Why is it called a Ford Flex?

Why is it called a Ford Flex?
The Ford Flex was designed as a full-size crossover SUV or MPV that was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from the 2009 to 2019 model years. It was introduced as the successor to the Ford Taurus X and functionally replaced the Ford Freestar minivan. The model line was slightly larger than its predecessor and was sized alongside the full-sized Ford Explorer in the Ford model line, being marginally longer, yet not as tall as the Explorer. The Flex was initially introduced as a concept vehicle in 2005, and the model line shifted body configurations from an MPV to a 5-door wagon for production to better meet consumer demand.
The name “Flex” was chosen for this vehicle, and it was designed with an independent rear suspension system and a traction control system called AdvanceTrac. The Ford Flex was powered by two different 3.5 L V6 engines, both paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The standard engine was a naturally-aspirated Duratec V6, initially producing 262 hp, which was increased in output to 287 hp for the 2013 model year.

What does Flex mean in a car?

Flexible fuel vehicles
Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) have an internal combustion engine and are capable of operating on gasoline and any blend of gasoline and ethanol up to 83%. E85 (or flex fuel) is a gasoline-ethanol blend containing 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season.

Is the Ford Flex built on a truck frame?

Is the Ford Flex built on a truck frame? Unlike some SUVs built on a truck or van frame, Ford uses a passenger car platform re-engineered for crossover SUVs to underpin the Ford Flex.

Is a Ford Flex a truck or SUV?

crossover SUV
The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover SUV or MPV that was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company; a single generation was produced from the 2009 to 2019 model years. Introduced as the successor to the Ford Taurus X, the model line also functionally replaced the Ford Freestar minivan.

Did Ford discontinue the Flex?

The 3-row mid-size crossover SUV was retired in 2019– the final year Ford manufactured the Flex.

What are the cons of a Ford Flex?

Here are three cons that stood out the most:

• Low-quality audio system.
• Boring base engine.
• Unimpressive interior.

What was the point of the Ford Flex?

The Ford Flex was an attempt at being in the mini-van Auto segment without the look of one. First, a bit of history, Ford should have been the first to create a minivan. When Lee Iacocca left Ford to run Chrysler he took the minimax idea with him.

Why were Ford Flex discontinued?

“It gained a loyal following as a stylish, roomy wagon blending sport/utility vehicle and minivan capability in a low-slung retro-inspired package.” Ford said the decision to kill the Flex grew out of its “plan to strengthen its focus on products in the heart of the fastest-growing segments.”

What does Flex mean on a Ford?

Whereas a regular vehicle has to run on gasoline, flex-fuel vehicles are able to run on ethanol, gasoline, or a mixture of the two. The vehicles are equipped with a special sensor that determines which type of fuel is being used and accordingly adjusts how the vehicle should run.

Is Ford Flex a reliable car?

The Ford Flex Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 7th out of 8 for minivans. The average annual repair cost is $713 which means it has average ownership costs. The frequency and severity of repairs are both fairly average when compared with all other vehicles.

What are the most common problems with the Ford Flex?

Some of the most common Ford Flex problems include alternator, fuel pump control module, and electronic power-steering assist issues.