Ford Flex Crossover

The Ford Flex crossover vehicle was first introduced at both the New York and Detroit auto shows in 2007. This seven-seat crossover concept vehicle was on the market sooner than most concept cars; some never make it to the showroom. By 2009, Ford offered the Flex for sale to the public, much to the delight of crossover lovers everywhere.

The 2010 Ford Flex Crossover!

In the 1990s, sport utility vehicles or SUVs were the new rage, with approximately twenty different models on the road. By 2006, over eighty sport utility vehicles were produced. Auto manufacturer designers hoping to create something to excite the car-buying public came up with the word "crossover" in 2007. But what is a crossover?

First used as a marketing term, the crossover vehicle evolved into any vehicle of a uni-body construction built on a car-based platform. Crossover vehicles also boasted the ride, drive, and feel of a car instead of an SUV or truck. These crossover vehicles were not for off-road use and came with a lower roof line and offered easy step-in heights as well as better gas mileage. Thus came the Ford Flex crossover, a boxy SUV look-alike that offered more family functionality and looked much like the old Ford Fairlane, a wagon named for the home where Henry Ford resided.

In essence, the crossover vehicle first used as a marketing ploy evolved by each auto manufacturer’s production of what they considered to be a crossover based on seating, driving maneuverability, and interior family-themed features.

The 2009 Ford Flex crossover came in four models, all with automatic transmissions and great combined fuel efficiency:

The 2010 Ford Flex offers seven different models, some with a combined fuel efficiency of 20 miles per gallon. Again, for 2010, all models come with automatic transmissions:

Both the 2009 and 2010 Ford Flex feature lush interiors and even the option for a refrigerator!

Ford Flex Navigation System

First introduced in 2009 and marketed as an alternative to a minivan, this model offered seven-passenger seating for adults. The style reminds car buyers of an old-fashioned wagon but with a wow factor. Built on a Ford Taurus frame, it comes with high-quality interior features that look expensive. Interior features include the Sync MP3 player and telephone interface along with a Vista sunroof and Sirius XM satellite radio. The Vista sunroof has four fixed glass panels that allows for additional lighting in the second and third row seats.

Entry to the third row seats is very easy and each model comes with first row bucket seats. The passenger front row seat folds entirely flat as do the second row seats that have the capability of moving forward and backward for additional comfort. With the second row seating maneuverability comes the option of a refrigerator to keep your snacks and beverages cold. The cargo area at 83 cubic feet is large but not considered as roomy as minivan storage space. On some models, you’ll find rear climate controls, power seats, a six to ten speaker CD stereo system and an auxiliary audio jack. Depending on model, seats come in cloth to luxurious leather with heating and cooling options. Navigation and DVD entertainment systems are standard in the Limited model but optional upgrades in other models. Also standard in the Limited models are power liftgates, power-adjustable pedals, and seat memory functions for up to two drivers. The instrument cluster features an analog clock, outside temperature, and easy-to-spot fuel and tachometer gauges. Safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, front and side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

So what’s new for the 2010 Ford Flex? Along with more standard equipment options instead of upgrades, the 2010 Ford Flex offers a twin-turbocharged, direct injected engine in the SEL and Limited models. The steering wheel is telescoping and every Limited model has a navigation system and Sony stereo. The power-folding second row bench is standard in all seven models with an option for second row bucket seats that recline for comfort. The bumper-to-bumper warranty remains the same at 3 years/36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty of 5 years/50,000 miles includes roadside assistance. The Ford Flex offers nine exterior colors and six interior patterns.

Interested buyers can download a brochure right from Ford to read all the specifications and great features on the Ford Flex.

With its boxy exterior, fans love it bar none. The Ford Flex is a crowd pleaser to be sure. Use the Build Your Own feature and select various options with a price that fits your budget at Edmunds.

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