Ford Flex
Encyclopedia
The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover manufactured by Ford Motor Company
. Its styling is based on the Ford Fairlane concept unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show
. The production vehicle made its debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show
. Sales of the Flex began in summer of 2008 as a 2009 model. The Flex is produced on the same assembly line as the Edge
and Lincoln MKX
crossovers at the Oakville Assembly
Plant in Oakville, Ontario
, where the first Flex was driven off the line at the beginning of June 2008. It replaced the Ford Freestar
minivan
and therefore is the first crossover to feature both minivan and SUV properties delivered by Ford. In addition, it also replaced the similar Taurus X
. The Flex is sold only in the United States
, Canada
and in the Middle East
.
, integrates the functions of cell phones, SIRIUS Satellite Radio
, compact disc
, DVD
and other media players, navigation systems, and was developed in collaboration with Microsoft
. The interior is lit with programmable "mood lighting" available in seven colors, along with a multi-panel Vista Roof, similar to that on the Ford Edge
, for skylighting. The Navigation system has a built in hard drive for music and picture storage.
, Taurus X
, Fusion
, and 2008 Taurus
. The windows and pillars appear blacked out, and the roof is available as white, silver, or the same color as the rest of the body. The 2009MY SEL (optional) and Limited (standard) models offer LED
tail lamps
and BiXenon headlamps
, and a "capless" fueling system without the traditional fuel door and cap, which provides better sealing to reduce evaporative emissions from the fuel tank. For 2010MY, the BiXenon headlamps
and LED
tail lamps
were no longer available on the SEL and remained standard on the Limited. The standard wheels are 17 inches (431.8 mm) diameter (SE), 18 inches (457.2 mm) diameter (SEL), 19 inches (482.6 mm) diameter (Limited) and 20 inches (508 mm) diameter versions available on the Limited or SEL with EcoBoost.
The Flex features a series of horizontal grooves on its side and rear panels, intended to evoke a Woodie
look without using simulated wood. Car Design News
said the styling references "a previous era without resorting to obvious retro styling cues."
The Flex's 213 cu in (3.5 l) V6 engine
produces 262 hp and 248 lbft, and is paired with the 6-speed 6F
automatic transmission
.
A direct-injected twin-turbocharged EcoBoost version is available for the 2010 model. The EcoBoost produces 355 hp and 350 lbft of torque.
According to Ford, the turbochargers in the engine are designed to last 150,000 miles or 10 years.
AWD is required with the EcoBoost engine option. Towing capacity is 4500 lb (2,041.2 kg). The all-wheel drive system is capable of transferring up to 100% of torque to the front or rear axle as needed.
/Freestyle, 2008-2009 Taurus
/Taurus X
, 2009 Lincoln MKS
and 2010 Ford Taurus
. This chassis was in turn based on the Volvo
P2 platform.
s. A competing camera-based system from Lexus
takes three times as long.
. It has undergone many cosmetic changes.
technology.
and Chevrolet Traverse
. The Flex Ecoboost is also the first ranked large affordable SUV according to Consumer Reports. It is also ranked the most reliable large sized SUV and Ford's most reliable vehicle as ranked by Consumer Reports. Ford Flex AWD was ranked highest of large SUVs by the percentage of owners who would definitely purchase that same vehicle again.
However, the Flex has not been as successful as original ambitions expected, with sales of less than half the target of 100,000 vehicles that Ford had expected to sell each year. Ford Flex sold 38,717 cars in 2009 compared to three larger competitors sales of 43,150 for the Buick Enclave
, 91,074 for the Chevrolet Traverse
and 83,118 for the Toyota Highlander
in the same year.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
. Its styling is based on the Ford Fairlane concept unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
. The production vehicle made its debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show
New York International Auto Show
The New York International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in New York City in late March or early April. It is usually held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. It usually opens on or just before Easter weekend and closes on the first Sunday after Easter...
