When I first saw the Ford Flex in 2008, I have to say I was a bit bummed out. The design of the Flex is not about smooth lines and flowing curves, it's more of a suitcase on wheels. I've heard some compare it to the Mini Traveller (obviously, in a much, much bigger form), but at least the Mini was cute and bite-size. The Flex is big, boxy and brutish. It was then, and it is now.
However, since then, it's rather grown on me. The first time I drove the Flex (in '08), I also drove a Ford Model T in the same afternoon. Ford's reasoning behind the drive event was to prove how innovative the Flex was, just as the Model T had been a century earlier. At the time, I was most grateful that the Flex was so much simpler to drive than the Ford Model T, but I was also duly impressed with Ford's brand new SYNC system and onboard infotainment technology. This was the beginning of something big for Ford – and it's interesting that they chose to launch it all in their Flex model.
Flexing their muscles
Now, nearly four years later, the Flex is still present on the roads but it's slowly falling out of favour with large family vehicle buyers.. Its polarizing styling may have made it a “cool” purchase at first, however, with more conventional offerings within Ford (such as the new Explorer), the Flex may not be around for years to come, despite Ford having recently announced a facelifted 2013 model. . .
Looking at the 2011 model, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between it and the 2008 models. A bit like MINI, I suppose Ford felt if it ain't broke, why fix it? And while I may have disagreed a few years ago, I think I'm with them on their plan now. While most of the Flex lineup looks the same, my particular tester offered a few design cues that sets it apart from the norm.
As the 2011 Ford Flex EcoBoost Titanium model, my crossover was dressed to look as manly as possible (at least, in my opinion it was). With a silver-clad body; black roof, grille, blackout headlights, as well as black “Flex” lettering across the hood (to remind the world what's headed their way); and various chrome bits and pieces strewn about, there's something decidedly masculine about the whole getup – and I dug it.
It's so easy to coin the term “mom-mobile” when it comes to SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and wagons. And that term becomes even more popular when said vehicle is white, blue or any other feminine colour. However, with the Titanium package equipped on the Flex (which also adds 20” polished aluminum wheels), no one would dare whisper said blasphemous word even if the back was packed with four young children, soccer balls, groceries, and a lap dog was riding shotgun.
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| If you are in the anti-mom-mobile mindset, the Ford Flex EcoBoost Titanium model will set you back a few more clams, starting at $46,649. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
However, since then, it's rather grown on me. The first time I drove the Flex (in '08), I also drove a Ford Model T in the same afternoon. Ford's reasoning behind the drive event was to prove how innovative the Flex was, just as the Model T had been a century earlier. At the time, I was most grateful that the Flex was so much simpler to drive than the Ford Model T, but I was also duly impressed with Ford's brand new SYNC system and onboard infotainment technology. This was the beginning of something big for Ford – and it's interesting that they chose to launch it all in their Flex model.
Flexing their muscles
Now, nearly four years later, the Flex is still present on the roads but it's slowly falling out of favour with large family vehicle buyers.. Its polarizing styling may have made it a “cool” purchase at first, however, with more conventional offerings within Ford (such as the new Explorer), the Flex may not be around for years to come, despite Ford having recently announced a facelifted 2013 model. . .
Looking at the 2011 model, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between it and the 2008 models. A bit like MINI, I suppose Ford felt if it ain't broke, why fix it? And while I may have disagreed a few years ago, I think I'm with them on their plan now. While most of the Flex lineup looks the same, my particular tester offered a few design cues that sets it apart from the norm.
As the 2011 Ford Flex EcoBoost Titanium model, my crossover was dressed to look as manly as possible (at least, in my opinion it was). With a silver-clad body; black roof, grille, blackout headlights, as well as black “Flex” lettering across the hood (to remind the world what's headed their way); and various chrome bits and pieces strewn about, there's something decidedly masculine about the whole getup – and I dug it.
It's so easy to coin the term “mom-mobile” when it comes to SUVs, crossovers, minivans, and wagons. And that term becomes even more popular when said vehicle is white, blue or any other feminine colour. However, with the Titanium package equipped on the Flex (which also adds 20” polished aluminum wheels), no one would dare whisper said blasphemous word even if the back was packed with four young children, soccer balls, groceries, and a lap dog was riding shotgun.
 |
| With a silver-clad body; black roof, grille, blackout headlights, as well as black “Flex” lettering across the hood, there's something decidedly masculine about the whole getup – and I dug it. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |