Hey y'all, learn me sumptin! (I hate that).
http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/new-cars/2009-ford-flex-limited-awd/
Anywho, GRM did a write up on the Flex in the new car reviews and was pretty positive, any other experiences out there? Mrs. 914 saw one this morning and got all warm about it. It's not like I've got $30k burning a hole in my pocket, but it does look nice.
Thanx, Dan
All I'll say is if you can swing the Ecoboost engine, do it. But I'm more than just barely biased on this one. So I'll stay out.
E-
If I was asked to describe my perfect daily use, family vehicle, I would want something that can hold my family, even 7 passengers in a pinch, and have a rear cargo area with a tailgate so I can haul stuff. Some towing capacity is important, but just an ATV or Jetski, nothing major. I would like something with some serious power, and mileage isn't a major problem because I don't drive much. I just want to drive fast when I do. 
I also want all the luxury features, like power everything and leather and a computer in the dash. Something stylish too, because I occasionally take clients out to lunch and need to impress but not too much. AWD would be nice too because of living in Pittsburgh.
The only thing that hits all those buttons is the Flex. Compared to say an Audi Wagon or Crossover, even the price is competitive...but I will still be shopping the used lots.
We're looking at a mini-van esque vehicle right now, and were surpised Ford didn't offer one. I suppose they want to push you to the Flex, but (our) major problem with it is the swing doors.
If you have older kids, or just want it for adult hauling it looks great (a more car-like full size SUV?), but we're probably going to go straight mini-van until our rugrats are out of carseats...
davidjs wrote: We're looking at a mini-van esque vehicle right now, and were surpised Ford didn't offer one. I suppose they want to push you to the Flex, but (our) major problem with it is the swing doors. If you have older kids, or just want it for adult hauling it looks great (a more car-like full size SUV?), but we're probably going to go straight mini-van until our rugrats are out of carseats...
What about a Mazda5?
I've never driven one, but I did install a sunroof in an early production one. I like it. The exterior styling is nice, the interior is ok, nothing to write home to mom about but the materials seemed above average.
Honestly, I think they hit a solid triple with the exterior styling. It's not all soft and curvy, has a bit of a macho look to it but it isn't polarizing like say, an H1 is.
I like it. For my needs, it would be a toss up between the Flex and the SHO.
We liked it so much that we recently borrowed another one for a staff event this week. It was capable with the regular V6, and I'm very eager to try it with the Ecoboost.
The Flex is a really good solution to haul people and things if you can deal with the mega-MINI styling. I dig 'em.
I want one but it's out of my price range right now. We saw a red one with a silver roof and my wife said it looked like they finally made a Mini in my size
m4ff3w wrote:davidjs wrote: We're looking at a mini-van esque vehicle right now, and were surpised Ford didn't offer one. I suppose they want to push you to the Flex, but (our) major problem with it is the swing doors. If you have older kids, or just want it for adult hauling it looks great (a more car-like full size SUV?), but we're probably going to go straight mini-van until our rugrats are out of carseats...What about a Mazda5?
Wifey and I were just in this very same position. The Flex was on the short-list, but we ended up the 5. Mostly due* to the Mazda stickering $8k less than a base-model Flex and still covering all of our needs. I don't even want to think about how much more Ford would've wanted for AWD and turbos.
* - also due to the EXTREMELY pushy tactics used by the salespeople at the local Ford dealership.
I am also very interested in these, especially the Eco-Boost.
However I do a LOT of miles and am waiting to see how they hold up to mileage.
I'm anxiously awaiting more long-term tests and opinions. By the time they're used and the price starts to fall, I'll be taking a good long look at AWD Eco-Boost models. If I could swing a new car, it would be on my short list. (Yes, it's odd state of affairs when a Ford wagon is on your New Car wish list. I've stopped questioning my own taste at this point.)
I don't mind the Flex but wish they had gone a little more "wagon" and a little less "SUV"...
As far as looks, I FAR prefer the Freestyle/TaurusX sibling.
