@@hiw1cme2chilis only if theres like 4 inches of snow even then I'd take an Outback for ultimate stability. The AWD system in the Flex is severely lacking. I have a 2019 model and i have slipped in the rain and the tires are brand new. I actually have a 2019 outback as a rental because some idiot sideswiped my Flex. With that being said... A few reasons why the Outback is superior. When pulling from a stop the Flex starts in 2WD which sucks because you really have to mash the pedal to even get to engage the AWD and when/if it does come on it is always late and you have already started to slip and it becomes a nuisance frankly because when you get an AWD vehicle you expect it to perform better in inclement weather but it does not. With the Subaru i have NO feeling of slippage or any type of uncertainty ( other than the outback seems a bit tippy and not engaging to drive ) but when the weather was rainy and unfavorable i still had full control. Now i havent had the Flex or Subaru in the snow yet ( only had the Flex for just over a year and we havent had snow since 2018 ) so i can't say if the AWD system in the Flex may improve as the temperature and weather get significantly more difficult to get through and if it'll engage the AWD more and stay stable. I doubt it. But i do enjoy driving the Flex much more and the Ford just feels planted and like you're inside the car. The Outback feels like you're sitting on the seats and just there no comfort and the engine is dreadful ! The CVT rocks though. Thanks, ~Aaron
@@RogueAgentX Well that's why they built the Subaru Ascent .. But update since i posted my first comment. I did have both of the cars in the snow after i got my Flex back. The Outback was an absolute monster in the snow i could drive as fast as i wanted with little to no limits. It was as if i was driving in lite rain. Very capable in handling any terrain. Now after i got the Flex back i noticed immediately how lacking and almost useless the AWD system is in the Flex. It doesn't help in cornering, and it doesn't engage nearly as much as it should. I learned later that this is a different design AWD system then say a Ford Edge which i had a 2014.. Anyway back to the Flex it totally is an unsafe car for any snow or any type of slippery terrain like mud. The AWD system just isn't capable enough to keep you feeling sure footed. I have slipped and slid on the same streets that i zipped around in the Subie so effortlessly .. I have been thinking about trading for an Ascent next year granted it has a better interior than the Outback. If not i can see myself trading for an MDX but this is definitely my last Ford. Just not worth the money any longer. All of their products are inferior in quality.
I have to point out that, as a wheelchair user, having a tailgate button mounted inside the car rather than high up on the gate itself, is phenomenally more PRACTICAL approach than somewhere I can hardly reach and then have to avoid in a panic, so I don't get hit!
Just bought a 2012 Flex SEL, pretty happy with it so far. Rides good in impeccable interior condition with 94,000 miles on it. SEL is the second highest trim just below the Flex Platinum which comes with a 2nd row refridgerator between the two bucket seats.
Just got one for the wife, she absolutely loves it. Plenty of room for the grandkids and all their stuff too. I'll keep my F150 and Harley but it's great for her.
As a ford flex owner , this car was literally made for dads who didn't want to drive minivans and if you live in the state of California this car / SUV whatever you guys want to describe is god-sent with traffic with averaging 20 to 24 miles per gallon and only taking $40 to fill up
These are hot items used and have excellent resale value. The ecoboost cars are especially dear, even with 150,000+ miles on them.....the car is bulletproof and screwed together very well.
I was thinking the ither day that our 2013 just had to be the child of a 2001 Ford Windstar SEL (Betty)and a 2006 Lincoln Navigator Ultimate (Barney). We've had both previously and the resemblance is there. Ours looks like both its Mamma and its Daddy. The Kodiak Brown Metallic is such a dark brown that most people think it's black, until they see it in the sun, and it goes so well with the tan leather interior. My wife and I both love it.
its the best sleeper nobody outside the USA has heard of. its a AWD twin turbo V6 from the ford taurus SHO but has 7 seats. you can google many videos of these demolishing bigger cars
Saw one of these in the U.K. once and that huge Ford badge on the back looks great! The square number plate tells you it ain’t common. Wish there were more around here
I passed you on Alligator Alley last weekend. I definitely thought "why would anyone drive that 3 wheeled go kart on the highway!" :) Hitting the subscribe button!
The boot button is located there in my WK2 too. It’s actually really helpful when you are holding something heavy as you haven’t gotta lift your stuff up, or place it down on the floor before pressing it. Oversight on your part.
I have a 2016 Limited with the appearance package and 20” wheels. I absolutely love it. Very practical and love the way it looks, especially with the appearance package.
I drove a Flex in Manchester, UK, and love it. I am a very large, disabled man and it suited me fine, and had plenty of room for my wheelchair in the back too. Super comfortable ride and a finish not unlike my old Jaguar S-type SE (made by Ford, and sharing parts with the Lincoln). Just wish they made a RHD version.
