Article Comments - 2009 Ford Flex First Look / First Drive / Full Test

66 messages, Last post on Feb 26, 2009 at 6:29 PM

You are in the Ford Flex Forum. Your Host is kcram

What is this discussion about? Ford Flex, Wagon

First Look: 2009 Ford Flex - The 2009 Ford Flex might be another crossover, but at least it's not boring. (more)

First Drive: 2009 Ford Flex - First Impressions: If you like the look of the Flex, there's nothing in the way that it functions that should prevent you from getting it. (more)

Full Test: 2009 Ford Flex Limited AWD - Bottom Line: As everyday transportation, it's the best, most comfortable Ford you can buy. (more)

Outline

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#34 of 66 Test Drive? by adent Jun 26, 2008 (8:09 am)
Anybody drive one? Dealers around here have a display model, but at last check (last week) were not allowing test drives.
#35 of 66 Re: Land Rover Alternative?? [lndrvrlover] by vcook Jun 28, 2008 (2:12 pm)
Replying to: lndrvrlover (Jun 15, 2008 12:39 am) I currently lease a Land Rover LR3 and just got back from test driving the Flex. The obvious major difference is the Flex has none of the off-road capabilities of the LR3 and weighs 2,500 pounds less but does share the boxy styling. The Flex is quite long and has comfortable seating with ample leg room in the 2nd row but not so much the 3rd. The vehicle length and tire size give it a smooth ride and it seems to handle well. Acceleration was also good. As for the MPG it all depends where you're coming from ... it's a vast improvement over my LR3 and other SUV's (Explorer, etc) , compares well against similar vehicles (Acadia, etc.). Inside has all the bells and whistles you'd expect. The styling is not going to be everyone's cup of tea but I like it because it stands out - not another jelly bean like so many other cars.
#36 of 66 First Drive and Lease Price by rdxer Jul 01, 2008 (4:16 pm)
Drive a Flex Limited today (I'm replacing my 9mpg Touareg in a few weeks and have been kicking many tires). Overall, I liked the package -- comfortable seats and amazing 2nd row leg room. I asked the dealer to work on some lease numbers and I almost fell out of my chair. The MSRP was $42,540. With no discounts (I wasn't ready to arm wrestle, just wanted to see the lease numbers) and $3,000 total out of pocket on a 36 month, 10K/yr term the monthly payment was $698!!! This includes sales tax (which in my state you prepay all upfront). A $2K discount might take this down by $50-$60 a month. What a big disappointment (due to typical Ford low residual rates and no promos). A loaded (and discounted) CX-9 GT with almost the same MSRP runs about $510 (same terms). Not sure this car is worth the difference. I really wanted to like this car. Replies to this message: sklarin (Jul 02, 2008 2:06 pm)
#37 of 66 Re: First Drive and Lease Price [rdxer] by sklarin Jul 02, 2008 (2:06 pm)
Replying to: rdxer (Jul 01, 2008 4:16 pm) rdxer, I am facing the same issue... I am looking at leasing the flex for my wife (replacing an escalade with a monthly payment of $599). Unfortunately, the flex residual on their 36 month lease is around 50%... I live in California and the best 36 month for a MSRP of around 40k, 15,000 miles per year, 0 cap cost reduction, just drive off fees is right at $600! Very tough to lease this car at $600/ month... There are so many other options to look at... Special leases on the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, Volvo XC 90... All offer 3rd row seating, great options, much higher MSRP's... yet much lower lease payments. Other than the monthly payment, we really liked the Flex... It drove great, good gas mileage, nice styling. CW
#38 of 66 A very impractical vehicle by strager Jul 05, 2008 (9:55 pm)
Besides styling, the Flex doesn't have anything going for it. The third row is cramped, best for children and mpg is mediocre. Try opening the doors of Flex in a 2 car garage, with the other vehicle in place. For the sake of Ford's survival, I hope it sells. If I had to buy a Ford vehicle, I would instead get an Escape which accomodates 5 passengers comfortably. I fail to understand the purpose of these HUGE crossovers that have a cramped 3rd row. Replies to this message: bobw3 (Jul 10, 2008 5:48 pm) strager (Jul 13, 2008 4:38 pm) bobw3 (Jul 14, 2008 9:04 am) joeslacker (Jul 18, 2008 1:51 pm)
