2009 Ford Flex

[IoannI]

I was looking around on the net for upcomming vehicles and I came across the 2009 Ford Flex. It says sales are supposed to being sometime next summer. Personally, I think it looks good. The best crossover vehicle out on the market, in my opinion, I got a picture below.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c7/FordFlexShow.JPG/800px-FordFlexShow.JPG

[Fox2k]

man I dont know whats with manufacturers making all these boxy looking cars. I think they're ugly as sin, maybe its just me though.

What was the last one - the honda element? gross :confused:
http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide/photos/2005/Honda/Element/SUV/2005_Honda_Element_ext_1.jpg
http://www.speedsportlife.com/photopost/data/1162/thumbs/09FordFlex_02.jpg

[IoannI]

I dunno man. I've noticed it too that too many vechilces are getting boxy. The Honda Element was a nasty thing, this Fles is kinda body but it looks good though. It just has this look that makes it appealing.
I have noticed a pattern in cars appearance. When they first came out they were boxy and by the 30's (I could be a few years off) they became curvy, then around the 50's they became boxy again and then in the 90's back to curvy and now are starting to get boxy again.

[Fox2k]

funny this topic should come up because I am looking at purchasing a subaru impreza wrx. I am in love with the 2006 model, it has a nice flow. I find the newer models (2008 especially) are sort of conforming to a more standard image which is not as appealing. I thought the original image of the subaru rally-inspired look was to give the impression that the power was 'bursting out of the seams' of the car. And now, what - the hood scoop extrudes smoothly and gracefully from the hood, introducing a delicate yet unique image which immediately identifies the vehicle as a subaru. Wonderful, does it come with flower decals?

exhibit 1 - BAM! hood scoop!
http://www.fox2k.net/temp/sti.jpg

exhibit 2 - Aw - isn't that cute, there's a little vent coming out the top...aw!
http://image.automotive.com/f/miscellaneous/2008-subaru-impreza-and-wrx-roar-at-new-york-auto-show/6308247+w631+cr1+re0+ar1/2008-subaru-impreza-front-right-sedanjpg.jpg

[Andro]

The best crossover vehicle out on the market, in my opinion, I got a picture below.



No

[Fox2k]

No


hmm that's a very compelling argument; you make a good point.

[Andro]

hmm that's a very compelling argument; you make a good point.

i'am sorry, i don't want to write an essay.

[Paolo]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c7/FordFlexShow.JPG/800px-FordFlexShow.JPG

*fixed*

[Slippery_Pete]

i'am sorry, i don't want to write an essay.

Then your opinion is worthless. Go home and drink your milk, and stop wasting the adult's time.

[Engi-Nir]

I guess it saves a ton of money on manufacturing costs....tooling to make plastic flat versus rounded, etc are more expensive, to make all those details on metal requires various forming tools, go with a box, decrease the costs of tooling..also, they are made for quick assembly and disassembly,etc...just some thoughts..

tooling for 80% of cars, to make every single part(10s of 1000's of parts that make up a car) on a a car costs atleast 100K...and the more complicated you want the shapes of your parts to be, the more $$$$$$

But I do agree, some of these boxy looking cars like crappy! then again, there is people buying it :D

Well honda element sold for 2007, 32,000 of them, and the sales have dropped drastically for this vehicle from the previous year(model release)

[Swanny]

The Flex might look boxy but I like it! I hope to buy one this summer. More Flex talk at http://www.fordflex.net/forums/

[Ten Count]

I think it looks OK except for the goofy white roof (thanks for nothing Toyota FJ...) Otherwise it's nothing original or new - a blown up Scion mini-wagon which has been around in the US for years - only took them all this time to copy it, but at least they copied mostly good things. The Freestyle was pleasant looking enough.

I don't really like SUVs, Cute's Crossovers, Vans and the like - pretty much anything taller than 5'9 usually can't be attractive to me, even the Infiniti FX. I sort of like the Ford Edge...if it wasn't so damn tall.