Love the video. I can see you tried so hard not to like the car but you just couldn’t. I have a 2019 SEL Model, all black and I love it for carting the kiddies around. Rides great on the highway and in town. Lots of room inside. I could pick away at things I think are odd or not right but all in all it’s a nice car
I bought my mother same like this car Model year 2014. My mother loves it cus it is low. Also, my sisters and their kids can go one time with mom to a park or mall. It can go up to up to 600,000 km with no issues. Just change liquids and you are just fine. Very comfort car and reliable and cheaper spare parts and it's FORD everywhere you can find it in Saudi Arabia. It is much better than TOYOTA cars because they are very hard cars on back and neck. I love this car. I own Mercedes Benz GLC250 and it is even better by miles. I also have Mitsubishi Pajero a car you love but not comfortable nor good on mileage if you have gasoline one. But you will fall in love with Pajero. I don't know but may be because of the steering wheel is like old Mercedes Benz 300 SEL I had
There was one in the Guildford area. (Parked near the NHS place) that someone obviously imported over. I have to say when i first caught eyes on it. Its was a real WTF is that moment. Especially in the UK.
I love my 2018 Ecoboost. And the button for the rear hatch is in the perfect spot. I don't have to lift what I'm pulling out of the back, to push the button. My wife has had a Highlander and now has a Pilot and the button is in a stupid spot.
I had one of these as a hire car in Canada and drive it half way across the continent. It was great! If they were available here in Aus, I would have got one over a Kia Carnival...
Great video, im getting one of these vehicles to do deliveries. I enjoyed listening to you talk about the "American quirks" I know you weren't making jokes but I got a few chuckles with you pointing out all the things you found strange lol
The button for the tailgate on the outside is just above the license plate, where it has been on various Ford and Lincoln models for over a decade. There is also one on the dash (on the lower left side, which IS weird). The harsh ride is from people using the tire pressure listed on the tire, and not what is specified on the door label (35 psi.). That makes a pretty big difference in road noise, too. And Ford is bringing it back. They just announced it recently.
Having just come from a trip to Scotland where I drove in the UK for the first time, I relate to all your comments about wanting to blame the SatNav for my driving failures. Hope your enjoyed your US trip. Glad you dodged all the CV stuff.
This review sums up all the reasons to buy the Flex as negatives. I find the Flex to be quiet, agile, well-built with a nice looking interior and lots of great features for a fair price. The car is spacious and it performs incredibly well when equipped with the Ecoboost engine. I was dumbfounded when the narrator so subtly yet snobbish humblebragged about his Mercedes S-class. This is a Ford that costs a half to a third as much as the S-class.....who in their right mind would categorize the Ford Flex with an S-class?
His S-class was a very cheap old W220 S500 built when he was only just into his teens - and the comparison is somewhat apt in terms of overall size, weight and power.
My family fleet is a Mini Clubman with a 6spd manual and a 7 passenger Flex. While the Flex has a number of interesting design choices it has nothing on the Mini, which is a monument to idiotic styling/design quirks. Like the Mini, you get used to it over time. As a gigantic family hauler that's incredibly easy to live with, the Flex is brilliant. Huge interior, excellent driving dynamics and distinctive styling, whats not to love.
We had a 2017 Expedition 8 seater 3.5 Ecoboost on holiday in Orlando. Really fell in love with it with its wafty huge nature - was surprisingly fast actually! The plastics were weird though and I suspect it’s an American car thing. But still loved it
That's strange, because I love my Ford Flex. Traded in a Limited for an Ecoboost Turbo, and loved them both. And this is from a guy who also owns two Escalades and a Dodge Charger SRT. I feel like I'm getting best of all cars in ONE with the Flex. Base model offers 287hp, which is no slouch, but the Ecoboost comes with the 365hp with effortless Turbo kick in. I don't know what leather window sill would offer that the rubber sill doesn't? Do you plan on caressing it while driving? Leather stains, and ain't easy to clean. Especially areas that are constantly getting body oil and grime, like arm rest areas. Anybody who's had a leather middle storage arm rest knows this, because they probably have a big stain there. So I actually prefer the rubber on the sill. Also, Flex actually has better leg room than the Escalade, uses less gas, and was almost half the cost. My Flex is also full time AWD. My Escalade Hybrid requires you set this feature. One overlooked design perk of 7-seaters, is the convenience of passenger vehicles that offer van-like height. Whereas big SUV's can be like climbing a small mountain to get into, you can slide right into the Flex as if it were a van. So, if you truly are transporting your elderly mother and father, I'm sure they noticed the convenience of getting into a lower automobile. So do old and small dogs. My 6 year old daughter still asks for help getting in and out of the Escalade. Not convenient for parents. Also cool, is that you can lay down the rear seats and have a pretty good size truck bed. Mine is even powered. Rear row also turns over to face the rear gate for tailgate party seating. How many cars do that? One more thing, I love the shape. That's why I looked into them. It's unique. At my age, I'm growing past Sports cars. So many sports cars in my town causing noise disturbances at 2am in the morning, and donut burnouts marking up every single intersection in town has waned my love of sports cars. Unruly sports car owners ruining our town. I barely drive my SRT anymore because I don't want to be associated with those idiots, and honestly thinking about selling it. So the Flex may not be for all, but it is definitely for me. And every Flex owner that I've met agrees. In short, .....we couldn't disagree with you more. Peace!!
I really love the looks of the Flex. I really hate the large size of it and the MPG. If they made a smaller and more fuel effecient model I'd probably be in line to buy one. Until then, I have a Scion xB that does me fine.
