Ford Flex History
The Ford Flex is a full-size SUV designed by Volvo’s designer Peter Horbury. Ford introduced the concept for the Flex at the early 2005 at the Chicago Auto Show. Since then, Ford made multiple changes and redesigns so the Ford Flex could be presented to the customers. In 2009, Ford approved the concept with changes to the name, increasing the size of the vehicle from the MPV CD3 chassis to the full-size D4 platform. They abandoned the first idea of an MPV and converted it to the more sought after crossover SUV. The Ford Flex had a floating roof, all the pillars painted black, and the roof painted white, to lower the exterior visually.
From the beginning, Ford assembled the Flex in Oakville, Ontario. They discontinued the production of the model in 2019.
Chassis and Suspension
The Ford Flex is based on the D4 platform. This platform is a redesigned version of the D3 unibody platform, which was used in many models of Volvo and Ford. They developed it to underpin crossover SUVs. The suspension of the Ford Flex is independent rear suspension and MacPherson strut suspension in the front. In both front and rear, Ford installed sway bars to counter body roll. The big wheelbase of the Flex gives the SUV a well-balanced ride.
Engines and Transmission
In the Flex, Ford installed one of two engines. A 3.5L Duratec V6 with a power output of 262hp and 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with a power output of 355hp. They paired both engines with a six-speed automatic transmission with the option of four-wheel-drive system. The four-wheel-drive system can transfer all the power to one axle. The Ford Flex has the towing capacity of 2 tonnes. But the fuel thirst of this vehicle is not something that everyone can afford to quench. With an average fuel consumption of 15.7l/100km, it is not economic at all.
Generations
The Ford Flex had 1 generation from 2009 to 2019. In between, it got a facelift. In the facelift, there were major changes to the look of the SUV. Ford replaced the front grille, changed the rear emblem, and upgraded the look of the interior.
Trim Levels
Ford offered the Flex in three different trim levels. The SE was the base trim with the 3.5L Duratec engine with only FWD. It included the standard equipment: cloth seats, aluminium trim panels, keyless entry, six-speaker audio system, power windows, power locks, and manually operated two-row air conditioning. The SEL- available with both the engines after 2010 and an optional AWD system with traction control system AdvanceTrac. This trim level featured bigger wheels, a premium 7-speaker audio system with an amplifier, power driver’s seat, and automatic two-row air conditioning. The Limited Edition was the most luxurious trim level with leather interior, power front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, driver’s memory system, dual-panel panoramic sunroof, reverse camera, premium quality audio system with rear subwoofer and amplifier, and chrome plated side mirrors and door handles. There was a trim level that was available only in 2011 and 2012 model years. The trim level is Titanium, and it was a blackened out Limited Edition with different interior upholstery and trims available in several colours.
Discontinuation
The Ford Flex was well received by the Americans and was listed as the third most affordable mid or full-sized SUV. It was very reliable and could be used for various tasks. A survey shows that the Flex’s owners were most likely to buy the same vehicle again. But it didn’t reach the sales Ford hoped for and in 2019 it got discontinued.