It's no secret that we love us some Ford Flex over here. Our long term test of a 2009 Ford Flex didn't wrap at 20,000 miles like normal, we ran the thing up to 72,459 miles before we had to let 'er go.
Since then, the Ford Flex has gotten better and better. There were redesigned headrests, an EcoBoost Motor and six-speed transmission, and now, for the 2013 Ford Flex, a host of new features starting with an all new face.
Behind that new front end is an upgraded version of the 3.5-liter V6 that now cranks out 285 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. The engine now has variable camshaft timing that gives it more power while returning 1 mpg more. The EcoBoost motor still makes 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
There's also a new Appearance Package for Limited and SEL models which gives the crossover a two-tone paint job, 20-inch aluminum wheels, leather seats and unique door trim panels.
Oh, and they also replace the perfectly functional Sync system with the new version of MyFord Touch which Ford says is faster and more responsive.
We'll see it in the metal next week at the Los Angles Auto Show
regularcarfan says:
07:08 AM, 11/ 8/11
Wow, I have to say I really liked the funtionality of the current gen. I needed a big family hauler to carry young kids and a ton of stuff of big bulky items (double stroller, pack-n-play, toys ect.) Most 3 row crossovers lacked the space i needed (dimensionally). This Wagon stacked up well against the Odyssey I was looking at, and since I was switching to a EcoBox (a fun Mazda 3 door). I liked the idea of having the trust of the Ecoboost, just so I can have some fun Merging (with kids that is about it). The Odyssey was obviously more practical and much larger, but the styling, enguine and some features drew me to the Flex. However with that said, I hope in the redesign they add the rest of the features from the ford line-up. I know silly but I really wanted the seats out of the Ford Taurus (massage/ect). We take long rides and my legs lower back cramp from time to time so this would be a good feature for me, and given the cost of a loaded EcoBoost it should warrent this. Minor grip, but something that should be easily fixed. Also hopefully they will add a start/stop (full redo)function to improve City MPG (kind of rough in real world non feather driving).
boobylortez says:
07:16 AM, 11/ 8/11
Have you seen the new Flex? It's got the buttons from a washing machine with a big knob above that and a TV above that.
awbmw6spd1 says:
07:17 AM, 11/ 8/11
Great job ford. That interior is amazing. GReat vehicle. Not cheap but a much better choice to an SUV. I happen to think its good looking.
actualsize says:
08:35 AM, 11/ 8/11
I am a huge Flex fan, but I hate MyFord Touch with the burning fire of a thousand suns, which means I can only contemplate owning a used one.
boobylortez says:
08:45 AM, 11/ 8/11
Ditto, actualsize. I don't think I would mind MyFord Touch as long as there are redundant (real) buttons for the stereo, climate control and bluetooth--the stuff I'll use every time I get in the car. Ford seems to think that what we want with our touch screen is more touch buttons. Dumb.
revn says:
08:58 AM, 11/ 8/11
K, I know this isn't exactly a sporty vehicle in any sense of the word, but this kinda applies to all Fords. Please stop putting a goofy switch on the gear shift for the manual mode and just put some flappy paddles on it.
Anyway. That new front end is pretty handsome, looks pretty clean. The MFT -looks- nice, but... stop it. Just put back in Sync and let's call it a day. This looks even worse than the current version since there's even less tactile feedback. At least there were little nubs before.
blueprint1 says:
09:33 AM, 11/ 8/11
As long as the SE is still devoid of MFT, I'm happy. I was expecting the 2.0 Ecoboost, though.
altimadude05 says:
12:15 PM, 11/ 8/11
Ugh, the front end is hideous...way too busy. MFT ruins the interior for me. Give me buttons and knobs that work when I want them to.
I was never going to buy one anyway, but I admired the uniqueness of the vehicle. Now that admiration has been replaced with bile coming up.
BigFordFan150 says:
03:08 PM, 11/ 8/11
Lets just say 20hp isnt worth busy styling and MFT failures. Ill just keep my 2010. I was hopeing for a cleaner and more refined style. Also MFT would be fine if they had real nobs for tuning, volume, temp and zone controal.
caroftheweek says:
04:20 PM, 11/ 8/11
I like wagons. I like Macs. The like the Flex.
For me, it's the iMac of family haulers. A simple design made of flat sides and rounded corners that stands apart from the rest by its utter commitment to square-ness and lack of embellishment. I think it will age nicely because it's so different from the mainstream. I cannot say the same for the desperately-sleek Explorer.
Those calling the styling "busy" have me confounded. I friggin love the new front end. It's got straight horizontal lines with a couple angles thrown in for good measure. It doesn't get much simpler than that. I like the '11 model just fine, but it has equally detailed headlamps separated by a designed-by-committee grill, and fog lamps just kinda floating down there in the lower part of the front bumper.
fordson1 says:
06:02 AM, 11/ 9/11
Love the Flex and super-glad they're keeping it. Best SUV of its type - functionality and REAL style.
sayitlikeitis says:
06:39 PM, 11/18/11
Still looks like a hearse with barn doors.
Also lacks cargo space. Half as much as Odyessy & Sienna.
Way overpriced.
Lack of sales should soon bring its demise.