I got a 2017 base model that I plan auto-crossing in. It being the base model makes it Lite Weight and with the 290hp the biggest issue I'll have is the understeer and lift off oversteer. I'm one of those super skilled drivers that never had the luck to go racing.... If my spine didn't keep me in pain for the last 26 years, my life would have been way better! I love my Flex and the only issue I have with it is the plan looking color (dark sliver metallic) If I had the money it would be back with red accents and trim. I went from driving a 2011 Crown Vic x-police car to the Flex after I got rear ended putting an end to my car and me driving for work. The Flex was the only thing I could drive without lots of pain. I still miss my Crown Vic, she was a beast and I never had issues with slow drivers in the fast lanes!
Tailgate button, on the key-bob, on the dash left of steering wheel. On the left side just inside the the rear when the tailgate is open, forth button is in the license plate holder center of tailgate.
Common issue on the 3.5. Really dumb design flaw on ford's part puting the water pump behind the timing cover, but other than that they're pretty good engines for v6s.
A little confusing because the video is primarily very critical but then he says “ya know, I kinda like it”. Not to mention, some glaring contradictions like an “atrocious” stereo in the beginning and then later praises it...? The Flex has its faults but at least has its own identity and proudly stands out in a crowd. It’s a shame Ford didn’t continue with a true 2nd generation. It fills a niche where wagons are few and far between, SUVs all look the same and for many families who just don’t want a minivan.
Ya know i dont think they could make it look much better but what they should have done is gave it the 10 speed from the F-150 and gave it LED headlights standard from the Explorer and called it an anniversary edition and gave it special paint and called it a day
That looks more like Palm Beach, than Miami. My guess is PBG Palm Beach Gardens.. Not enough traffic for Miami... lol I did enjoy this video series to Florida. At the track with the Porsche, your crazy sling shot trip! Lol...And now a relaxing tour of S. Florida nice!
7:15 wait having the button inside the car isn’t normal, every car I’ve ever seen have a power tailgate has had the button inside on the left wall of the cargo area.
The peasant spec models are huge in the Uber industry. It's one of the cheaper UberX options new and ex rental used models are silly cheap. Uber should have been a trim level from the factory 😉
Now you understand why so many Americans by what Europeans consider to be large crossovers/SUVs. It’s more about space and practicality than it is other things.
Queer Flex owner in Buffalo....175,000 miles 280,000km. Best vehicle ever....durable, luxurious, dependable, spacious, comfortable, quiet, cheap to fix, with AWD, nothing can compare to the Flex's traction and roadholding. Your niggling complaints are peas and carrots. I dont understand your gripe about the auto hatch closer....the struts dont clash in my car.
Out of curiosity, what were some of the other options? I don't exactly see this as someone's first choice (well, unless you wanted a strange car to make a video out of).
I too prefer to use Alamo in the US and Canada. Typical options are Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Armada with the 5.6 V8, Ford Expedition, Cadillac Escalade (never seem to have the badge engineered GMC Yukon, I'd love a Denali).
That car has been sold for a long time, it has not been updated in quite a number of years. They don't sell many of them; I believe it is being discontinued soon if not already. Nevertheless some people like it; better than a big SUV, and not a minivan. Although I still think an American size minivan is the best option. You would've been happier with a Honda Odyssey or Toyota sienna.
They're only showing 2019s to purchase on ford.com when most other cars are showing 2020, so I think it's probably going away. It's a shame because I've always liked their bigness and style without being generic SUV.
@@visionist7 and pay double the price to purchase then spend half your life driving a service car on loan from the shop? No, thanks. I like my cars affordable and reliable.
Its a better car than the Ford Edge and Ford Exploder in pretty much everyway - quicker, more useful storage, better handling, more comfortable. But it doesn't have the pretend off road look (and many people are under the crazy impression that the Explorer is anything other than a bread van with build quality issues).
That's not Miami. That's the city of Miramar. I used to live in and still have family living in silver lakes where you were doing alot of the driving. I have to agree with you the roads around there aren't very well laid out
As to this model, these tend to be bought by Ford loyalists. In more affluent cities you just don’t see many. You are more likely to see something smaller like an RX/Highlander or equivalent Kia/Hyundai product or for those wanting something larger a vehicle like a Tahoe or larger cab pickup.
Actually, the Flex is not bought by Ford loyalists. It is bought by Flex loyalists. And the highest concentration of Flexes seem to be in Southern California.
You fussing about that ugly Ford, here in the states the Range Rover is a utter mess, unreliable always breaking down and in the wrecking yards you will find many Range Rovers cheap but nobody wants to waste money buying salvage Range Rovers and fixing it then breaking down again, nice looking vehicle but an utter disaster.
From the front end, it certainly looks like Ford's attempt of a _compressed_ Range Rover. As for the rear end, it's just downright atrocious. That 2-tone tailgate is so wrong.
