Is the Ford Flex a crossover SUV? Not really, but that's what Ford calls it. It doesn't even pretend to have any off-road ability and it doesn't look like any other crossover. It's definitely not a minivan either, though it effectively replaced the minivan in Ford's line when it went on sale as a 2009 model. What the Flex is, whether Ford wants to admit it or not, is a station wagon. The Ford Flex name is fine, but they could have just gone old school, thrown some polyvinyl wood on its flanks, and called it the Country Squire.
The Ford Flex rides on Ford's "D4" platform which in turn is sort of a taffy pull extended version of the "D3" structure that's used under Ford's larger front-drive sedans like the 2010 Taurus. And the D3 is based on the "P2" platform that was developed by Volvo. The engine sits up front transversely turning a six-speed transaxle that drives the front wheels. All-wheel drive is an option for those who want to drive their Ford Flex in lousy weather.
Initially the Ford Flex was offered only with a 3.5-liter version of Ford's Duratec V6 rated at 262 horsepower. During the 2010 model year, an "Ecoboost" version of that V6 was added to the option sheet that had two tiny turbos wheezing into it to up output to 355 hp. The extra oomph was welcome in the big Ford Flex since even the lightest front-drive version weighed in at nearly 4,500 pounds.
With its tall roof, slab sides and cleaver-chopped nose, the Flex is exceptionally roomy inside. Seating for six is standard with an optional third-row seat upping that to seven. Unusual options included a refrigerator between the rear-seat passengers to keep thirsts sated during long drives between National Parks. And buying a Ford Flex implicitly includes a promise to haul the kids to many National Parks.
Even though the Ford Flex doesn't look like other crossovers, it is the sort of vehicle that makes immediate sense to many buyers. So, no surprise, the Ford Flex instantly became one of Ford's best sellers.
