Ford Flex Crossover to Start at $28,995
Ford Motor Company has released the pricing specification for its 2009 Flex crossover, making the boxy CUV its segment flagship in the process.
When the Flex goes on sale in the summer of this year, the vehicle will start at $28,995 with shipping costs included, as reported on a price list that Ford has sent to its dealerships. Slotting into the Ford range directly above the Taurus X CUV, which has a starting price of $27,605, most of the Flex's three trim levels will live above the important $30,000 barrier. The Flex will offer seating for six or seven, and be available in front-drive, and all-wheel-drive configurations, with the top of the line Flex Limited AWD hitting $37,255 before options.
Ford has done a decent job of building buzz for its unique Flex, which is effectively taking the place of the company's former minivan offering the Freestar. But it remains to be seen if the strong marketing will translate into strong sales, especially at a price-point that could take some Ford buyers by surprise.
+ Automotive News: Ford prices the Flex at $28,995 (subscription may be required)
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Comments
Jeb
Love the BAMF. From the side, the headlights look just like the T-X. Funny that Ford's calling this the Freestar replacement, though. If it had sliding doors, maybe.
VMMVMMM
In my opinion, Ford is pulling a Ford on the pricing. If this is really to replace their (horrible) minivan, they should not have priced it far above most minivan competitors, especially on an unproven car. I suppose they already have the Taurus X for a lower cost option, though.
Jeb
Nope. Remember, they're killing the T-X soon. Besides, the Flex really isn't unproven, since it's a T-X in fancy pants. :)
hwyhobo
Great looking wagon. Too bad it's a bit on the pricey side.
Texas_Dude
Too rich for my blood... Maybe I should rephrase: I wouldn't pay $30K for that.
The Stig
Ok so they'll have the Taurus X, this thing, the Edge, and the Exploder? Anyone else see some redundancy here?
Ducati Minor
I see another Ford retro dud. Wasn't pricing what killed the T'Bird?
Jeb
Pricing, lack of oomph, rubbery structure leading to tons of cowl shake, certain market perceptions...there are plenty of reasons the Thunderbird bit the big one. The Flex has a lot going for it, including all of the good parts of the Freestyle/T-X (interior space, flexibility of that space, not as tall or heavy as a real SUV, no minivan stigma), plus the Mini-esque styling and special add-ons like the big-ass moon roof (BAMF) and Sync. The Taurus X is going away next year, and maybe before that if the Flex really takes away its sales. And if you think the pricing is too high, you should compare it to all of the other car-based crossovers with three-row seating and so on. It's right in line.
hwyhobo
And if you think the pricing is too high, you should compare it to all of the other car-based crossovers with three-row seating and so on. It’s right in line.
Okay, which ones?
Jeb
Honda Pilot starts at $27500. Pacificas list at about $28K to start. Jeep Commander starts at $27400. Mazda CX-9 starts at $30K. Highlanders start in the $27000s. And the lux Japanese models and the Germans are all mid-$30K or higher. Of all of the similarly priced models, the CX-9 is the only one I'd consider.
I've got a pretty strong read on this since I was working at CarMax when we were shopping for a family hauler, and I looked at just about every option that we had on the lot over three months' time. We took home a Freestyle, because it was the best package for the dollar and in many ways, the best package, period. The only thing that I liked more was a Mercedes GL450 that cost about twice what our Freestyle did.
hwyhobo
Honda Pilot and Jeep are different market segments (SUVs). Pacifica starts at $24,635, and even at that it sells like reheated worms. I haven't seen a single Mazda CX-9 actually on the road since they were announced. No one who would consider high-end German or Japanese (Lexus, Acura) models would look at the Ford.
So the only one who is relatively in the same segment is Highlander, and even here I am not sure how much overlap in buyer demographics there is.
Jeb
Well, we live in different places in the world and different market segments. You can't swing a cat in my area (suburban development covering probably 10 square miles) without hitting most of the cars that I listed, including the CX-9, although those are much rarer than the others. The prices I listed are from Edmunds.com for 2008 models, so I'm using a consistent source, but fair statement about the Pacificas; I almost left it out since its sell-by date is nigh, but until then, it is for sale and in the same market category. My prediction is that the Flex may not be a homer, but it'll be a solid base hit. I see lots of Freestyles, and no one denies that the Flex isn't cooler.
hwyhobo
no one denies that the Flex isn’t cooler
I won't deny it either. I think it's quite a looker. I just worry that in my area they will be a tough sell at those prices. Here a lot of people who are willing to go for higher-priced models will march straight to Lexus and Acura dealerships.
Ducati Minor
Jeb,
The T'Bird was overpriced, underpowered, and cheaply appointed for a $40K topless two-seater.
The Flex, with its ridiculous price, is living off its styling only--like the Edge. This thing doesn't have legs beyond two years--I know it.
Maybe that's because I used to be with Carmax.
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Mena
And the people that would like something nice and don't have Lexus/Acura money will head straight to the Flex.
mo
that thing is ugly. how hard to design a streached scion. i wouldn't buy it no matter the price. i don't want ppl making fun of me with this thing.
detroit9000
Expensive! But it's a good product. Experienced business people know you never cut your price unless you're really screwed.
dave
Flex looks better than the complete square of the toyota scion and honda element. Yet everybody drools over these ugly perfect square cubes. Flex looks practical and stylish
Ashley
Jeez, I didn't realize the Blue Oval was blatantly ripping off design cues from the Mini Clubman! :D
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