Ah, Ford Flex. Designed by a British man and assembled in Canada. Not the definition of an American icon. The Flex is also not a very common car in the US despite being made for so long. The platform was popular with chauffeurs and funeral homes, though, with the Lincoln MKT. Many hearses.
herses have updated from wagons to crossovers? (which are basically raised wagons anyway i guess) the last time i saw one it was still a 70s or 80s car, but that was in the UK and almost 10 years ago now
What do you think about driving , in general, here in Miami? I find it extremely boring. No canyons to escape to like in California or twisty backroads like the UK...(.as far as I can tell in your videos)
Felice Graziano no because nobody in Europe is dumb enough to buy a car like this. Our European rental was a nice mid trim Megan's sport tourer. Nice smaller rims. 6 speed manual. Great package. The closest thing to that you can buy in America is the Nissan Rogue that only comes with a cvt trans, you guys are so lucky with the nice cars you get over there.
@@saturndesigns2339 our sports rentals are a lot more expensive though. I can hire a V8 Mustang convertible with the manual in California for a normal sum a day on Turo. In Eurupe they'd charge easily double if not triple - for a V6 or even an inline 4 automatic.
@@visionist7 Europe doesn't get the V6 Mustang I believe, just the 4 cylinder ecoboost and then the V8? (Europe only got Mustangs at all a couple years ago) I might be wrong on that, CBA to check, but I'm 100% one of the engines on the American lineup is missing anyway. Plus the Mustang is like a £40-50k car instead of $30-40k, bearing in mind £40k is about $50k, so even the base model is pricier here than some pretty high up models in America. Obviously not the super max special edition Mustangs, those are a lot more, but yeah. The extra price is largely due to the import tax I believe, since it's a Made in America car, similar to various cheap European cars not getting sold in the USA because the tax eats up their value proposition - but the second hand market for imports (and RHD conversions in the UK) were strong enough for multiple decades that I guess they decided there's still demand even with the price hike? They do convert some things, like adding amber rear indicators, but I guess that's not enough to disqualify it from the tax.
James why don’t you love me anymore? You used to talk to me. Now I worry we are growing apart. Is it something I said? Have I not paid you enough attention. Talk to me bby.
It looks like a range rover for folks that don't want to look a complete (insert words here) or are on a budget... Mind you knowing Ford it'll not be cheap!
I was unlucky enough to get one of these for a rental. Pretty ugly, drives like a boat - but if you have shit to shift it's on the money. These have been out for an age but you hardly ever see them, I suspect the rental companies have taken them off Ford at a discount
You know what, I actually like the styling a lot. If they bought it to the UK and put a diesel in it they would've at least sold 10.
2.0TDI version with the Titanium trim would be a good "mum" car.
No more than 8, unless you bought two.
The 7-seater for those who aren't deluding themselves about needing off-road capabilities.
With awd it’s somewhat capable comparable to a Subaru Outback
@@hiw1cme2chilis only if theres like 4 inches of snow even then I'd take an Outback for ultimate stability. The AWD system in the Flex is severely lacking. I have a 2019 model and i have slipped in the rain and the tires are brand new. I actually have a 2019 outback as a rental because some idiot sideswiped my Flex.
With that being said...
A few reasons why the Outback is superior.
When pulling from a stop the Flex starts in 2WD which sucks because you really have to mash the pedal to even get to engage the AWD and when/if it does come on it is always late and you have already started to slip and it becomes a nuisance frankly because when you get an AWD vehicle you expect it to perform better in inclement weather but it does not.
With the Subaru i have NO feeling of slippage or any type of uncertainty ( other than the outback seems a bit tippy and not engaging to drive ) but when the weather was rainy and unfavorable i still had full control.
Now i havent had the Flex or Subaru in the snow yet ( only had the Flex for just over a year and we havent had snow since 2018 ) so i can't say if the AWD system in the Flex may improve as the temperature and weather get significantly more difficult to get through and if it'll engage the AWD more and stay stable. I doubt it.
But i do enjoy driving the Flex much more and the Ford just feels planted and like you're inside the car. The Outback feels like you're sitting on the seats and just there no comfort and the engine is dreadful ! The CVT rocks though.
Thanks, ~Aaron
@@aayonce4 too bad an outback can't hold 7 people. Not an option for many
@@RogueAgentX Well that's why they built the Subaru Ascent ..
But update since i posted my first comment.
I did have both of the cars in the snow after i got my Flex back.
The Outback was an absolute monster in the snow i could drive as fast as i wanted with little to no limits. It was as if i was driving in lite rain. Very capable in handling any terrain.
Now after i got the Flex back i noticed immediately how lacking and almost useless the AWD system is in the Flex.
It doesn't help in cornering, and it doesn't engage nearly as much as it should. I learned later that this is a different design AWD system then say a Ford Edge which i had a 2014..
Anyway back to the Flex it totally is an unsafe car for any snow or any type of slippery terrain like mud. The AWD system just isn't capable enough to keep you feeling sure footed. I have slipped and slid on the same streets that i zipped around in the Subie so effortlessly ..
I have been thinking about trading for an Ascent next year granted it has a better interior than the Outback. If not i can see myself trading for an MDX but this is definitely my last Ford. Just not worth the money any longer. All of their products are inferior in quality.
It's a suburban cruiser that's ok not everyone wants a heavy full time 4WD
I have to point out that, as a wheelchair user, having a tailgate button mounted inside the car rather than high up on the gate itself, is phenomenally more PRACTICAL approach than somewhere I can hardly reach and then have to avoid in a panic, so I don't get hit!
