Ford Flex to Debut at New York Auto Show

Ford is finally ready to debut the production version of the Fairlane concept (above) at this year’s New York Auto Show. Now dubbed Flex, the crossover is Ford’s stab at a growing segment of vehicles that includes the new Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9 and Hyundai Veracruz.

If the Flex looks anything like the Fairlane concept, it will certainly be the most radically styled of the bunch, hearkening back to both classic American and British autos.

We’re not in love with the name, but it’s certainly better than Taurus X. There’s no word on when the Flex will go on sale, but we’ll throw a dart at “early 2008” as a timeline for introduction to the masses. You’ll hear a lot more about the Flex right here during the New York Auto Show media days, starting April 4.

[Ford To Debut Flex Crossover, Aiming To Redefine Minivan, CNNMoney via Autoblog]

Related:
Ford Fairlane to Get New Style But No Detroit Debut
Ford's New Plan

Comments

Didn't the styling with the indented lines on the side die with the late 90's Pontiacs? That being asked, I do like the look of it.

I thought this was a hit in 2005. Ford took a bit too long with it I think but if it comes to market EARLY 2008 it'll probably hold up well against the Acadia and company.

What's wrong with Taurus X?

Looks like a Ford Edge got mixed in with a Scion Xb a little bit.

isn't the ford edge a close twin to the cx-7? and don't they share the same transmission with the gm crossovers?

I actually like the look, especially the black glass all around. It does seem xB like. I think the sides you refer to is the plastic cladding on the pontiacs...at least here they are stamped into the sheetmetal.

Even though it only has two rows, the Edge is more closely related to the three-row Mazda CX-9. The six-speed automatic transmission in the CX-9 is an Aisin-sourced unit, not the GM/Ford six-speed automatic.

I do like this but it seems to be missing something. I think the front end needs a bit more development especially below the grille. I agree with Dan that the side indentation lines should go. One would probably look good but four is a bit much.

It looks like white roofs are the next design trend (restarted by the new Mini when it debuted in '02). The wraparound glass is a nice touch to hide the b/c pillars. I also like the suicide doors.

I'm not a fan of the "Flex" name but given the layout it may be a competitor for the Honda Element. It's definitely boxy and you add the suicide doors and you have an Element challenger. It's certainly more handsome and styled than the Element. I give Ford credit for introducing new and interesting designs. It needs to take some chances to generate some buzz and get back on its feet. I think the Fairlane name would be a better choice though.

What is all this "cross-over" stuff? It's a station wagon. Ford needs to think a little more beyond the 3 bar grill, I don't want a car that looks like a super duty pickup. I like the overall styling, and having a box really makes interior room practical. I wish ford would make a 500 wagon, but stay away from the view robbing high door/low roof "dodge" effect. Well, that's my $.02 for what it's worth.

John P,

The Ford Freestyle (Taurus X for 2008) IS a 500 wagon. The same chassis, interior etc.

Regards

Dave

Back in the day, I thought these cars were called station-wagons. ;)

Make it a 350-400 lb-ft V-8, AWD and 6-speed and I'll take one, please. I'll have a few of the aesthetic details fixed in no time.

yeah, this is a great car. this is by far one of the best looking and best convenient i have seen in my life. now if only we knew what the mileage of the car would be...

Part of Ford's problem is the re-naming of their vehicles every other year. Instead of playing on nostalgia and naming it what the successful concept was called, "Fairlane", they try to be trendy. How many times have Honda or Toyota changed the names of their vehicles? If Ford had simply called the 500 the Taurus right away, it probably wouldn't have fizzled out as quickly as it did. I can understand how Ford would want to distance themselves from any associations of previous lemons that they have put out (ie Windstar, Freestar). And since the Flex could be viewed as a replacement to the aformentioned lemons, fresh is good I suppose.

Otherwise I LOVE the retro styling of this thing. I like the boxy, tough-looking, truck-like design elements being used on the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Charger, Chevy HHR, and now the Ford Flex. The three bar chrome grill is one of the better looking design elements Ford has implemented lately. I'm sick of the cookie-cutter, conservative, play-it-safe crap coming out of Europe and Asia.

When my 1999 Windstar finally dies, I will be looking at hauling my kids in one of these. Personally I think it is a very cool replacement to the much maligned minivan segment. I would take it over a Sienna or Odyssey on design alone.

I like the retro/modern style that Ford has done here.

drive safely!

this vehicle will have windshield problems.
too many rocks kicked up on the road will crack them.

Its a nice looking vehicle, but poorly designed for real world application.

Just look at the problems Scion has with their Xb's and you will understand