. Sales of the Flex began in summer of 2008 as a 2009 model. The Flex is produced on the same assembly line as the Edge
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Ford, based on the Ford CD3 platform shared with previous generation Mazda6 and marketed in rebadged form as the Lincoln MKX...
and Lincoln MKX
Lincoln MKX
The Lincoln MKX is a mid-size luxury crossover from Ford's Lincoln division and a de facto successor to the Lincoln Aviator luxury SUV. It debuted as a 2007 model in December 2006 as a production version of the Lincoln Aviator Concept shown at the 2004 North American International Auto Show...
crossovers at the Oakville Assembly
Oakville Assembly
Oakville Assembly Complex is a Ford Motor Company automobile factory in Oakville, Ontario, Canada spanning . This landmark occupies the same site as, and combines, the former Ontario Truck plant and Oakville Assembly Plant and is clearly visible from the Queen Elizabeth Way and the Lakeshore West...
Plant in Oakville, Ontario
Oakville, Ontario
Oakville is a town in Halton Region, on Lake Ontario in Southern Ontario, Canada, and is part of the Greater Toronto Area. As of the 2006 census the population was 165,613.-History:In 1793, Dundas Street was surveyed for a military road...
, where the first Flex was driven off the line at the beginning of June 2008. It replaced the Ford Freestar
Ford Freestar
The Ford Freestar is a minivan that was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from 2004 until November 2006. It replaced the Ford Windstar for the 2004 model year. The name change accommodated Ford's strategy to rename all their cars to words beginning in F...
minivan
Minivan
Minivan is a type of van designed for personal use. Minivans are typically either two-box or one box designs for maximum interior volume – and are taller than a sedan, hatchback, or a station wagon....
and therefore is the first crossover to feature both minivan and SUV properties delivered by Ford. In addition, it also replaced the similar Taurus X
Ford Taurus X
The Ford Taurus X was a 6- or 7-passenger full-size crossover SUV that was produced by Ford Motor Company in the United States. It was originally introduced in 2005 as the Ford Freestyle, before being renamed Taurus X for the 2008 model year. In Ford's lineup, it replaced the Ford Taurus station...
. The Flex is sold only in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and in the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
.
Interior
The 2009 Ford Flex includes seven-passenger seating, including adjustable and removable footrests for second-row passengers. The second and third row seats fold flat into the floor. The vehicle includes a class-exclusive optional interior "mini-fridge" refrigerator in the middle console mounted between the second-row seats. A voice-activated communications and entertainment system, called Ford SyncFord Sync
Ford SYNC is a factory-installed, integrated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system that allows users to make hands-free telephone calls and control music and other functions using voice commands...
, integrates the functions of cell phones, SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Sirius Satellite Radio
Sirius Satellite Radio is a satellite radio service operating in North America, owned by Sirius XM Radio.Headquartered in New York City, with smaller studios in Los Angeles and Memphis, Sirius was officially launched on July 1, 2002 and currently provides 69 streams of music and 65 streams of...
, compact disc
Compact Disc
The Compact Disc is an optical disc used to store digital data. It was originally developed to store and playback sound recordings exclusively, but later expanded to encompass data storage , write-once audio and data storage , rewritable media , Video Compact Discs , Super Video Compact Discs ,...
, DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
and other media players, navigation systems, and was developed in collaboration with Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
. The interior is lit with programmable "mood lighting" available in seven colors, along with a multi-panel Vista Roof, similar to that on the Ford Edge
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Ford, based on the Ford CD3 platform shared with previous generation Mazda6 and marketed in rebadged form as the Lincoln MKX...
, for skylighting. The Navigation system has a built in hard drive for music and picture storage.
Exterior
The Flex continues Ford's signature chrome horizontal three-bar grille design, as seen on the EdgeFord Edge
The Ford Edge is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured by Ford, based on the Ford CD3 platform shared with previous generation Mazda6 and marketed in rebadged form as the Lincoln MKX...
, Taurus X
Ford Taurus X
The Ford Taurus X was a 6- or 7-passenger full-size crossover SUV that was produced by Ford Motor Company in the United States. It was originally introduced in 2005 as the Ford Freestyle, before being renamed Taurus X for the 2008 model year. In Ford's lineup, it replaced the Ford Taurus station...
, Fusion
Ford Fusion (North America)
The Ford Fusion is a mid-size car produced by the Ford Motor Company since the 2006 model year. The 2010 model was awarded the Motor Trend Car of the Year and its hybrid version won the 2010 North American Car of the Year Award...
, and 2008 Taurus
Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States. Originally introduced in the 1986 model year, it has remained in near-continuous production for more than two decades, making it the fourth oldest nameplate that is currently sold in the North American...