I have a 2012 Titanium with Eco Boost, 365hp twin turbo, with 155K miles on it. Absolutely a great road car.
The titanium ( mine is black ) was only made in 4 colors and two years ...2011 and 2012......very rare ...about 2000 total titanium editions built
Just bought a 2012 Flex SEL, pretty happy with it so far. Rides good in impeccable interior condition with 94,000 miles on it. SEL is the second highest trim just below the Flex Platinum which comes with a 2nd row refridgerator between the two bucket seats.
Just got one for the wife, she absolutely loves it. Plenty of room for the grandkids and all their stuff too. I'll keep my F150 and Harley but it's great for her.
Can't lie, it looks amazing
As a ford flex owner , this car was literally made for dads who didn't want to drive minivans and if you live in the state of California this car / SUV whatever you guys want to describe is god-sent with traffic with averaging 20 to 24 miles per gallon and only taking $40 to fill up
Yet objectively it is a minivan. Just a boxier one than most.
Weird Flex but ok
These are hot items used and have excellent resale value. The ecoboost cars are especially dear, even with 150,000+ miles on them.....the car is bulletproof and screwed together very well.
The Ford Flex, a crash between a Scion XB and a Caddilac Escalade...
I was thinking the ither day that our 2013 just had to be the child of a 2001 Ford Windstar SEL (Betty)and a 2006 Lincoln Navigator Ultimate (Barney). We've had both previously and the resemblance is there. Ours looks like both its Mamma and its Daddy. The Kodiak Brown Metallic is such a dark brown that most people think it's black, until they see it in the sun, and it goes so well with the tan leather interior. My wife and I both love it.
its the best sleeper nobody outside the USA has heard of. its a AWD twin turbo V6 from the ford taurus SHO but has 7 seats. you can google many videos of these demolishing bigger cars
Saw one of these in the U.K. once and that huge Ford badge on the back looks great! The square number plate tells you it ain’t common. Wish there were more around here
NO ONE realizes how quick the ecoboost on is, certainly good for a laugh at the lights !!
I passed you on Alligator Alley last weekend. I definitely thought "why would anyone drive that 3 wheeled go kart on the highway!" :) Hitting the subscribe button!
I rather like its styling, it has the "current version of a 1930s saloon" look to it.
The boot button is located there in my WK2 too. It’s actually really helpful when you are holding something heavy as you haven’t gotta lift your stuff up, or place it down on the floor before pressing it. Oversight on your part.
I have a 2016 Limited with the appearance package and 20” wheels. I absolutely love it. Very practical and love the way it looks, especially with the appearance package.
I drove a Flex in Manchester, UK, and love it. I am a very large, disabled man and it suited me fine, and had plenty of room for my wheelchair in the back too. Super comfortable ride and a finish not unlike my old Jaguar S-type SE (made by Ford, and sharing parts with the Lincoln). Just wish they made a RHD version.
Love the video. I can see you tried so hard not to like the car but you just couldn’t. I have a 2019 SEL Model, all black and I love it for carting the kiddies around. Rides great on the highway and in town. Lots of room inside. I could pick away at things I think are odd or not right but all in all it’s a nice car
Hey i have a 2019 too 👍🏿 i love the thing !! Other than the headlights thet suck im going to upgrade to the HID bulb
I bought my mother same like this car Model year 2014.
My mother loves it cus it is low. Also, my sisters and their kids can go one time with mom to a park or mall. It can go up to up to 600,000 km with no issues. Just change liquids and you are just fine. Very comfort car and reliable and cheaper spare parts and it's FORD everywhere you can find it in Saudi Arabia. It is much better than TOYOTA cars because they are very hard cars on back and neck. I love this car. I own Mercedes Benz GLC250 and it is even better by miles. I also have Mitsubishi Pajero a car you love but not comfortable nor good on mileage if you have gasoline one. But you will fall in love with Pajero. I don't know but may be because of the steering wheel is like old Mercedes Benz 300 SEL I had
There was one in the Guildford area. (Parked near the NHS place) that someone obviously imported over. I have to say when i first caught eyes on it. Its was a real WTF is that moment. Especially in the UK.
my favorite type of automotive content is any non american reviewing a USDM spec car. really shines a light on how bad our cars are.
I love my 2018 Ecoboost. And the button for the rear hatch is in the perfect spot. I don't have to lift what I'm pulling out of the back, to push the button. My wife has had a Highlander and now has a Pilot and the button is in a stupid spot.
I had one of these as a hire car in Canada and drive it half way across the continent. It was great! If they were available here in Aus, I would have got one over a Kia Carnival...
We had the same one when we where over there in Jan. I liked it.
4 adults in comfort plus a baby seat and large suitcases for everyone. Sounds like a crew cab pickup to me.
Thats surprising. The flex looks so modern, i didnt imagine the interior would be ford parts bin
Great video, im getting one of these vehicles to do deliveries.
I enjoyed listening to you talk about the "American quirks"
I know you weren't making jokes but I got a few chuckles with you pointing out all the things you found strange lol
The button for the tailgate on the outside is just above the license plate, where it has been on various Ford and Lincoln models for over a decade. There is also one on the dash (on the lower left side, which IS weird).
