2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

[cool57]

http://www.fordvehicles.com/flex/?searchid=426441|15932595|96444070

[Ol'Dave]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

Wait till you see that same nose on the new F-150.

I guess it's progress. But it ain't no Expedition.

[islandtime]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

Saw it in this month's "MyFord" magazine. I put it in the same category as the Honda Element (which I call the "elephant") Ugly as sin. I, too, prefer my Expedition.

[AZTB]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

[Ray]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

It's growing on me. I like the interior a lot. I just went to the website and built one for fun. The final price was over $41K, and I didn't add the vista roof, rear camera, and a couple of other options. I'm not sure I like it that much.

[Bill Brown]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

Looks to me the Ford design team has been influenced by Land Rover.

[cool57]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

I just sold my '04 SuperCrew. Great vehicle that looooooves fuel. Main motive for selling though, was a co-worker just loved that truck and made me an offer I could not refuse.
I like that the Flex sits closer to the ground, looks trim and not bloated like Expedition. Interior is very nice. It's still a long way from intro, so who knows what changes will occur. The V-6 should get better MPG.
If I was practical I'd get a gently used "old Lady" Merc Marquis or Crown Vic for family hauler.
............

[DRBurdyshaw]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

To me, this ride has "Surfer Boy" written all over it ---- or maybe that's "Surfer Boy with Money."

[dhg2892]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

My first impression seeing it at the auto show in Detroit couple years ago was -- "butt ugly!" Nice interior, but a large "Scion boxy thingy" to me! Probably weigh 5500 pounds and overload the v-6 engine as is typical today too. May grow on me over time but for now I'll keep my Monterey mini-van and save the mega-$$$$$ that the Flex will go for.

[yelobird2002]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

The Flex will grow on you unlike the Aztek which was butt ugly the day it was introduced and remained butt ugly through its entire lifespan.

[worldclasswheels]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

Why does FORD have the same GRILLE in every car they make? Real GOOD design team, and now I here there going to use it on the FORD F-150 Truck, I give them 2 maybe 3 years before they go under, They must have got a Great Buy on those GRILLES to use them on every car they make . Is that one of FORDs BETTER Ideas? Your thoughts please. Thanks, Rick

[yelobird2002]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

Lot of cars are going to same grilles. Subaru for example. BMW has used same grille for years.

[SKIPIFE]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

I'm gonna hold further comment until I can see one in the showroom.

[DRBurdyshaw]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

Why does FORD have the same GRILLE in every car they make? Real GOOD design team, and now I here there going to use it on the FORD F-150 Truck, I give them 2 maybe 3 years before they go under, They must have got a Great Buy on those GRILLES to use them on every car they make . Is that one of FORDs BETTER Ideas? Your thoughts please. Thanks, Rick

With so many makes on the market, Ford is using the grill for "product recognition." In this marketplace, a consumer passes a car ---- likes it ---- but doesn't know the make or model. Market research has identified that the part of a vehicle that people look at the most is the front ---- so, by giving all Fords a similar grill, Ford is banking that when a consumer sees one of their vehicles and likes it, he also knows it's a Ford.

You've probably noticed that, other than Town Car, the Lincoln line-up (made by Ford, of course) is doing the same thing. With Town Car, the buyer is somewhat less receptive to change, so the Lincoln division isn't quite as willing to risk too many great changes. Though it will eventually happen, it will be a little while before that happens.

Not to get us too far off topic ---- since I'd never do that ---- but Town Car became a model of its own in 1981 and remained relatively unchanged until 1990. The second generation Town Car lasted from 1990 until 1997 ---- followed by the third generation which came aboard in 1998 until the present. Though each redesign has been significant, they only happen about once per decade.

[5bird7]

Re: 2009 Ford Flex, what do you think?

...You've probably noticed that, other than Town Car, the Lincoln line-up (made by Ford, of course) is doing the same thing. With Town Car, the buyer is somewhat less receptive to change, so the Lincoln division isn't quite as willing to risk too many great changes. Though it will eventually happen, it will be a little while before that happens.

Not to get us too far off topic ---- since I'd never do that ---- but Town Car became a model of its own in 1981 and remained relatively unchanged until 1990. The second generation Town Car lasted from 1990 until 1997 ---- followed by the third generation which came aboard in 1998 until the present. Though each redesign has been significant, they only happen about once per decade.

I hope Ford never changes the current Town Car looks - I've liked the design since it came out.

As for brand recognition - I notice the "butts" - the rear of the car, since that's what I see - and can focus on (important at my age) all the time on the road.
I can see making the grills look alike across the Ford line as when a car is going the opposite direction, I don't get to focus on the grill for very long and a consistent grill design would help in brand recognition.