You know it's a slow news day when a Ford press release touts a wheeled-brick's aerodynamics and the story (such as it is) is picked up by a blog. Granted, we've just done juts that. And Ford needs every little bit of help it can spin to launch their 2.25 ton, 6.5 foot wide Taurus X derivative— especially in this dismal economic climate. "Boxy is the New Swoopy" gushes Edmunds. Our pals quote Ford's press release liberally, "revealing" how squaring the Fairlane's roof and bumper (among other equally subtle changes) gives the Flex a 0.02 aerodynamic edge (so to speak) over the Toyota Highlander and GMC Acadia. FoMoCo claims a one mpg advantage over the competition. Fueleconomy.gov has the Flex FWD pegged at 17/24. As well as the 2009 Acadia FWD with its new DI 3.6L V6. Oops. Nowhere in Edmunds/Ford gusher is the Flex's pesky frontal area number. Nor is mention made of the 500lbs. weight gain over the Freestyle, or the Freestyle's EPA 18/25 rating (2008 corrected #'s). We expect selective stats from Ford. But Edmunds? Yeah, OK, Edmunds too.
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Cd = 0.355
Yeah, it’s a shame Ford didn’t retain the Freestyle and instead designed a vehicle with a smoother powertrain, better performance, more room/comfort, vastly better interior and even better safety that only loses one 1mpg because they paid attention to the details like aerodynamics.
@ RobertSD:
Ford didn’t retain the Freestyle Taurus X? I thought it was still for sale.
http://www.ford.com/vehicles/vehicle-showroom#/ford/ford-taurus-x-2008
Yeah, but they compared the mileage to the Freestyle, which had a completely different powertrain from the X. The Taurus X dies in about 6 months.
I saw a new Taurus yesterday when I was in my local Hospital Parking Lot, I wasnt impressed with it despite all the Chrome on it, both inside and outside, it looks like it should have a larger engine to move the beast along eh!
The mortuaries ought to love this vehicle. All it will require is a few silver urn decals to turn it into a hearse.
Did they bring a hearse over from Europe? I thought it looked pretty good in pictures. This video proved I was mistaken; I don’t know what I was thinking. And apparently chrome is king?
Sure is a funky looking vehicle. A boxy Taurus X? Boxy mini van? Shortened station wagon? Squished SUV?
I saw one parked out front of the local Ford dealer. I was shocked and surprised to see it sitting there. I had no idea these were going to be released any time soon.
I went up there Sunday to look at it and I knew they’d hide it. It was in the empty service bay with two other ones. It looks a lot smaller in person then it does in the pictures.
The thing about the Edge was, when it was new, I saw a couple on the streets immediately. This one Flex has been at the dealer since it arrived a couple of weeks ago. Have yet to see one on the streets.
No way is this vehicle going to bring in any money. The concept looked decent. The production model didn’t turn out well.
I don’t think Ford has anything at all lined up that’s new?
It would do zero good for the government to bail out the big three. Because if they did, they would still only have the exact same selection of non selling vehicles for sale.
Remember back in the 1960’s when you could buy a TV that was made in America? Similar to this.
Maybe one day soon, the big three won’t be around any more. Because no one wanted to buy what they had for sale. It’s not the best, or even second, or third best. Not a single reason to buy anything they make.
I like Mustangs. `79-93 models. `64.5-73 are ok too. This tank they build now with it’s high price and cram packed engine compartment does absolutely nothing for me. Now if they sold an electric Mustang….
They’d rather go out of business first then take any sort of daring risk to totally change the market though. Non competitive chickens. They could be number one if they really wanted too. Plug in Escape? First to market with a plug in? Too scared. They will give that credit to Toyota with the 2010 Prius. Just watch that plug in Prius arrive before the Volt does.
The high paid people at the top will still be very well off when they no longer have to go to work each day. That is the reality of the situation. The line workers may be worried. Anyone up top is surely not.
