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 MattersFord 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 HoodPowered 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.
What’s Inside
Looks like Ford got the hint from GM and is now building innovative and high quality interiors. Well, that’s what it looks like from the show floor anyway, though how the Flex actually emerges at the end of the production line is open to speculation. Quality aside, the Flex offers some very interesting interior accouterments that promise to make it a competitor against GM’s new crossover triplets: a tweed-like fabric on the base model, a refrigerator for when you need another freshie, and ample second-row leg room and adjustable and removable footrests. There’s also Ford’s Sync communication integration system, a new navigation system and the now common ambient lighting.
What Ford Says
“The new Ford Flex crossover is a game changer. It’s the first vehicle of its kind that combines seating for seven, interior spaciousness and surprising features with a striking design that looks great on the road and at home for today’s modern families,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas.
What We Think
With attractive styling, an innovative interior and a V6 with decent power, it sure seems that the Ford Flex could be a success, though it also seems that Ford will have a few too many crossovers on lots at the end of the year when the Flex bows. Judging from the Fusion’s warm reception, the styling direction is a hit. We’ll see whether or not people want refrigerators and foot rests in their family cars.
