First ever non-GM product - a 2009......

[autofan]

Ford Flex!!! My wife and I both come from a GM family. We've only owned or leased GM products, never really considering anything else. Recently when the lease was about up on our excellent 2007 Buick Rendezvous, we started looking at what GM had to offer that was comparable to the 'Vu. We'd had a 2005 Equinox and didn't care for it and liked the third row option we had in the Buick so the 'Nox and Torrent were out. We test drove a Vue Red Line for fun and loved the look and feel inside and out but it's simply too small for a family (we have two kids). We also test drove an Outlook but my wife disliked the high step-in and overly bulky feel and poor visibility while driving it so we ruled out the Lambdas for those reasons and their costly lease rates. Sooo...

I convinced her to take a look at the Flex, though she thought it was unattractive. I had checked it out months before and was impressed by the lower height, easy ingress/egress, large windows, spacious feel, stylish upscale interior, and unique exterior. She preferred the look of the Edge so we test drove both. There was no comparison. The Flex is a knock out and a good value, particularly the mid-level SEL model. The leases were also good; significantly better than the Edge in fact, and far better than GM's Lambdas. We were able to get the X-plan/supplier discount and a $500 conquest rebate in addition to Ford's rebates. We got a decent deal and were treated exceptionally well by the dealer.

We ended up with an SEL model - standard 12-speaker Sony surround sound, leather, dual power heated front seats, dual zone auto climate with rear controls, optional power folding 2nd row buckets and a white two-tone roof. MSRP was $33,990. Try getting all of that in a Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia or Saturn Outlook anywhere near that price. Other great features include the storage well behind the third row seats (like a minivan), integrated door rockers (makes getting in and out so much easier, especially for kids), fold-flat front passenger seat, incredibly comfortable seats in all rows, touch-sensitive electronic keypad on driver's door (handy when you don't have the keys/fob with you), capless fuel filler, low height (contributes to the stable road hugging handling feel and keeps the vehicle from looking as massive as, say, an Outlook), third row seats that fold three different ways (seatbacks down, flipped/folded for flat load floor and a tailgating position), amazing 2nd row leg room and the aforementioned power folding 2nd row buckets that make third row access easy without the clumsy levers of most competitors. Beyond all of that, it is quiet, feels luxurious, has excellent fit and finish and, to me, looks cool.

In short, we love it. It's a little strange not having a GM car for the first time, but Ford offered us a combination of features, value and sales offers that GM simply couldn't match this time around.

[Butz]

Excellent choice, I love the Flex.

[2648562]

I've only seen one in person, and that was just for a moment, but it does sound very nice. Congratulations.

[chakis24]

erhmmm....




congrats and post'em up!

[autofan]

Originally Posted by chakis24

erhmmm....




congrats and post'em up!

They're up now!

[Quickening]

Congrats!

Though I can't stand Ford's love for squares.

[doh]

Congrats.

They are amazing to drive.

[likearock00]

Not a big fan of the Flex, but you didn't buy it for me!! Congrats- I'm happy you at least supported one of the home teams.

[Sal Collaziano]

I like the Flex.. I'm very interested in the Lincoln MKT...

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by Quickening

Congrats!

Though I can't stand Ford's love for squares.

It rivals their love of ovals in the '90s!

[Flynbyu]

Congrats on your purchase, thanks for doing your part to stimulate the economy.

Reminds me of a really big Scion.

~Brian

[gmhashope]

I like the Flex. Its kinda like a bigger Ford version of the HHR. It is one of the few Fords I would buy. Congrats.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Wow congrats on the new Flex - I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Ford offered us a combination of features, value and sales offers that GM simply couldn't match this time around.

That's a similar situation with me however I'm not getting a Ford though. As soon as someone takes over my lease I am getting my new car, in fact yesterday I put a refundable deposit on my new car. It's unfortunate since I've had 3 GM vehicles and my 07 Grand Prix is the best of all of them, however I have a longer commute to work so even though my car is good on gas for a V6, I need something that's even more fuel efficient. I looked at what GM has to offer and I didn't like any of GM's 4-cylinder cars and add on the fact that GM has stopped offering leases in Canada ultimately has forced me to go to a different brand for what I want.

Anyway, congrats on the new Flex, it looks very nice and I think you guys will enjoy it a lot!

[autofan]

Thanks for all of the comments. I will readily agree that the look of the Flex is not for everyone. It certainly isn't a thing of beauty in the conventional sense but has a unique classiness to it. I'm glad Ford is smart enough to realize they will gain traction in the market by offering great values. GM, though understandably desperate for $$, is pricing its vehicles far too high. My GM loyalty would have had us driving an Outlook, Traverse or Acadia had the pricing been better. I see the same scenario with GM's midsize cars vs. the new Fusion and Milan. The domestics don't have the cache and perception to demand higher prices. They must win on being better values than their Asian and European competitors. That is, if they survive at all.

[PAULSTS1]

Beautiful! I saw one at the LA Auto Show, it's a good buy! I'd like to think of us as auto enthusiasts, with a preference for General Motors, but we realize there are other choices available. Having owned so many different brands, I am comfortable with most of what is now produced. It would be so hard to buy wrong, today.

Best of enjoyment with your new Flex!