That is why the big cheese are not worried one iota. Nothing will change, they will just be on permanant vacation and still have plenty of money and more time to golf. Good bye Ford.
There was a Flex Parked next to a Grand Cherokee at the mall. I guess i didn’t realize how huge those things were. I really don’t see how it fits in with the “Taurus X”. Either way its a lot better than a Taurus X. Although its the wrong car at the wrong time.
Six cupholders in the second row! Sold.
@rtz- I test drove a Flex today while I was getting my oil changed. The Flex in person is bigger than it looks in the pictures; I was really amazed at how huge this CUV is.
On the whole, I was seriously impressed with the Flex. I drove a fully-optioned Limited, with Ford’s fantastic nav system, DVD entertainment package, and Sync. I don’t know why Ford isn’t putting this nav in every top model they sell, it’s really really good. The interior is fantastic for Ford; indeed, the seats in this car are some of the finest you’ll find in any domestic automobile.
The brakes are confidence-inspiring and fade free. The engine, while not the most potent, hauls this ginormous vehicle around with relative ease- and torque steer is noticeable absent under heavy acceleration. The steering is direct and even has a bit of weight to it. NVH is almost complete eliminated, as I could carry a conversation with the salesman at 80 on the highway without having to raise my voice. Stomping the go pedal at 80 even brought us up to 90mph with a feisty eagerness that is not exactly expected for a brute like this.
I’m in the market for either a minivan or crossover. Honestly, I’m still leaning towards a minivan, since sliding rear doors are so handy to get the kids in and out. But the Flex is good looking, luxurious (in Limited trim) and has some of the best features I’ve seen in the people-hauler class. I know a lot of the B&B who follow TTAC are younger and/or don’t have kids, but for me (2 tykes with more on the way) the Flex is a Godsend- a practical vehicle (not to say MPG is great… it’s not) with style and a sh*tload of features in a fun to drive package.
The Taurus X (former Freestyle) drives very well, I actually prefer it quite a bit to the Edge. People just look over it however because it is essentially a tall station wagon.
The Flex, although large and boxy, has the best interior of any Ford product (actually the best interior of any domestic product without a Lincoln or Cadillac badge IMO), tons of great usability and comfort features (real compressor driven refridgerator/freezer in the second row console, Sync + Sirius TravelLink for the most full featured and easiest to use hands free/voice command/nav combo on the market, rocker panels built into the doors for schmutz free ingress and egress, best in class front, 2nd, and 3rd row space, a nearly lexus-quiet ride on the Limited models, etc), and above average driving dynamics for a vehicle of the size.
Though it may look like one, the Flex isn’t targeted at Scion xB buyers. It’s a play for those who need the space of a large SUV like an Expidition or Suburban, but can’t afford a vehicle whose highway mileage is still in the mid-teens.
@NulloModo- exactly my feelings!
Its a sad day when a cd of .355 is considered class leading. Pathetic, in fact.
Question is, what’s the frontal area on a Flex vs its competition…and the insane “slantiness” of a 1980s Ford Aerostar?
If you were fooled by the early pictures, they were likely of the concept. Amazing how much cars can get hit by the ugly stick on the way to the dealerships.
“Boxy is the new swoopy”?
My ’84 Volvo 240 wagon is in style again!
No, the classics never go OUT of style!
I was sold when I heard that it came with a fridge.
Question is, what’s the frontal area on a Flex vs its competition…and the insane “slantiness” of a 1980s Ford Aerostar?
I’m still trying to define what ‘class’ the flex would fit into, but the cd of the extremely slanted Ford Aerostar was a unleading .38
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/1997/ford/aerostar/specifications/index.html
As a fan of the Element (and a former owner) I like boxy vehicles if they are somewhat good on fuel mileage. I kinda of have a soft spot for the Edge – it is different than almost everything on the road and is useful. Too bad it’s so huge. The Element fits in compact parking spots b/c it’s outside dimensions are similar to the Civic (on which it’s based) – it has a relatively powerful but fuel efficient 2.4 liter engine and you can get 23mpg combined which is pretty decent. It’s suicide doors work well but make it very cramped if you are getting people in and out of the back row when in a row of parked cars (it makes for some pretty close encounters in order to maneuver).
