In was clear back in 1972 Ford Carousel minivan concept car just barely missed its’ chance. Since then Ford has made several attempts at a mini van, that soccer moms would love. The first production model was the Ford Aerostar which was produced from 1986 to1999. Then came alone the Ford Windstar from1997 to 2004. Followed by the Ford Freestar from 2004 to 02007. Now we have the Ford Flex from 2008 to today.
Edmund’s.com calls this seven-passenger space, a refined ride with a excellent safety score. On board is several high tech features, a strong turbocharged engine option, and its’ unique styling. Edmund’s.com does not like the transmission’s slowness to down shift, and the smaller cargo space.
I was surprised when I read Truth About Cars’ review of the Flex. They praised it up one side and down the other. The review was a little too much of sicking sweet, for my liking.
The Ford Flex give you the option of what is called, “EcoBoost turbocharged engine”. The EcoBoost doesbundles direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions and reduce vehicle weight, while offering the performance of a bigger engine.
The Flex comes with a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 262 hp, thus giving you 17 mpg to 24 mpg. Now with the EcoBoost engine you get a 3.5 liter V6 putting to the wheels a 355 hp. The EcoBoost promises you 18 to 22 mpg. I personally would of have expected a little more fuel economy from an engine named EcoBoost.
I am finding owner forums like for the Ford Flex give me a lot more information about what is really going on behind the scenes with a car. You will often see problems there long before they hit the national news.
Ford Mini Van will run you from $28,000 to 42,000 depending if you opt for theEcoBoost engine.
Bottom-line: I am not excited about the Ford Flex. However, US News and World Report gave it an 8 out of 10 rating. That is a good rating, but look a how many time Ford has started with a mini van model and after a few years dropped it for another.
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