I was amused yesterday when I noticed an add for the Flex, comparing it to it's Mazda sibling, the CX7(?)
neon4891 wrote: As far as looks, I FAR prefer the Freestyle/TaurusX sibling.
Really?!? I wouldn't pay $50 for one of those abominations.
neon4891 wrote: As far as looks, I FAR prefer the Freestyle/TaurusX sibling. I was amused yesterday when I noticed an add for the Flex, comparing it to it's Mazda sibling, the CX7(?)
I think you referring to the Edge not the Flex.
I stand corrected. Sorry about that.
neon4891 wrote: As far as looks, I FAR prefer the Freestyle/TaurusX sibling. I was amused yesterday when I noticed an add for the Flex, comparing it to it's Mazda sibling, the CX7(?)
I don't think there is any similrity between those two platforms -- the Flex is based on Volvo architecture. The CX7 is a Mazda 6 platform.
Flex drives nice, lots of folks like it. Tons of room inside. The Edge doesn't have a third row seat option; it's sedan-sized while the Flex is minivan sized. Make that a big minivan. Base engine is nice, Ecoboost turns it into a schoolbus sleeper. The Ecoboost hauls axx. Ecoboost model gets paddleshifters but seldom needs them. The NA may have gotten paddleshifters, too, now that all the Tauruses get them. Check the seating position first, though, to make sure you'll be satisfied with it. Interior materials are nice, noise level is low. Flex would be an awesome road trip car. Ecoboost with AWD and a roof rack would be the sweetest ski car made in the USA in a looong time. :-)
I think the Flex gives you a bunch more space and practicality over a Taurus. Taurus maybe offers more luxury options but I'm interested more in functionality and the Flex wins there.
David
ZOO wrote:neon4891 wrote: As far as looks, I FAR prefer the Freestyle/TaurusX sibling. I was amused yesterday when I noticed an add for the Flex, comparing it to it's Mazda sibling, the CX7(?)I don't think there is any similrity between those two platforms -- the Flex is based on Volvo architecture. The CX7 is a Mazda 6 platform.
CX-9 is the same as an Edge. Well, except for the more expensive and less reliable trans in the Mazda.... 
The Taurus/MKS and Flex/MKT are different derivatives of the Edge/CX9 base.
ReverendDexter wrote:neon4891 wrote: As far as looks, I FAR prefer the Freestyle/TaurusX sibling.Really?!? I wouldn't pay $50 for one of those abominations.
We had a Taurus X for a year, put 41K miles on it. Absolutely great vehicle, way way underrated. No it doesn't have quite as much room inside as the Flex, but it can still carry 7 people and did on many occasions. The styling may have been too conservative and it was never ever advertizes. But every one I know who owns one or has been in one agrees it really was an amazingly good car. Being a little shorter and lighter than the Flex made it feel much smaller to drive every day.
I'd rather have the convenience of a minivan.
If it's not going to be an exciting drive, it might as well be practical.
pinchvalve wrote: I would like something with some serious power, and mileage isn't a major problem because I don't drive much. I just want to drive fast when I do.
Reviving this old post - except for living in Ottawa (as opposed to Pittsburgh) - my requirements are pretty much bang-on with you Pinch.
So I made a deal on a new 2010 Flex yesterday. I traded my '05 300C on it.
I was really impressed with the driving experience, and the power and feel closely relates to the Chrysler.
The only option it does not have are the 20 inch wheels, otherwise this thing is loaded.
Interesting timing. I just returned from a 1500 mile road trip into northern michigan and the upper peninsula. I could not help but notice that the Flex seems to be the "in-vouge" family hauler this year. Of the many that I saw I was really taken by one example which was navy blue and a silver top. It seemed completely loaded and I could tell it had projector headlights and a nice little tiny badge that said ecco-boost. Very nice!
so i'm hunting for a new family car for my wife to replace her '03 Maxima.
at first i was worried about the size, but apparently it's shorter and ever-so-slightly narrower than my P71.
any updates? knowing me, i'll be patient for a gently totalled ecoboost at an insurance auction.
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