2013 Ford Flex Review

[ausrutherford]

By Nauman Farooq
Apr. 13
AutoGuide

Back in 2008, Ford launched a new crossover that was very different from any other crossover on sale. Some called it a mega-sized Mini, while some called it a modern day interpretation of the old woody wagon. Its maker called it the Flex.

It was based on the Ford Fairlane concept from 2005, and after seeing the positive reaction the concept created, Ford decided to put it in production.

The name change might have lead to a change of heart for the buying public, because the Flex is the slowest selling mass-produced Ford product in the company’s 109-year history.

Despite the low sales, Ford seems committed to the Flex, and hence is offering a revised version for 2013. Will the changes convince more customers to buy a Flex? That only time will tell, but what we can tell you now is if the changes make it a better vehicle than the Flex used to be.

NEW GRILLE, SAME BOXY LOOK

We’ll begin with the styling. Look at it from the back or the side and you’ll be very hard pressed to notice any differences. The one big clue to look out for from the back is to spot the placement of the Ford badge; it used to be in the middle of the tailgate and now it’s towards the bottom right-hand corner of the lift-gate.

From the front, the differences are much easier to spot. The 2013 Ford Flex gets a completely new nose job, with new grilles and headlights. Gone is the Ford blue oval logo from the grille. Instead, the letters F-L-E-X are displayed proudly above the grille – a style Ford introduced in 2011 on the high-grade Titanium model.

Changes to the interior make a notable difference. Gone is the ugly four-spoke steering wheel, replaced by a much nicer three-spoke design. Look through the steering wheel and you’ll find completely new gauges (which are similar to the ones found in the Ford Fusion Hybrid, minus the Hybrid drive-train readout). With the speedometer right smack in the middle it is now much easier to keep an eye on your speed - not that that’s of much concern with the Flex.

MYFORD TOUCH EASIER TO USE

The center dashboard is completely different also. You now get a larger, clearer screen with the updated MyFord Touch and navigation software, plus all the raised buttons are replaced by soft touch buttons. The look is certainly clean, but it does take a lot of getting used to. Gone is the satisfaction of pressing a button with a reassuring ‘click’ signaling it has engaged the function you’ve requested.

These new flat-panel buttons might be easy for someone who is in their teens and spend all day playing on the iPad, but when was the last time you saw a teen go out and buy a Flex? The age demographic for the Ford Flex is understandably high, and we think some of its more mature customers might be turned off by the new layouts complexity.

What buyer’s won’t be turned off by is the interior space. This is a seven-passenger vehicle that can quite reasonably carry seven adults. So if you want the practicality of a minivan but want something that looks cooler, the Flex is it.

Full review at link

[T'Cal]

The Explorer makes this vehicle unnecessary. They should use this LWB platform for a minivan and a Lincoln Town Car.

[SullyND]

The Explorer makes this vehicle unnecessary. They should use this LWB platform for a minivan and a Lincoln Town Car.

The Explorer is hideous though, and the middle row is tiny.

Flex costs are sunk. It soldiers on to eek out of it what they can, turning it into a Minivan or Town Car is only putting good money after bad. I do not expect to see significant additional investment in the D3/4 platform.

[AddisonHarlemTowing]

They do use this platform for a Town Car. It's the MKT Town Car.

[T'Cal]

The Explorer is hideous though, and the middle row is tiny.

Flex costs are sunk. It soldiers on to eek out of it what they can, turning it into a Minivan or Town Car is only putting good money after bad. I do not expect to see significant additional investment in the D3/4 platform.

The back seat is tiny in the MKT but roomy in the Explorer. I would know as I own an Explorer and I have four teens (one 6' and another 6'3") who have plenty of room when they sit back there. I won't try to sell you on its styling as that's purely objective. Suffice it to say, I feel as you do but for the Flex, which I seriously considered but I just couldn't get past its bizarre styling. The Explorer is enjoying excellent sales while the Flex is not. Taking that vehicle and turning it into two vehicles that Ford needs is hardly throwing good money after bad. It's taking a failure and making it a success. Ford failed with the Flex and it lacks a fullsized flagship sedan at Lincoln. Lose the loser and replace it with two winners.

[T'Cal]

They do use this platform for a Town Car. It's the MKT Town Car.

It's still an SUV and I believe Lincoln needs a big sedan to regain its footing in the "black car" market. BTW, how is the MKT TC doing? Is it being produced yet? I live and work not too far from O'Hare and I see a lot of limos on the streets and on the Kennedy and I have yet to see Lincoln's new limo.

[ausrutherford]

It's still an SUV and I believe Lincoln needs a big sedan to regain its footing in the "black car" market. BTW, how is the MKT TC doing? Is it being produced yet? I live and work not too far from O'Hare and I see a lot of limos on the streets and on the Kennedy and I have yet to see Lincoln's new limo.

They have not even shown it off yet. no idea what is taking so long.

[Andrew L]

They have not even shown it off yet. no idea what is taking so long.

Yes they have...

http://content.usatoday.com/communit...1#.T6dBa8XLnF8

unless you were referring to the limo which they have not shown off

[ausrutherford]

Yes they have...

http://content.usatoday.com/communit...1#.T6dBa8XLnF8

unless you were referring to the limo which they have not shown off

Wow...where was I?

Thanks for posting that.

[Andrew L]

Wow...where was I?

Thanks for posting that.

np... I am still waiting for officall limo photos, I hope they have them soon, I am curious how it will look