The harsh ride is from people using the tire pressure listed on the tire, and not what is specified on the door label (35 psi.). That makes a pretty big difference in road noise, too.
And Ford is bringing it back. They just announced it recently.
Ford announced no such thing, the Flex died for good in 2019 and is not coming back.
Having just come from a trip to Scotland where I drove in the UK for the first time, I relate to all your comments about wanting to blame the SatNav for my driving failures. Hope your enjoyed your US trip. Glad you dodged all the CV stuff.
This review sums up all the reasons to buy the Flex as negatives. I find the Flex to be quiet, agile, well-built with a nice looking interior and lots of great features for a fair price. The car is spacious and it performs incredibly well when equipped with the Ecoboost engine.
I was dumbfounded when the narrator so subtly yet snobbish humblebragged about his Mercedes S-class. This is a Ford that costs a half to a third as much as the S-class.....who in their right mind would categorize the Ford Flex with an S-class?
His S-class was a very cheap old W220 S500 built when he was only just into his teens - and the comparison is somewhat apt in terms of overall size, weight and power.
My family fleet is a Mini Clubman with a 6spd manual and a 7 passenger Flex. While the Flex has a number of interesting design choices it has nothing on the Mini, which is a monument to idiotic styling/design quirks. Like the Mini, you get used to it over time.
As a gigantic family hauler that's incredibly easy to live with, the Flex is brilliant. Huge interior, excellent driving dynamics and distinctive styling, whats not to love.
We had a 2017 Expedition 8 seater 3.5 Ecoboost on holiday in Orlando. Really fell in love with it with its wafty huge nature - was surprisingly fast actually! The plastics were weird though and I suspect it’s an American car thing. But still loved it
Do people ever STOP complaining?this vehicle is nice actually I like it. It is different and stands out
That's strange, because I love my Ford Flex. Traded in a Limited for an Ecoboost Turbo, and loved them both. And this is from a guy who also owns two Escalades and a Dodge Charger SRT. I feel like I'm getting best of all cars in ONE with the Flex. Base model offers 287hp, which is no slouch, but the Ecoboost comes with the 365hp with effortless Turbo kick in. I don't know what leather window sill would offer that the rubber sill doesn't? Do you plan on caressing it while driving? Leather stains, and ain't easy to clean. Especially areas that are constantly getting body oil and grime, like arm rest areas. Anybody who's had a leather middle storage arm rest knows this, because they probably have a big stain there. So I actually prefer the rubber on the sill. Also, Flex actually has better leg room than the Escalade, uses less gas, and was almost half the cost. My Flex is also full time AWD. My Escalade Hybrid requires you set this feature. One overlooked design perk of 7-seaters, is the convenience of passenger vehicles that offer van-like height. Whereas big SUV's can be like climbing a small mountain to get into, you can slide right into the Flex as if it were a van. So, if you truly are transporting your elderly mother and father, I'm sure they noticed the convenience of getting into a lower automobile. So do old and small dogs. My 6 year old daughter still asks for help getting in and out of the Escalade. Not convenient for parents. Also cool, is that you can lay down the rear seats and have a pretty good size truck bed. Mine is even powered. Rear row also turns over to face the rear gate for tailgate party seating. How many cars do that? One more thing, I love the shape. That's why I looked into them. It's unique. At my age, I'm growing past Sports cars. So many sports cars in my town causing noise disturbances at 2am in the morning, and donut burnouts marking up every single intersection in town has waned my love of sports cars. Unruly sports car owners ruining our town. I barely drive my SRT anymore because I don't want to be associated with those idiots, and honestly thinking about selling it. So the Flex may not be for all, but it is definitely for me. And every Flex owner that I've met agrees. In short, .....we couldn't disagree with you more. Peace!!
I think the guy did a terrible review. Almost all Flex owners love their Flexes.
I really love the looks of the Flex. I really hate the large size of it and the MPG. If they made a smaller and more fuel effecient model I'd probably be in line to buy one. Until then, I have a Scion xB that does me fine.
Get a Countryman.
Looks like an old shape Uk bread van. Not cheap for what it is and speck. Loving the content keep up the good work.
I’m pretty sure I invented this car as a kid from some cardboard boxes my dad let me play with
I got a 2017 base model that I plan auto-crossing in. It being the base model makes it Lite Weight and with the 290hp the biggest issue I'll have is the understeer and lift off oversteer. I'm one of those super skilled drivers that never had the luck to go racing.... If my spine didn't keep me in pain for the last 26 years, my life would have been way better! I love my Flex and the only issue I have with it is the plan looking color (dark sliver metallic) If I had the money it would be back with red accents and trim. I went from driving a 2011 Crown Vic x-police car to the Flex after I got rear ended putting an end to my car and me driving for work. The Flex was the only thing I could drive without lots of pain. I still miss my Crown Vic, she was a beast and I never had issues with slow drivers in the fast lanes!
Tailgate button, on the key-bob, on the dash left of steering wheel. On the left side just inside the the rear when the tailgate is open, forth button is in the license plate holder center of tailgate.
Friend of mine had one of those an oil seal let go @150K's letting the oil and water mix, game over for the engine
Common issue on the 3.5. Really dumb design flaw on ford's part puting the water pump behind the timing cover, but other than that they're pretty good engines for v6s.