[DaVibe]

I like the lines on the vehicle, that's nice ... kinda like the doors on the Chrysler Crossfire

[Ten Count]

- the hood scoop extrudes smoothly and gracefully from the hood, introducing a delicate yet unique image which immediately identifies the vehicle as a subaru.

Smooth and Gracefull? Sorry dude, I always thought that whole front end looked like the ruptured rear end of a warthog. A Fiat 124 (http://mclellansautomotive.com/photos/B33472-2.jpg) meets Transformers accident.

I will concede that it does stand out and have a look of its own.

exhibit 2 - Aw - isn't that cute, there's a little vent coming out the top...aw!
Sometimes a little conformity is good. To me the 2008 Impreza is the first one I actualy like. Yeah, it's more of a reworked Protege 5 / Focus 5 - but I think it's attractive in a more mature way.

[roguechameleon]

Wanted to bump this thread as we're considering getting one of these as our minivan replacement. Outward appearances aside, does anyone have opinions on the inside of this vehicle and its overall performance and handling?

Does anyone here have a Flex that they can speak to their personal experiences?

[ES_Revenge]

How did the OP turn into a "guest" on this forum? Odd. If you get banned it says "banned" under your name but how do you get to be reverted to a guest? :confused:

[roguechameleon]

How did the OP turn into a "guest" on this forum? Odd. If you get banned it says "banned" under your name but how do you get to be reverted to a guest? :confused:

errr.. I... don't... know?

Have any insights on the Flex? :D

[DaVibe]

I don't have any insights but I would start online searching the crap out of it ... I know there's been a lot written about it and I'm sure it won the crossover of 09 at the AutoShow (I believe).

I like it but it's got a nice little price tag behind it too (as in high) so you better love it before you take the dive. I'm sure Consumer Reports has something written on it already.

[Hot Ice]

Went and see this car at the autoshow, they loaded the crap out of the car, Very nice feature, good interior and the kids liked them.

The problem I imagine is the starting price of the car is around 25K and the final price is around 50K after the options. I'm sure the it will put a huge ding on resale value. And none of the big 3 offer lease anymore so you don't have a fix cost option on the car.

[roguechameleon]

Purchased (in principle) a 2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD (Dark Ink Blue Metallic) yesterday... and I can't wipe the grin off my face :D

Got it for $47,470 on-the-road (i.e. including all taxes etc). It's a factory order, so I won't have it until June.

[Kayne]

Purchased (in principle) a 2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD (Dark Ink Blue Metallic) yesterday... and I can't wipe the grin off my face :D

Got it for $47,470 on-the-road (i.e. including all taxes etc). It's a factory order, so I won't have it until June.

Congrats!

[MikeyP]

I'm going to wait another year and trade our Freestyle for a used Flex. The extra space, power and towing capacity would be great additions. I'm hoping they'll depreciate like a Freestyle too. ;)

[boyoflondon]

They did a nice job with it stepping away from the traditional crappy Ford design ... However, I still prefer the Edge over the Flex.

[hyperactiveme]

Good buy. I love the Flex. Maybe i can buy one once we sign our contract. nothing until then:cry:

[roguechameleon]

Thanks... I can't wait to get this and cruise up to our cottage. We added the chrome roof rails so we could "expand" in the future and add one of those roof storage systems up top...

Can't help but feel like I'm paying homage to the Griswalds :)

[wrcfocus]

I'm not at the point in my life where I need a Flex. But out of all the crossover/minivan options out there this is defientely the best. I love sitting in the second row, it's got so much leg/shoulder/hip room. The second row is actually more comfortable than the 1st row, I don't know of any cars/crossovers that are like that. The low step-in height is really nice too for kids and families.

