GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Love the review mmarshall

I love the flex simply b/c it's a damn good looking suv ala pseudo Range Ranger sport for half the price.

Sucks that we need 2 more seats

Way to go Ford

mmarshall

Thanks.

Keep in mind, though, even money aside, that Land Rover products are notorious for spending more time in the repair shop than out.



2 more seats? Gee...how big is your family? The Flex, as it is, can seat at least 7 people, providing that the two in the 3rd-row seat are children or small adults.

Though the standard engine/transmission, as I noted in the review, is pretty impressive, if you're going to regularly drive with 7 people in it, especially in steep or hilly areas, you may want to consider the Ecoboost.

mmarshall

Thanks. I'd heard rumors about the MKT, but I didn't know (yet) whether it was a go or no-go. As far as a Mercury version, I noted a couple of posts back that the Ford people probably didn't see a need for a Mercury version. If they change their minds, though, the existing Limited would probably make a good Mercury version.

mmarshall

I mentioned that in the review....that base models start below 30K.



I've seen some RX350 models in my area for under 40K...but it takes a little searching and some bargaining on the price.

But, as for a 40K RX Hybrid, you're right............forget it.

mmarshall

Thanks.

Yes, they are "progressive" in the sense that the harder you push, the more you stop (as with virtually all brakes), but I found the pedal very spongy and ineffective....especially compared to a number of German vehicles I've tried. I've noticed that pattern on a number of Ford/GM-designed trucks and SUVs....though it is better than in the past.

They could put a little quicker ratio into the rack and steering system...the response with the present system, even though it is not supposed to be a sports car, is quite slow. Steering response is not always suspension or tire-related....sometimes it is a function of the worm-ratio gearing in the steering rack itself. In many modern vehicles, it can also vary by vehicle speed and/or engine RPM.


How would you compare it to your Explorer?

Somewhat like a grown-up Scion xB.

lamar411

good review as always mmarshal. I like the Flex a lot the Edmunds/Insideline has one in there fleet and that made it a lot more intresting because of all the good compliments they gave it. I saw a base one in red at a local hotel and it looked horrible. The wheels on the base model look horrible... how much is the ecoboost option?

mmarshall

Thanks.


I agree. Except for the somewhat spongy brakes, poor brake pedal location, and road noise on coarse-surface roads, I found it a quite well-designed and competent vehicle.



I can't comment on the specific base one you saw, but the Limited model, especially with the two-tone roof option, adds some bling and, IMO, contributes to the car's looks.

For the Ecoboost option and package prices, check the "Build your own" feature on Ford's website. It gives the official factory pricing. The Ecoboost option prices seems to vary with the trim model ordered, but generally runs between $1500-$2000. What you may pay for it, however, may also depend on what the local dealer asks for it, because of the Ecoboost's order-only policy and supply/demand issues.

mmarshall

One of my friends pointed out that I did not mention the drink-cooler built into the console, which is an option on some models, so I'll bring that up here.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

agreed, but low effort at least.

definitely not the same! the flex is much more forgiving/smoother over small road imperfections. the explorer is 'jiggly'/stiff unless the road is very smooth. amazingly, my miata goes over speed bumps (slowly of course) much more comfortably (less up/down motion) than my explorer.

the flex's v6 (i didn't have an ecoboost) was quite adequate but the v8 in my explorer is great, although the transmission in the flex is smoother than the one in the explorer. but i still love the sound and responsiveness of the v8. it's one of my little pleasures in life.

the explorer is VERY quiet inside when in motion, quieter than the flex i'd say.

my explorer limited interior looks a bit more 'formal' or something than the flex, the latter with it's silver plastic (which i don't like on any car) and the blue instrumentation. i wish my explorer had sync though (wasn't available on '06 model i have) - that seems really great.

space wise the flex may be a bit wider and maybe a touch longer and of course is a big 'box' - great for cargo. the explorer has the most front leg room of ANY vehicle i've ever been in though, a consideration for my long extremities (6'3"). as i recall, the flex's front seats didn't quite go back far enough for me.

good description.

i think you reviewed the Edge before too? with ford having the edge, the flex, and the explorer, and of course the escape and expedition, it seems a bit much in the suv department!!! but each has its market niche though. besides the expedition my explorer can out tow all the others easily.

SLegacy99

I've seen them at MY end clearence. FWD though.

mmarshall

That probably reflects the Explorer's truck-based chassis and its off-road-capable suspension. What is remarkable, though is that (taking your word for it) the Miata has a more comfortable ride with a much shorter wheelbase and much lighter weight....both of which generally work against ride quality.

It's hard to beat the Flex's 6-speed automatic....even without a manual-shift function, it's one of the best 6-speeds I've experienced, especially for an SUV.


Thanks.

No......I didn't get any requests for it, and I personally wasn't that interested in it.


Yes, Ford does seem to have some overlap in the SUV department.....I noted tat in the review. Your Explorer can out-tow everything but the Expedition because that is what it was designed to do.....it is truck-based.