This is one of the few trucks I like from Ford. The other is the Explorer
This isn't a truck... it's a car. A minivan. The Explorer isn't a truck either.
We need more reviews like this!
A little confusing because the video is primarily very critical but then he says “ya know, I kinda like it”. Not to mention, some glaring contradictions like an “atrocious” stereo in the beginning and then later praises it...?
The Flex has its faults but at least has its own identity and proudly stands out in a crowd. It’s a shame Ford didn’t continue with a true 2nd generation. It fills a niche where wagons are few and far between, SUVs all look the same and for many families who just don’t want a minivan.
Ya know i dont think they could make it look much better but what they should have done is gave it the 10 speed from the F-150 and gave it LED headlights standard from the Explorer and called it an anniversary edition and gave it special paint and called it a day
I never liked early attempts for power tailgates since they have regular gas struts in addition to a power,mechanical rod. Newer ones seem better.
What is about petrol cup?,size of petrol cup
That looks more like Palm Beach, than Miami.
My guess is PBG Palm Beach Gardens..
Not enough traffic for Miami... lol
I did enjoy this video series to Florida. At the track with the Porsche, your crazy sling shot trip! Lol...And now a relaxing tour of S. Florida nice!
It’s west Pembroke Pines past 75.
7:15 wait having the button inside the car isn’t normal, every car I’ve ever seen have a power tailgate has had the button inside on the left wall of the cargo area.
The peasant spec models are huge in the Uber industry. It's one of the cheaper UberX options new and ex rental used models are silly cheap. Uber should have been a trim level from the factory 😉
When we went to florida on holiday we rented a GMC Acadia was a really good car and had never seen a GMC before
You were in my hometown of Pembroke Pines! Should have messaged you, have a few cars you could have driven
Message me anyway, I will be back
Basically just an Expedition on a Taurus platform
Flex used to be called taurus x.
Dillon H freestyle
@@Ferraridude13 Taurus X
No
@@kyukyoku_ its gone through both
Now you understand why so many Americans by what Europeans consider to be large crossovers/SUVs. It’s more about space and practicality than it is other things.
Love that this is ripped into
In the UK, the closest comparison would be the Ford Galaxy minivan/ SMAX 2.5T
Kid Crack not really , probs more the Kia Sedona mk2 or the grand voyager
Nah it’s probably a Range Rover
What does the F stand for in the title I am confused
Nooo you stand on the side and reach your hand in to press the trunk close button
Sooooo you didn't even talk about the ecoboost option?
Looks like a mini armored car☺
@@jaex9617 LOL
@@jaex9617 that's what she said
So what's the hire price like over there for a mpv/crossover like that.
Good vid . Enjoy the rest of your holiday
Wasn't expensive at all - about £300 for the week
Pretty sure it’s less expensive, yet more reliable that a Range Rover. 😮
I have a 2018 Flex Ecoboost and disagree with this assessment.
Did you notice the fake piped in engine sound?
Flex doesn't have that.....where'd you read that???
Just so everyone knows. Florida's state MOTO IS " THINGS ARE DIFFERENT HERE ! "
Queer Flex owner in Buffalo....175,000 miles 280,000km. Best vehicle ever....durable, luxurious, dependable, spacious, comfortable, quiet, cheap to fix, with AWD, nothing can compare to the Flex's traction and roadholding. Your niggling complaints are peas and carrots.
I dont understand your gripe about the auto hatch closer....the struts dont clash in my car.
Where in Florida did you film this? If you don't mind my asking
Pembroke Pines
I think the European version would be something like a 7-Seater Citroen Berlingo (new Version). I like those practical and cheap to run cars.
Ever heard about the Citroen C8? My mom had one, was a lovely thing
@@mattymrj01 The more luxury approach to a Berlingo :-D
And the JayScore is....?
Out of curiosity, what were some of the other options? I don't exactly see this as someone's first choice (well, unless you wanted a strange car to make a video out of).
I too prefer to use Alamo in the US and Canada. Typical options are Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Armada with the 5.6 V8, Ford Expedition, Cadillac Escalade (never seem to have the badge engineered GMC Yukon, I'd love a Denali).
You should try to get in touch with Scotty kamel in Texas while you over there that will be amazing for you channel 👍🏽
That car has been sold for a long time, it has not been updated in quite a number of years. They don't sell many of them; I believe it is being discontinued soon if not already. Nevertheless some people like it; better than a big SUV, and not a minivan. Although I still think an American size minivan is the best option. You would've been happier with a Honda Odyssey or Toyota sienna.
They're only showing 2019s to purchase on ford.com when most other cars are showing 2020, so I think it's probably going away. It's a shame because I've always liked their bigness and style without being generic SUV.
I would have gone for a three row German SUV
Did you listen to the video? He mentions it coming out in 2009 with minor updates and although it is a 2019 model, it is no longer sold...
@@visionist7 and pay double the price to purchase then spend half your life driving a service car on loan from the shop? No, thanks. I like my cars affordable and reliable.
I don’t care what Ford says the Flex is a station wagon.