. The windows and pillars appear blacked out, and the roof is available as white, silver, or the same color as the rest of the body. The 2009MY SEL (optional) and Limited (standard) models offer LED
LEd
LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
tail lamps
Automotive lighting
The lighting system of a motor vehicle consists of lighting and signalling devices mounted or integrated to the front, sides, rear, and in some cases the top of the motor vehicle...
and BiXenon headlamps
Headlamp
A headlamp is a lamp, usually attached to the front of a vehicle such as a car or a motorcycle, with the purpose of illuminating the road ahead during periods of low visibility, such as darkness or precipitation. Headlamp performance has steadily improved throughout the automobile age, spurred by...
, and a "capless" fueling system without the traditional fuel door and cap, which provides better sealing to reduce evaporative emissions from the fuel tank. For 2010MY, the BiXenon headlamps
Headlamp
A headlamp is a lamp, usually attached to the front of a vehicle such as a car or a motorcycle, with the purpose of illuminating the road ahead during periods of low visibility, such as darkness or precipitation. Headlamp performance has steadily improved throughout the automobile age, spurred by...
and LED
LEd
LEd is a TeX/LaTeX editing software working under Microsoft Windows. It is a freeware product....
tail lamps
Automotive lighting
The lighting system of a motor vehicle consists of lighting and signalling devices mounted or integrated to the front, sides, rear, and in some cases the top of the motor vehicle...
were no longer available on the SEL and remained standard on the Limited. The standard wheels are 17 inches (431.8 mm) diameter (SE), 18 inches (457.2 mm) diameter (SEL), 19 inches (482.6 mm) diameter (Limited) and 20 inches (508 mm) diameter versions available on the Limited or SEL with EcoBoost.
The Flex features a series of horizontal grooves on its side and rear panels, intended to evoke a Woodie
Woodie
A woodie is a car body style, especially a station wagon, where the rear bodywork is constructed of wood framework with infill panels of wood or painted metal....
look without using simulated wood. Car Design News
Car Design News
Car Design News is the leading online news, picture and information service for the international automotive design community. It regularly publishes: information on new production and concept cars; design reviews and design development features; interviews with senior designers; coverage of the...
said the styling references "a previous era without resorting to obvious retro styling cues."
Safety and security
A back-up camera, mounted just above the bumper, allows the driver to see obstructions behind the vehicle, displayed on the 8 inches (203.2 mm) navigation display screen, whenever reverse gear is engaged. The navigation display was optional on the SEL and Limited models for 2009MY, but was no longer available for 2010MY on the SEL and became standard on the Limited. The Flex comes with Ford's AdvanceTrac traction control system with roll stability control which helps the driver maintain control on low traction surfaces and during emergency maneuvers. All-wheel-drive is available as an option.Powertrain
The Ford Flex is powered by two different V-6 engines.The Flex's 213 cu in (3.5 l) V6 engine
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
produces 262 hp and 248 lbft, and is paired with the 6-speed 6F
GM-Ford 6-speed automatic transmission
General Motors and Ford Motor Company cooperated in 2002 to create a new automatic transaxle, designed for transverse engine applications in cars and light trucks...
automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
.
A direct-injected twin-turbocharged EcoBoost version is available for the 2010 model. The EcoBoost produces 355 hp and 350 lbft of torque.
According to Ford, the turbochargers in the engine are designed to last 150,000 miles or 10 years.
AWD is required with the EcoBoost engine option. Towing capacity is 4500 lb (2,041.2 kg). The all-wheel drive system is capable of transferring up to 100% of torque to the front or rear axle as needed.
Chassis
The Flex includes an independent rear suspension system. It is built on the Ford D4 platform, a reengineered and enlarged version of the Ford D3 platform which underpins the 2005-2007 Five HundredFord Five Hundred
The Ford Five Hundred is a full-size sedan that was produced by the Ford Motor Company during the 2005 to 2007 model years in North America. In North America, the name evoked the classic Fairlane 500 and Galaxie 500 models of the 1950s through 1970s.-Overview:The Five Hundred was introduced at the...
/Freestyle, 2008-2009 Taurus
Ford Taurus (fifth generation)
The fifth-generation Ford Taurus is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from 2008 until 2009. It is the fifth in six generations of the Ford Taurus...
