Ford Flex History
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The Ford Flex is a uniquely styled, full-size crossover vehicle with seating for seven passengers. Effectively, it replaced the Freestyle crossover and the Freestar minivan, but it also may have been intended to relieve some of the sales pressure on Ford wrought by the collapse in Explorer sales in the past decade. Shown as the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle at the 2005 Detroit auto show, a production version of the Flex would be introduced at the 2007 New York auto show, with sales of the big wagon beginning in mid-2008.
The Flex's striking styling gives it the stance and packaging to set it apart from other crossovers, like the Honda Pilot and the Chevrolet Traverse. It's part MINI Cooper, part Range Rover--even partly inspired by vintage vacuums, which inspired the side strakes down the side of the Flex at the hands of designer Richard Gresens. Owners can order custom looks like a white-painted roof and lots of metallic trim, adding to the distinctive British-American flair. The panache carries over to the cabin, one of Ford's best, where wood and metallic trim blend with cloth or leather seats--even a tweedy blend--and blue-lit gauges and red-lit cupholders.
The Flex's running gear originated with former corporate cousin Volvo. The "D4" platform shared by the Flex and the Lincoln MKT (and in some versions, the latest Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS) stems from the chassis underpinning the former Ford Freestyle and Ford Five Hundred, which were in turn derived from the Volvo XC90. It's an independently suspended chassis, with surprisingly responsive steering and very well-damped ride motions.
The engine that powers the Flex is either a 262-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 or a twin-turbocharged, 355-hp version of the same engine, added for the 2010 model year. Both are teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission, with paddles for shifting available on the turbo "EcoBoost" versions. All-wheel drive is an option on either Flex, too. Even in its most powerful trim, the Flex turns in fuel economy of up to 16/22 mpg.
Inside, up to seven passengers will fit in the Flex' cabin. The front seats are wide and well-cushioned, with active headrests that push a bit too far forward. Telescoping steering was added for the 2010 model year, and corrects the only other major flaw in packaging in the Flex. The second-row is among the best in the industry, with high-seated chairs and auto-folding bench or bucket-style seats. The third-row seats is reasonably accessible even for adults, and has enough headroom for them as well. A power-folding third-row seat is available.
The Flex has earned excellent crash-test results. In the past, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given it five stars for front and side impacts, though the agency changed its rating system for 2011, and has not yet re-rated the Flex. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) grants it "good" ratings for both sets of tests and for roof-crush protection, making it a Top Safety Pick. The Flex's comprehensive set of safety features includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control with anti-rollover technology; a rearview camera, blind-spot monitors and Bluetooth are available.
The Flex has third-row seats and a CD player standard, with options including Ford’s SYNC system, navigation, a second-row refrigerator and footrests, a 10-speaker Sony audio system with Sirius Travel Link, and a glorious four-panel Vista Roof that opens up the Flex’s cabin to the sky. A dual-headrest DVD entertainment system is an option. While it's priced from the high-$20,000 range, it's easy to push a Flex pricetag well over $50,000.
Ford introduced a new Explorer for the 2011 model year, along with a refurbished Edge. Some reviewers have questioned whether Ford needs all three big crossovers in its lineup, but Ford says the wagon is here to stay, though sales fell during the 2011 calendar year. For 2012 the Flex gets a handful of minor changes, while a more substantial rework is due for the 2013 model year.
The Flex is built in Oakville, Ontario, alongside the mechanically identical Lincoln MKT crossover.