Cd without frontal area is a meaningless number … but for some reason car rags often quote it by itself.
Wikipedia has a nice article on aerodynamic drag including an explanation of the relevant equation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_coefficient
You are being too hard on Edmunds. They are just reporting on a press release, it is just part of their new items, not an editorial.
I like this site but also happen to think Edmunds is a great source for car reviews. The business ethics model here is idealistic and admirable, But Edmunds is actually driving the new cars which is nice.
Sometimes it’s enjoyable to read a review of the product rather than the another Death Watch.
This vehicle is gonna be a flop. I pass by a Ford dealership on the way to work and saw one there. I take exception to all the positive press about its looks, it is one FUGLY vehicle. True, I haven’t seen the interior, but who cares. Boxy is cute only in small packages, ie., the origianl Scions. The newer, bloated ones aren’t so cute any more. A previous commentor had it right: wrong vehicle at the wrong time.
I have to say that I agree with Power6 on this. I do think it is relevant to call out other blogs/magazines on certain issues, but to harp on Edmunds for this seems like a stretch. I also like edmunds for their info on pricing and the inside line blog does have some very good writing.
Anyway, I’m just saying, maybe lighten up a bit? It’s never nice to come across as a snob.
(full disclosure: i took part in the consumer comparison test that edmunds put on a couple of months ago, i’m the graphic designer from worcester. i must say, it was a fantastic experience and i left with alot of respect for their staff.)
p.s. not that I’d choose to purchase it, but I do appreciate the design of the Flex.
Sajeev Mehta
Its a sad day when a cd of .355 is considered class leading.
Indeed. And since the frontal area is huge, the Cd is only half of the equation. I keep thinking we’re on the tipping point of an era where physics will triumph over style and Cd (and “effective frontal area” — Cd x area) will be an actual purchase stat for customers, not just for some magazine reviews. But that era hasn’t come yet.
Like I said before, this is the Mini Cooper for the rest of us. Better than driving a minivan if you need the space.
17/24 MPG? Did Ford miss the memo about the average price for a gallon of RUG? They might sell a few of these tanks, but with numbers like that, they definitely won’t be selling what they had hoped. I would rant about how they should be offering a diesel engine option, but they won’t so there’s no point.
I think it’s good that Ford is at least taking a risk with this vehicle. People still have families. That second row of doors may be a problem for kids (banging into other cars). I would actually prefer sliding doors for this application.
Counter to the impressions of most other posters, my initial reaction to the Flex was that the size seemed reasonable, especially compared to, say, an Explorer. In particular, it is lower than a typical SUV, which should be appreciated by all of those people who complained about their view being blocked by Explorers, Durangos, 4Runners, etc.
The interior is great. Very roomy, with nice materials and terrific seats.
I see this as an alternative to an Expedition or Tahoe…it offers better fuel economy, more manageable size, very nice interior and MUCH nicer styling. The main problem is that between an imploding housing market, rising gas prices and more bad news about banks and credit unions every day, even people who can afford this vehicle are hesitant to sign on the dotted line.
We currently own a Freestyle with the 3.0L and CVT with AWD. It has plenty power and plenty of room for my wife and me plus daughter. It will comfortably haul six passengers plus some cargo. I like the Flex styling but my wife doesn’t. Neither of us likes its size increase over the Freestyle. On top of that, our car regularly gets 21/24 for mileage. I won’t be pursuing the Flex for purchase.
your ripping on edmunds for report what ford said?
the article you linked was hardly a edmunds review/report on the car.
What do you think? Seems like it could be a good application for a hybrid version. To have all that this vehicle offers, with high twenties mpg would be quite a coup. And, given the Escape Hybrid in the stable it seems doable without a lot of fuss.
