhouse. It’s certainly a departure for Ford, and does represent a bold styling statement people are likely to love – or hate. Given the length of the windows and the squared-off nature of its design, plus head restraints that sit down into the seat, visibility should be improved over other large Ford vehicles. Highlights include what Ford says are Edge-inspired taillights and its three-bar grille, as well as the available multi-panel roof.
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About Brian Chee
Prior to joining Autobytel in the Spring of 2000, Brian Chee spent 15 years as a writer and editor in his native southern California, his work appearing in a wide variety of regional newspapers and online publications. As an editor at Autobytel, Brian has been quoted in numerous regional and national publications, including the Wall St. Journal and InStyle Magazine. He is responsible for writing, editing and planning content for three of the company’s consumer websites: autobytel.com, autoweb.com and carsmart.com. His “beat” includes vehicle reviews, features, news and Auto Show coverage. Brian considers himself a “SoCal” car enthusiast: the kind who grades a car on how it handles today’s urban and suburban reality of daily traffic gridlock, rising fuel prices and fast-paced lifestyles. Brian is an Eagle Scout, a member of the Automotive Press Association, the Motor Press Guild, and the California State University Advisory Board for Internet Writing. Brian holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism.
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