2009 Ford Flex: Still Stylish or Just Out of Fashion?

It's comfortable, reliable, and looks pretty darn cool, but if it's not a "first", and/or if it doesn't represent or invent something that encourages imitation by others, it's not an icon in my opinion. Chrysler vans were the go-to vehicle when someone wanted a people mover because they pretty much invented the FWD minivan. The Prius brought hybrids on the map. The old Scion xB brought to life the box car fad in the USA. The Subaru Outback is the quintessential AWD wagon.

The Flex hasn't really reinvented anything and they haven't sold like hotcakes. That, and they haven't been advertised that much on TV, at least around here.

I would never call the Flex stylish. Different, unconventional, and handsome, yes. Stylish, no.

I like the look of the Flex, but I always forget how big it is.

I think it's too new in the market anyway to have much influence. Ford was doing it's aerodynamic look in the 80's and it took a while for that look to catch on too.

It's a big station wagon, what's not to like?

I think it's still cool. That it's not a huge seller makes it even cooler.

Nobody except Corolla drivers want to see themselves on every street corner.

The flex was ever in fashion? I kinda like it, but I didn't think it was ever fashionable.

I actually like the concept better than the production version. Bring on the suicide doors.

Well Scott, I don't know that I would agree with this statement 'After all, isn't imitation the sincerest form of flatery? And, well, nobody has imitated it.'

Have you seen the new Nissan Quest? :)

http://www.insideline.com/nissan/quest/2011/photos/2011_nissan_quest_prf_ns_70810.html

I think those who think that the Flex is unattractive or not stylish are actually imagining the Taurus X. Except for a few minor misgivings about the transformation of the front end from concept to production, (the top edge of the headlights and grill were lowered too much and the fog lights are derivative) I think the Flex is a fine looking design inside and out.
http://www.bigpenguin.org/images/2009-ford-flex-front.jpg

It hasn't been imitated because it imitated existing designs before it. It's more like a 5/4-scale xB or Cube, but with more attitude, much higher quality, and it can scoot out of its own way. I think it would be almost as much of a crime to copy this as when Kia copied Jaguar and Mercedes with the Avanti. Would the Flex be a collectors' item? No. But it will certainly be one of the more fondly unique family wagons, maybe on the level of the Vista Cruiser.

"The old Scion xB brought to life the box car fad in the USA."

the honda element was first

"It's more like a 5/4-scale xB or Cube, but with more attitude, much higher quality, and it can scoot out of its own way. "

if you say something is just like XX except they just....

then they really aren't the same at all. The xB and Cube are C segment CUVs with tiny 4 cylinders. The flex a 7-8 people hauler with a V6TT optional with awd.

+1carguy622.
I agree. Certainly not a stylish car, but handsome indeed. I've always liked it. Sure wish they'd put those suicide doors on it...

just plain ugly to me. it may be unique but being unique isn't always a good thing.

I was at the dealership looking at different things when they provided the pamplet for this car and told me to come back in a few months when they get it. Well of course I looked down to see what it was and well laughed my you know what off. I laughed every time I looked at that pamplet, and now every time I see one on the road. In order for me to drive one of those I would need a bag over my head so that no one would know who I am.

In fact when I get stuck next to one on the highway I want to put a bag over my head so I wont see it anymore. I feel unclean being that close to it.

Best flex I have ever liked was one involved in a accident (rolled, then hit pole). Atleast it had more curves and design at that moment. (I am sure the person driving it was fine, the car not so much but it did look better).

Meh. I like it. It's different in a good way for me. It certainly beats the jelly bean styling of most full size 7 passenger CUVs. Good or bad, you atleast notice it on the road. I could fall asleep looking at the Traverse or Pilot.

The Flex a huge vehicle, but the horizontal creases and boxy styling just seem to accentuate how long it really is.