#39 of 66 Re: A very impractical vehicle [strager] by bobw3 Jul 10, 2008 (5:48 pm)
Replying to: strager (Jul 05, 2008 9:55 pm) I'm not sure what you mean about a "cramped" 3rd row. I have a Freestyle that can fit 2 medium-sized adults comfortably. Plus, considering many sedans are over 190", a 200" CUV with a 3rd row really isn't all that "huge." Replies to this message: strager (Jul 13, 2008 4:38 pm) bobw3 (Jul 14, 2008 9:04 am) joeslacker (Jul 18, 2008 1:51 pm)
#40 of 66 by b4z Jul 13, 2008 (1:16 pm)
i'm always looking for my next vehicle. The FLEX interests me because I have always liked wagons based off of passenger cars. That's what I grew up on and they make the most sense not only from a practical standpoint, but cost(not much more than a sedan), driving dynamics, gas mileage is almost identical, weight and frontal area when compared to a CUV or SUV. The FLEX has a lower profile and is the most wagon like, which got my attention. The downside is a couple of styling elements: The chrome grill needs to be flat black or dark grey. This can be accomplished by having the chrome stripped and sent to a power coater and a paint color of choice. Somebody might even want body color, which I think might make the front end too monochromatic, but it could be done. Secondly, the stainless steel section on the rear hatch needs to be body color. This will integrate the body a little better and will have a smoother look. Perhaps this could be pulled off with a heat gun or blow dryer? i'm not too happy with the strakes on the side but the two comments above are my only real negatives. I have had 2 SRXs. The FLEX only gets 1 mpg better than the SRX hwy. The SRX more than likely has better quality leather and plastics. The downside to the SRX is the 3rd row is very small, it is higher profile and geared pretty steep so Caddy is giving up some gas mileage by not offering a 6 speed. The SRX V6 is faster and probably handles better. I would have to drive the ecoboost V6 and see if I could make the appearance changes to the FLEX before I would consider one. It is still on my list but you really have to wonder about Ford's lack of lease deals. I can lease a well equipped caddy SRX all day long for anywhere from $399 to $499 I threw $6K at my current SRX and pay $367 a month and that's a 12K mile a yr lease and not a 10K. Ford is well on the way to screwing up this launch if they don't get some incentives on it. I'll be following this thread in the hopes of hearing more about this vehicle.
#41 of 66 Re: A very impractical vehicle [bobw3] by strager Jul 13, 2008 (4:38 pm)
Replying to: bobw3 (Jul 10, 2008 5:48 pm) Compared to a minivan like the Odyssey, the 3rd row of the Flex is cramped. You're right that considering that many sedans are over 190", a 200" CUV is not huge. Ever since I started driving a Scion xB (157"), which has more leg room than any SUV or sedan I have sat in, it seems to me that most vehicles sold in America are huge. I've also seen vehicles in Japan that are shorter than 184", which have more leg room in the 3rd row than the Flex. One more thing: the Flex and other "supersized" vehicles like the Odyssey will be dinosaurs when gas gets to over $6/gallon in a couple of years, imho. Replies to this message: bobw3 (Jul 14, 2008 9:04 am) joeslacker (Jul 18, 2008 1:51 pm)
#42 of 66 Re: A very impractical vehicle [strager] by bobw3 Jul 14, 2008 (9:04 am)
Replying to: strager (Jul 13, 2008 4:38 pm) I know what you mean. My other car is a Honda Fit. You're right in that minivans have a lot more interior space then ANY CUV, including the Flex. CUVs are designed for people more interested in style than utility.
#43 of 66 press request by kirstie_h HOST Jul 14, 2008 (4:35 pm)
A reporter with a national newspaper would like to speak with owners of the new Ford Flex vehicle. If you are a new owner, please respond to ctalatiedmunds.com with your daytime contact information no later than Wednesday, July 16th. Thanks, Chintan Talati Corporate Communications Edmunds Inc.