[blue_xii]

I drove the Flex on a road trip from Toronto to Tremblant in the Winter and I was very impressed with it as a long hauler. We packed seven sets of equipment (5 boards, 2 sets of skiis) plus drove 4 people in the car. The 3rd row is really usable because of the boxy design. There's legroom and head room. We also packed groceries plus clothes in the back. It was a really comfortable ride and the seats were very comfortable especially for the 12hour drive home (snow storm + food stops). If I needed a seven passenger vehicle I would seriously consider it.

Downsides would be it's expensive (in all fairness I don't know how it compares to other 7 passenger vehicles - it's just that paying $40k+ for any vehicle is more than I feel comfortable with). My wife doesn't like the exterior. Other than that I think it's a good ride and my confidence in Ford is improving, especially relative to GM and Chrysler.

Congrats on the car, I hope you enjoy it.

[Debonair]

Ugly Ugly Ugly Ugly!!! Why support the making of ugly vehicles such as this?? This is almost as bad as the Asstek or the Element...

[QTheNukes]

Ugly Ugly Ugly Ugly!!! Why support the making of ugly vehicles such as this?? This is almost as bad as the Asstek or the Element...

hahahha, damn, and I thought they only built cars based on your taste!

I believe I read that the flex has outstanding first impression ratings, 8 or 9 out ten people reported liking it based on first impression. Hence why Ford built the Flex.

[roguechameleon]

Ugly Ugly Ugly Ugly!!! Why support the making of ugly vehicles such as this?? This is almost as bad as the Asstek or the Element...

To each his own, I suppose. We enjoy the unique look of this family hauler versus the cookie cutter designs that populate the road today.

[hi-tech]

If I had kids or drove around a lot, I wouldn't mind this car.

[Debonair]

To each his own, I suppose. We enjoy the unique look of this family hauler versus the cookie cutter designs that populate the road today.

Well as long as you enjoy it :razz:. I have an argument with my girlfriends mother on these things all the time... she loves them.

[Ray Oliver]

Well as long as you enjoy it :razz:. I have an argument with my girlfriends mother on these things all the time... she loves them.

What's there to argue? Seems like the main thing people disagree about is the styling. Personally I think polarizing vehicles are much more interesting than drab, boring ones. So arguing about the styling is pointless.

[roguechameleon]

Well as long as you enjoy it :razz:.

Thanks :D

[Fort McMurray]

My wife wants one so bad, I told her she has to pop out two kids before the lease on our Escape is done and then I will get one. :lol:

Of course provided they are still being made in 2011.

[Engi-Nir]

This is one of those vehicles I don't get, but seems to be popular with folks.
Looks very roomy...

http://www.canadiandriver.com/galleries/2009/images/ford/2009_ford_flex/09flex_jb_5-2251.jpg
http://www.canadiandriver.com/galleries/2009/images/ford/2009_ford_flex/09flex_jb_15-2243.jpg

Found this interesting; Word on the street is that Ford will be offering a turbo-charged four cylinder engine in future Flexes, which should provide 20 per cent savings in fuel and very similar horsepower and torque; Ford calls this EcoBoost.

[sixer]

Ford Flex is gorgeous in and out!!!

[Debonair]

Ford Flex is gorgeous in and out!!!

I actually agree with you about the inside... it has a very nice interior. I don't understand how anyone could think the exterior is "gorgeous" but to each their own. :)

[Emancipated]

The Flex reminds me of a car that's made for rappers who cruise in chrome cladded everything; like the 300M. UGLY.

[Ebola]

Way better to haul your brood than a minivan, in my humble opinion.

[roguechameleon]

Way better to haul your brood than a minivan, in my humble opinion.

I concur.

[Bullseye]

We actually test drove and priced out a Flex last week. We want a 6/7 seater and towing capacity for a camping trailer.

They're real nice, lots of utility, but not a gas pig (relatively). Priced quite high, though, and they will depreciate rapidly, as all Fords do. In size and utility, they are equivalent to a minivan, just nicer looking esthetically.