@@patrickmartin3322 still looks good aren't most SUVs just lifted station wagon
Its a better car than the Ford Edge and Ford Exploder in pretty much everyway - quicker, more useful storage, better handling, more comfortable. But it doesn't have the pretend off road look (and many people are under the crazy impression that the Explorer is anything other than a bread van with build quality issues).
That's not Miami. That's the city of Miramar. I used to live in and still have family living in silver lakes where you were doing alot of the driving. I have to agree with you the roads around there aren't very well laid out
and then I'm going to give it a Doug score...
As to this model, these tend to be bought by Ford loyalists. In more affluent cities you just don’t see many. You are more likely to see something smaller like an RX/Highlander or equivalent Kia/Hyundai product or for those wanting something larger a vehicle like a Tahoe or larger cab pickup.
Actually, the Flex is not bought by Ford loyalists. It is bought by Flex loyalists. And the highest concentration of Flexes seem to be in Southern California.
Surely the gas struts are there if thr electric one fails. I do agree though, poor design.
That tailgate is designed to class action proof for sure.🤑
You wouldn’t want to have no ability to open the trunk without a stick if the battery died.
"Peasant spec..." 🤣🤣🤣
Ford looked at the daihatsu materia and thought it would work well in the USA
There’s an imported one lives near me in Chester lol. Great cars and yes space like a big estate instead of the stupid SUV obsession
RichieT5 wouldn’t be a car channel comments section without a buthurt suv hater.
Even monster need love too.
THE Flex is an XL version of your famous MINI .....
Next time bring a few more people and rent a big Ford Transit 15-passenger van. It's the ultimate people mover.
You fussing about that ugly Ford, here in the states the Range Rover is a utter mess, unreliable always breaking down and in the wrecking yards you will find many Range Rovers cheap but nobody wants to waste money buying salvage Range Rovers and fixing it then breaking down again, nice looking vehicle but an utter disaster.
From the front end, it certainly looks like Ford's attempt of a _compressed_ Range Rover.
As for the rear end, it's just downright atrocious. That 2-tone tailgate is so wrong.
It's f'ugly - but the seats are pretty comfortable - I still traded mine for an Explorer when in Florida at the start of this year :)
3 thanks
Ah, Ford Flex. Designed by a British man and assembled in Canada. Not the definition of an American icon. The Flex is also not a very common car in the US despite being made for so long.
The platform was popular with chauffeurs and funeral homes, though, with the Lincoln MKT. Many hearses.
herses have updated from wagons to crossovers? (which are basically raised wagons anyway i guess) the last time i saw one it was still a 70s or 80s car, but that was in the UK and almost 10 years ago now
My sister calls mine “the Hearse”.
The MKT was a market failure, the Flex sold double the number it's entire run.
Bought it
What do you think about driving , in general, here in Miami? I find it extremely boring. No canyons to escape to like in California or twisty backroads like the UK...(.as far as I can tell in your videos)
Don't these have 350 horsepower? Imagine a family car in Europe with that kind of power
The basic version has 280. It is a big three row crossover after alll.
@@saturndesigns2339 in Europe it would only have half that
Felice Graziano no because nobody in Europe is dumb enough to buy a car like this. Our European rental was a nice mid trim Megan's sport tourer. Nice smaller rims. 6 speed manual. Great package. The closest thing to that you can buy in America is the Nissan Rogue that only comes with a cvt trans, you guys are so lucky with the nice cars you get over there.
@@saturndesigns2339 our sports rentals are a lot more expensive though. I can hire a V8 Mustang convertible with the manual in California for a normal sum a day on Turo. In Eurupe they'd charge easily double if not triple - for a V6 or even an inline 4 automatic.
@@visionist7 Europe doesn't get the V6 Mustang I believe, just the 4 cylinder ecoboost and then the V8? (Europe only got Mustangs at all a couple years ago) I might be wrong on that, CBA to check, but I'm 100% one of the engines on the American lineup is missing anyway.
Plus the Mustang is like a £40-50k car instead of $30-40k, bearing in mind £40k is about $50k, so even the base model is pricier here than some pretty high up models in America. Obviously not the super max special edition Mustangs, those are a lot more, but yeah.
The extra price is largely due to the import tax I believe, since it's a Made in America car, similar to various cheap European cars not getting sold in the USA because the tax eats up their value proposition - but the second hand market for imports (and RHD conversions in the UK) were strong enough for multiple decades that I guess they decided there's still demand even with the price hike? They do convert some things, like adding amber rear indicators, but I guess that's not enough to disqualify it from the tax.
James why don’t you love me anymore? You used to talk to me. Now I worry we are growing apart. Is it something I said? Have I not paid you enough attention. Talk to me bby.
I CAN CHANGE
Lol
It looks like a range rover for folks that don't want to look a complete (insert words here) or are on a budget...
Mind you knowing Ford it'll not be cheap!
Looks like a Land Rover.
It’s meh incarnate
It could be worse, you could've been stuck driving a Nissan rental.
I was unlucky enough to get one of these for a rental. Pretty ugly, drives like a boat - but if you have shit to shift it's on the money.
These have been out for an age but you hardly ever see them, I suspect the rental companies have taken them off Ford at a discount
I'd hate to hear what you really think lol