@htr_hardtech:

You've got some insecurity issues. My first vehicle as a 16yr old was a 1988 Ford Aerostar. The epitome of uncool. I survived my experience only to realize later that, despite it's inherent lack of style, it was a great vehicle for the time. Would I buy an Aerostar now? Not on your life, but I wouldn't care if I was seen driving one. Maybe I'm just getting old.

The problem that exists for any car company when they go out on a limb like this is positive reception by the general public...enough to quantify into actual sales. It's one thing for people to think a car looks cool and tells you in focus groups to build it. It's another thing altogether to actually get those same people to buy the car! The Flex is a perfect example of this. It's overall goodness (as you have observed on your long term fleet car) has not been enough to get people to buy them in the volume needed to make it a profitable vehicle for Ford.

Risk aside, though, I hope manufacturers continue to press the envelope so that vehicles don't become too mundane in spite of themselves.

if i had two sister wives and four kids, this would be my car.

until then, too big.

just be glad companies are still willing to make polarizing vehicles and not designing to the least common denominator

The "stylish" part wore off a long time ago. However since it's still functional and practical I'd have no problem driving it.

Other than the obvious strike against it for being a wagon (blech), it looks pretty sharp. It's also a VERY modern look for a wagon and that gray paint is very nice (as is the photograph). As a Gen X-er, I am highly averse to wagons though. I'd never buy one.

I like the Flex but those doors are so huge that there is no way I could put my toddler in his seat when it is parked in the garage. If I can't get my two vehicles in the garage and be able to get in and out comfortably, I won't buy it.

@s197gt: So if you were a mormon/muslim/redneck, you would buy one?

I would say it is stylish, even though it is not my style. I do not see the Flex around here much (NYC area) so it still catches my eye. All of the families where I live drive MLs, X5, or Range Rover because they are not as long (brutal parking scene in Hoboken NJ).
As for imitation, flattery, and stylish- let's just remember that Lexus put clear tailights on their cars after they became popular as cheap aftermarket add-ons for early 90s slammed Honda Civics.

I would say it is stylish, even though it is not my style. I do not see the Flex around here much (NYC area) so it still catches my eye. All of the families where I live drive MLs, X5, or Range Rover because they are not as long (brutal parking scene in Hoboken NJ).
As for imitation, flattery, and stylish- let's just remember that Lexus put clear tailights on their cars after they became popular as cheap aftermarket add-ons for early 90s slammed Honda Civics.

stylish yes, in part because it's different (in a good way)

replacement for our Sienna in the near future

then we're moving to Utah so I can make the most of it

It's stylish and not out of fashion, partly because it is so unique, and partly because there are relatively few of them on the road.

It was never stylish. I think it looks good, but its funkiness, coupled with clean design (especially for a domestic) is its most pleasant aesthetic feature. The terms "fashion" and "style" imply a conformance to generally accepted standards. The Flex is almost by definition not "stylish" in that sense.

dldave: I have two cars in my garage and am able to easily get my toddler into both cars when they're garaged. You have to park them facing opposite directions, but it should be easily done, unless your garage is really tiny. The doors don't really open any farther than any other doors.

redwoodaggie: I am also, tragically, a member of "Generation X", and this is my 3rd wagon. My Audi S6 Avant, A4 Avant, and Ford Flex Ecoboost are probably nicer, and nicer looking, than anything you have ever driven.

I think the Flex is unique in the same way that the Nissan Joke and the Crosstour look unique.

I like the look very much. The Flex seems to glide down the road and seems luxurious just form its styling. The way the lines are stright is almost as appealing as curvs there is also no busyness and its very clean and classy. The ecoboost makes it the ultmate luxury cruser wagon. Its a great look dont drop it Ford. I know some very dedicated owners like my self i love my Flex. Also if you dont like the styling tone it down get a silver or gray one with out the contrasting roof it makes il look much more simple and easyer to swallow. If you like crazy then a dark color with a white or silver roof with the 19 or 20 inch wheels are for you

Still stylish. But can it really be called stylish if it's a car few people want.