We considered leasing, the SEL (with vista roof option) goes for $575/month after negotiation (based on $36k price, 30% residual, .59% lease rate).

A new, similarly equipped Sienna (which we also looked at) has a $5k less price, the same residual (shocked at this, Toyota is being very conservative these days!), but a similar lease cost, due to a 4.99% rate.

Financing the Flex would work out to about the same monthly equivalent cost over four years. The Sienna would probably be cheaper, but still in the $500 range over 4 years if you sold it then. You'd have to drive either into the ground to really get that cost down.

In the end, I just don't think I can justify spending so much, just for transportation. I could buy a 1-2 year old Sienna for low $20's, keep it for 5 years, and instead have a monthly equivalent cost of $250-300, half that of something shiny and new.

[mart242]

In the end, I just don't think I can justify spending so much, just for transportation. I could buy a 1-2 year old Sienna for low $20's, keep it for 5 years, and instead have a monthly equivalent cost of $250-300, half that of something shiny and new.

Sure... but you only live once ;)

[roguechameleon]

And, while you're living that one time... stand out a little :) Don't walk with the crowd... run through them ;)

[Bullseye]

Hmm, but I think I'd enjoy that life a bit better spending the $300 extra per month on vacations, nice dinners, and family fun over a better looking vehicle. ;)

[roguechameleon]

Hmm, but I think I'd enjoy that life a bit better spending the $300 extra per month on vacations, nice dinners, and family fun over a better looking vehicle. ;)

Despite being exceedingly dissappointed in your decision ;) I am thrilled to see you are one of the few who like the look of the Flex :D

[Bullseye]

I definitely like the look of it, much better than the boring Sienna I'll probably end up with. :lol:

The Flex seems like a great vehicle, I just think it should be priced 7-8K lower!

[rfd_DD]

Put me (and my wife) in the camp that likes the look of Flex!

We'll probably be looking at replacing our XTrail next year and Flex will be near the top of the list (probably a slightly used one to bring the price down).

[charliebrown]

If Ford can put a nicer steering wheel & interior in the Edge, we probably would've taken that instead

As for the Flex...it's definitely practical...just don't understand why they had to make it so boxy + a somewhat cheap looking interior & steering wheel

[wrcfocus]

As for the Flex...it's definitely practical...just don't understand why they had to make it so boxy + a somewhat cheap looking interior & steering wheel

You just contradicted yourself there. A boxy vehicle is the reason why it's practical. Ever wonder why cargo vans, tractor trailers are boxy? A swoopy vehicle cramps down on interior room, it's like saying a Pontiac Solstice isn't practical. Anyone that says that about sports cars obviously is not the target market.

The interior is stellar, the quality is better if not better than the competition (import and domestic). Lots of soft feel plastics and the controls are all really intuitive. The (optional) nav system has a huge 8" screen, pair that up with the Sync system and you almost don't even need to touch any of the climate control buttons. I saw one on the road on my way home from work, it defintely catches your attention just cuz it's so different from anything on the road, especially with the white roof on a dark coloured exterior, wide stance, (relatively) low height.

Comparing the Flex and Chevy Traverse and the pricing is quite close. Take the base model MSRP, the Flex goes for $35,499 and the Traverse goes for $35,620. Granted most of us tend to start throwing options and packages on them. I don't think it's over-priced for what you get, factor in the incentives now and it makes it really attractive.

[roguechameleon]

Purchased (in principle) a 2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD (Dark Ink Blue Metallic) yesterday... and I can't wipe the grin off my face :D

Got it for $47,470 on-the-road (i.e. including all taxes etc). It's a factory order, so I won't have it until June.

Bad news... this deal fell through. As it turned out, Ford has stopped building the '09s and are going to be starting up production on the 2010s.

Good news... found a Flex at Erinwood Ford (Mississauga) and got a better deal than the one I originally had. All's well that ends well..