2009 ford flex

[the Teuton]

Yeah, but if you look at the majority of people building hot rod wagons, it is a boomer reliving his childhood.

As I said, we call it a station wagon, Ford calls it a cross-over and gave it a VIN usually equated to trucks.

Because this thing will help Ford with their CAFE truck averages a lot.

[Nethead]

We'll give this vehicle a serious look in the year that we decide to trade our minivan, which is only five years old and going strong.  That is, of course, if we still think maintaining a seven-passenger capacity has significant relevance to us at that time.  But the market may have other vehicles we'd want more by that distant future date.  The three vehicles we would consider today are the Flex, the Mini, and an '05 Mustang--the Flex would replace the Windstar, the Mini would replace the Focus, and the Mustang would be an additional vehicle. 

But by the time these two current vehicles are due for a trade, the universal Focus will be available, and there might even be a "Latter Day xB" Scion we'd like even more than the Flex.  No rush--seven-passenger vehicles aren't items you rush out and buy just because you can.  Ya gotta consider how frequently a genuine need for a seven-passenger capacity comes up (or the need for the cargo volume you have in a seven-passenger vehicle with two rows of seats removed), and how inconvenienced you might be if you didn't  have it.  We've had a van or a minivan since we bought the Dodge B-150 Prospector in the Fall of 1982, and we have not regretted having such cargo/passenger capacity conveniently in the garage on at least a thousand occasions.  We might could downsize to an xB-cargo-capacity vehicle, but downsizing to a PT Cruiser right now would be a sea change.  Still, if the spatial needs just aren't there and the fuel prices make even V6s the height of frivolous folly, a PT Cruiser could  wind up in the garage...   

[MX793]

I saw one of these out of the interstate yesterday afternoon (going the opposite way).  Can't say I was all that impressed with the styling based on the glimpse I saw.

[FoMoJo]

I've seen one in front of each Ford dealer I've driven past.  It looks best in black.  I saw one on the road this morning on my way to work.  It was silver grey.

[hotrodalex]

I've seen one in front of each Ford dealer I've driven past.  It looks best in black.  I saw one on the road this morning on my way to work.  It was silver grey.

I agree. I would consider a black one if I was looking for this type of car. It looks like a great car. My only complaint is the dash is a bit bland compared to the rest of it.

[ChrisV]

I saw a dark red one at the local Ford dealer, in a row of Explorers and Expeditions. Actually looked small in that company.

I like the way they look in real life vs pictures.

[SVT666]

I like it, but my wife says it's ugly.  So we won't be getting it.

[Vinsanity]

I like it, but my wife says it's ugly.  So we won't be getting it.

That's unfortunate. I always thought of it as a non-emasculated Freestyle ...

Actually, that seems about right

[CMan]

Ford's PR department says, ?The distinctive design of the new 2009 Ford Flex provokes and polarizes opinions. With its signature side grooves, all-black greenhouse and distinct roof, it is like no other vehicle on the road.?

Phooey. The Flex is nothing more than a big ol' square station wagon. When will I be able to order it with wood paneling?

[2o6]

Wood paneling would be hot...........didn't A&C do a chop of that?

[Nethead]

CMan:   Nope.  What you have here is a Maxi Cooper--actually, since it has four doors, it's a Maxi Cooper Clubman...

Still, for vehicles this size and passenger capacity, it's the vehicle I prefer in this price range, although I'd like it more if they'd introduce a de-contented version that lists for less.

[Catman]

My wife says it's too boxy.  I don't think this vehicle is going to do well. Just a gut feeling.

[Nethead]

My wife says it's too boxy.  I don't think this vehicle is going to do well. Just a gut feeling.

Catman:  It ain't  as boxy as a minivan.  Nevertheless, that does not  mean it will do well.  It has great features and all, but it comes at a tall price.  Price is BIG in the minivan marketplace, else there'd only be the pricey Sienna...

[ifcar]

It's certainly boxier than a minivan.

[Byteme]

My wife says it's too boxy.  I don't think this vehicle is going to do well. Just a gut feeling.

+1

My first thought when I saw it that someone sneaked into Ford's design studio and took all their french curves.  The darn thing is just too boxy.

[Cookie Monster]

Is this FWD or RWD?

[Vinsanity]

it be FWD. or AWD.

I like how boxy it is. I'd take this any day over the established mommy-mobiles.

[FoMoJo]

it be FWD. or AWD.

I like how boxy it is. I'd take this any day over the established mommy-mobiles.

I like it.  Distinctive in a crowd of humdrum family haulers. 

[ifcar]

I've seen a few on the streets now, and the impression I always get isn't that it's boxy, it's that it's boring. The shape is hardly grounbreaking as a slightly shrunken Suburban, and there are no standout details. It doesn't give the impression of a new design, more like one that's 3 or 4 years old.

[Vinsanity]

It doesn't give the impression of a new design, more like one that's 3 or 4 years old.

Well, I guess we have the existance of the Scion xB to thank for that.

[Soup DeVille]

I've seen a few on the streets now, and the impression I always get isn't that it's boxy, it's that it's boring. The shape is hardly grounbreaking as a slightly shrunken Suburban, and there are no standout details. It doesn't give the impression of a new design, more like one that's 3 or 4 years old.

I like it, and think it cleanly and nicely detailed. By design, none of them are "standout" details, rather they harmonize with the rest of the vehicle.

It's certainly one of the ten nicest looking mainstream cars produced today.

[2o6]

Well, I guess we have the existance of the Scion xB to thank for that.

............who has to thank Nissan for it's Cube.

[ifcar]

Well, I guess we have the existance of the Scion xB to thank for that.

I don't think it looks anything like the xB, which had an interesting look because of its stumpy proportions. The Flex is a low-roofed take on a ten-year-old Chevrolet Suburban, and it's attractive enough, but I don't think it's as radically styled as Ford seems to.

[MX793]

I don't think it looks anything like the xB, which had an interesting look because of its stumpy proportions. The Flex is a low-roofed take on a ten-year-old Chevrolet Suburban, and it's attractive enough, but I don't think it's as radically styled as Ford seems to.

But it has such cutting edge styling features like the ribbed door panels and a white roof....

[Soup DeVille]

I don't think it looks anything like the xB, which had an interesting look because of its stumpy proportions. The Flex is a low-roofed take on a ten-year-old Chevrolet Suburban, and it's attractive enough, but I don't think it's as radically styled as Ford seems to.

It looks less like an old Suburban than it does an xB. In any case, "radical" has generally not meant "attractive," and many times simply means "ages quickly."

[2o6]

Granted, the Flex is not the most original, but you can't deny that the side strakes, contrasting roof, and all the silver "blingage" make it an attention-grabber. It's a good thing, because this time Ford actually has a decent product to back it up.

[ifcar]

That's only on the Limited model. Most Flexes are not two-tone.

[ifcar]

It looks less like an old Suburban than it does an xB. In any case, "radical" has generally not meant "attractive," and many times simply means "ages quickly."

I see two long boxy wagons and one short boxy wagon. The Flex is pre-aged.

[Soup DeVille]

I see two long boxy wagons and one short boxy wagon. The Flex is pre-aged.

You certainly have a gift for missing the forest because there are too many trees in the way.

[Vinsanity]

Which is why I'd like for them to come out with a shorter 5-passenger version shortly. The Edge looks cool and all, but for me, an SUV/crossover thing without any more room than a sedan is pointless. And it would at least have the potential for better mpg.