Driving Northwest: The big, bold Ford Flex

[91 s-10baja]

I think I am starting to dig the new Flex.........alot!!

http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=256168

[BGH]

Ford really executed this one right. Styling that is different from the mainstream to get attention, great interior for comfort/quality feel, and some great features like the fridge to brag about.

And it doesn't matter that its not that fast. With multiple sunroofs and a wicked sound system you can take your time.

I went to the Ford Canada site, they're also doing things a little different on the Flex page. Hard to describe but it seems less formal and more just for fun.

It doesn't just state "this car is hip and fun" but the way its written suggests it.

[camaro_freak]

with people fleeing from gas guzzler SUVs, Ford actually did something right here. I really think they will have a hit on their hands come mid to late summer once word gets out on this vehicle.

This vehicle is the future if gas prices continue to climb and climb and climb

[ChevroletRevived]

Ford definitely did an awesome job on the Flex. I love it, it's very unique! Hope it does really, really well for Ford. Maybe it will get them to do more "Bold Moves" like the Flex if it does.

[ZHDesign57]

Niiice. Chevy Traverse has a worthy competitor on it's hands.

I really hope Chevy makes the Traverse, Camaro and all of their future cars like the Malibu and head for top quality competition seriously. (I sure hope they make a Hybrid Traverse...mistake for not already doing it on other lambdas!)

I can't wait to see a Traverse in person! Hopefully it will catch many buyers.

I'm loving these new crossovers coming out!

(Time to grab some Ford stock! btw lol)

[dindak]

I live 10 minutes from the Oakville plant where they are made so I have seen these driving around for many months now. I have to admit I didn't like them much at first but they are growing on me. I hope they sell well for Ford, they need another hit.

[dindak]

Originally Posted by ZHDesign57

Niiice. Chevy Traverse has a worthy competitor on it's hands.

I really hope Chevy makes the Traverse, Camaro and all of their future cars like the Malibu and head for top quality competition seriously. (I sure hope they make a Hybrid Traverse...mistake for not already doing it on other lambdas!)

I can't wait to see a Traverse in person! Hopefully it will catch many buyers.

I'm loving these new crossovers coming out!

(Time to grab some Ford stock! btw lol)

I still think the Traverse is not needed, GMC and Saturn have it covered. Chevy should have done a really good van on the platform.

[K Dawg ONE]

Originally Posted by dindak

I still think the Traverse is not needed, GMC and Saturn have it covered. Chevy should have done a really good van on the platform.

IIRC, Outlook will be leaving Saturn as the Traverse takes its place as entry-level Lambda. And the Zafira 'van' will be comming shortly for both Saturn and Chevrolet....

[jbartley]

i just wish they'd kept the name "Fairlane"

[psece]

Originally Posted by K Dawg ONE

IIRC, Outlook will be leaving Saturn as the Traverse takes its place as entry-level Lambda. And the Zafira 'van' will be comming shortly for both Saturn and Chevrolet....

Meriva would be a great addition too. Vivaro might have been too funky but that was kinda what made Saturn. Funky cars with a common persons appeal.

Flex is really well done. Same problem as the Lambdas as no one is going to touch these as long as gas prices keep going up.

[91 s-10baja]

Originally Posted by jbartley

i just wish they'd kept the name "Fairlane"

Likewise, it even looks like one of the mid to late sixties fairlane wagons, if you look at it long enough!!

[Michael_S]

A minivan is equally as fuel efficient and more spacious. And since it's lower to the ground, it can actually drive better too.

The Flex and the Lambdas add $3,000 to your purchase price and take away a reasonable amount of utility in return for 1000 pounds of extra tow rating and styling.

Ford and GM should be making the best minivans in the business. I'm still angry that they abandoned the segment.

[91 s-10baja]

Originally Posted by Michael_S

A minivan is equally as fuel efficient and more spacious. And since it's lower to the ground, it can actually drive better too.

The Flex and the Lambdas add $3,000 to your purchase price and take away a reasonable amount of utility in return for 1000 pounds of extra tow rating and styling.

Ford and GM should be making the best minivans in the business. I'm still angry that they abandoned the segment.

I agree mostly w/ you on this, except for the fact that they waited WAY to long to make a move IMO, be it to remove themselves from the market, or create the lambda's/flex. If they were to have waited this long and continued into the MVan market even if it was a styling/function success, I think it would have been a failure due to the time since they had a viable competitor, wait they never had one? Plus the damage in the van market was done, Honda/Toyota/Dodge, and now Kia/Hyundai all make good, if not great vans, in a shrinking segment.