Despite opinions to the contrary it is not an ugly vehicle, although I’m sure color and trim selection makes a difference. It is not an Aztek, an Echo, or a Gremlin, although Pacer comparisons might apply.
I’ll also add my voice to those about ragging on Edmunds. This is a great site. Love most of the editorials and some of the comments. But when comes time to researching a vehicle for purchase, where else is a common consumer to go?
The Taurus X dies in about 6 months.
RobertSD, really? I didn’t know that. That was short. Pity, I kind of like it and it’s Taurus sibling.
ash78 Says: And since the frontal area is huge, the Cd is only half of the equation.
Bingo. Why doesn’t anyone talk about frontal area???
I keep thinking we’re on the tipping point of an era where physics will triumph over style and Cd (and “effective frontal area” — Cd x area) will be an actual purchase stat for customers, not just for some magazine reviews. But that era hasn’t come yet.
Its on the way. Car design is like fashion, the 20 year cycle is evident. Wretched excess from the 50s (everyone has tailfins), 70s (everyone has a bro-ham) and 90s (big wheels and SUVs) will make way for clean and purposeful lines.
I’d expect to see aerodynamics, carbon footprints and fuel economy to be big selling points in the future. Look at the old car ads from the 80s, wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of that ad lingo comes back too.
I test drove a Flex today while I was getting my oil changed. The Flex in person is bigger than it looks in the pictures; I was really amazed at how huge this CUV is.
It is not a CUV…it is a station wagon.
Where is something the size of a Fusion wagon? You could call it … the Fusion Station Wagon. The flex is simply too big for my needs.
you know what, if I was edmunds, I might even send you guys a C&D order, with a slander/libel threat attached.
If you bothered to research,
Edmunds also had a real story (not just press release coverage) about the ford flex.
http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2008/07/ford-flex-may-have-superb-aerodynamics-but-fuel-economy-is-nothing-special.html
Where edmunds even got ford to comment about the MPG ratings.
heres a quote that edmunds got from ford “As for mileage, he conceded, “your point’s a valid one. At the end of the day, the fuel-economy figures in that segment are very similar.” ”
so please get off your high horse.
am i the only one that feels like opfreak is yelling at his monitor as he types?
opfreak:
you know what, if I was edmunds, I might even send you guys a C&D order, with a slander/libel threat attached.
If you bothered to research,
Edmunds also had a real story (not just press release coverage) about the ford flex.
http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2008/07/ford-flex-may-have-superb-aerodynamics-but-fuel-economy-is-nothing-special.html
Where edmunds even got ford to comment about the MPG ratings.
heres a quote that edmunds got from ford “As for mileage, he conceded, “your point’s a valid one. At the end of the day, the fuel-economy figures in that segment are very similar.” ”
so please get off your high horse.
And in a related story, The 2009 Chevy Traverse FWD gets the SAME EPA mileage as the FWD “Flex” and the 2009 AWD Chevy Traverse gets BETTER EPA mileage then the AWD “Flex”. All while having a HIGHER tow rating than the “Flex”. The “flex” is not so flexible.
Ford wins the mediocrity award once again!
blankfocus – just in my mind.
So where’s the Transit connect already?
For cars, a 0.35 CD was impressive 25 years ago, not so much today. I suppose given the massive frontal area, any reduction in CD is that much more important, but really, wouldn’t it be nice if it didn’t have the profile of a shoebox?
I never thought I would say this about any car, but black with a black roof just isn’t a good color combo for the Flex.
1 mpg advantage over Highlander!!!!!! 1 mpg advantage!!
A lot you need to realize that not everyone is in the market for a Prius or Civic.
The recent gas prices have not yet forced me to reconsider anything under a V6 … Simply because of my requirements.
I like the car, for 2010, i may return the 06 Fusion and pick this one up.
btw, my uncle just leased a Civic for a good $20/m more than my SE V6 Fusion.
The price advantage is something that cannot be ignored with Ford few models.
Crysler and most of GM are worse than plague