/Taurus X
Ford Taurus X
The Ford Taurus X was a 6- or 7-passenger full-size crossover SUV that was produced by Ford Motor Company in the United States. It was originally introduced in 2005 as the Ford Freestyle, before being renamed Taurus X for the 2008 model year. In Ford's lineup, it replaced the Ford Taurus station...
, 2009 Lincoln MKS
Lincoln MKS
The Lincoln MKS is a full-size luxury sedan from the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company. The MKS first appeared in concept form at the North American International Auto Show in January 2006 with the production version, a 2009 model, appearing later at the Los Angeles International Auto...
and 2010 Ford Taurus
Ford Taurus (sixth generation)
The sixth-generation Ford Taurus is a full-size car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since June 2009. It is the sixth generation of the Ford Taurus, and also the largest Ford sedan available for sale.-Development and marketing:...
. This chassis was in turn based on the Volvo
Volvo
AB Volvo is a Swedish builder of commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses and construction equipment. Volvo also supplies marine and industrial drive systems, aerospace components and financial services...
P2 platform.
Active Park Assist
Offered on the Flex is Ford's Active Park Assist system, which finds and measures a suitable parking space, then operates the steering wheel to accomplish the parallel parking task. This feature uses software control of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system in response to inputs provided by ultrasonic sensorUltrasonic sensor
Ultrasonic sensors work on a principle similar to radar or sonar which evaluate attributes of a target by interpreting the echoes from radio or sound waves respectively. Ultrasonic sensors generate high frequency sound waves and evaluate the echo which is received back by the sensor...
s. A competing camera-based system from Lexus
Lexus
is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. First introduced in 1989 in the United States, Lexus is now sold globally and has become Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars. The Lexus marque is marketed in over 70 countries and territories worldwide, and has...
takes three times as long.
2013 refresh
A facelifted Flex has been presented at the 2011 LA Auto ShowLA Auto Show
The LA Auto Show is an annual auto show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in late November/early December. The LA Auto Show is an OICA sanctioned international exhibition and also endorsed by the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association...
. It has undergone many cosmetic changes.
Marketing
As part of the 'electrifying the night' campaign, Ford partnered with Esquire magazine in the magazine's first issue with a cover using E InkE Ink
E Ink is a specific proprietary type of electronic paper manufactured by E Ink Corporation, founded in 1997 based on research started at the MIT Media Lab...
technology.
Sales in the United States
| Year | Sales | Increased/decreased by |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 14,457 | |
| 2009 | 38,717 | |
| 2010 | 34,227 |
Reception
As of October 2010, the Flex is listed as the number 3 affordable mid-sized SUVs in US News behind the Buick EnclaveBuick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a full-size crossover SUV launched in May 2007 as a 2008 model by the Buick division of General Motors. The Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, and Saturn Outlook all share the GM Lambda platform. The Enclave was previewed at the 2006 North American International...
and Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a seven/eight seat full-size crossover SUV built on the GM Lambda platform that underpins the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. It is a successor to both the Uplander minivan and Trailblazer SUV...
. The Flex Ecoboost is also the first ranked large affordable SUV according to Consumer Reports. It is also ranked the most reliable large sized SUV and Ford's most reliable vehicle as ranked by Consumer Reports. Ford Flex AWD was ranked highest of large SUVs by the percentage of owners who would definitely purchase that same vehicle again.
However, the Flex has not been as successful as original ambitions expected, with sales of less than half the target of 100,000 vehicles that Ford had expected to sell each year. Ford Flex sold 38,717 cars in 2009 compared to three larger competitors sales of 43,150 for the Buick Enclave
Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is a full-size crossover SUV launched in May 2007 as a 2008 model by the Buick division of General Motors. The Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, and Saturn Outlook all share the GM Lambda platform. The Enclave was previewed at the 2006 North American International...
, 91,074 for the Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a seven/eight seat full-size crossover SUV built on the GM Lambda platform that underpins the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. It is a successor to both the Uplander minivan and Trailblazer SUV...
and 83,118 for the Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize crossover SUV produced by Toyota. It is a taller, heavier version of the Toyota Camry.Announced in April 2000 at the New York Auto Show and arriving in late 2000 in Japan and January, 2001, in North America, the Highlander became the first car-based midsize SUV or...
in the same year.
External links
- Official Ford Flex website at FordVehicles.com
- Ford Motor Company video introducing the all new Flex.