Why were Ford Flex discontinued?
The Ford Flex, a unique and distinctive crossover SUV, was discontinued by Ford Motor Company in 2019 after a decade-long production run. The decision to discontinue the Flex was primarily driven by declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards more traditional SUV and truck models.
Declining Sales and Changing Market Trends
The Ford Flex was introduced in 2008 as a bold and unconventional alternative to the traditional SUV. With its boxy, retro-inspired design and spacious interior, the Flex appealed to a niche market of buyers who were looking for a unique and functional vehicle. However, as the years passed, the Flex struggled to maintain its sales momentum, particularly as consumer preferences shifted towards more mainstream SUV and crossover models.
According to industry data, Ford Flex sales declined from a peak of over 38,000 units in 2009 to just 20,000 units in 2018, a drop of nearly 50%. This decline in sales, coupled with the rising popularity of Ford's own Explorer and Expedition SUVs, made it increasingly difficult for the Flex to justify its continued production.
Changing Consumer Preferences
The discontinuation of the Ford Flex also reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards more traditional SUV and truck models. As the popularity of crossover SUVs and large, truck-based SUVs continued to grow, the Flex's unique design and positioning became less appealing to many buyers.
- Consumers were increasingly drawn to the rugged, off-road capabilities and towing capacities of traditional SUVs.
- The Flex's boxy, minivan-like design was seen as less desirable by many buyers, who preferred the more aggressive and muscular styling of modern SUVs.li>
- The rise of three-row crossover SUVs, such as the Ford Explorer, also provided a more mainstream alternative to the Flex's unique design.
As a result, Ford made the decision to discontinue the Flex in 2019, focusing instead on its more popular and profitable SUV and truck models to meet the changing demands of the market.
What is the life expectancy of a Ford Flex?
iSeeCars analyzed over 300 million vehicles to find out, and to determine how long each model can last. The Ford Flex has an average lifespan of 176,469 miles or about 11.6 years.
What is the most common problem with the Ford Flex?
Top Ford Flex Problems
- Broken Center Console Latch. 103 people have reported this.
- Brake Noise – Front Grunting / Grinding. 78 people have reported this.
- Transmission (Red) or Power Transfer Unit (PTU) (Brown) Fluid Leaks at Axle Area.
- A/C Fan Speed Changing Constantly.
- Rear Brakes Drag, Make Rhythmic Sound.
Are Ford Flex vehicles any good?
Overall, the Flex rides well and is commendably quiet. Rear-seat room is cavernous, with a usable third-row seat and generous cargo space. But handling is clumsy and a large turning circle, along with limited rear visibility, hampers maneuverability.
Is Ford bringing the Flex back?
In short, no. Ford retired the Flex in 2019 after a decade-long run. But if you're looking for a new SUV with similar versatility, Ford's current SUV lineup has you covered with models that span from compact to full-size, all equipped with the latest in technology and performance.
How many miles can a Ford Flex go on a full tank of gas?
about 353 miles
A full tank of gas has a total range of about 353 miles.
Is the Ford Flex a reliable vehicle?
The Ford Flex has proven to be a vehicle you can depend on for a long time. The model boasts a long-term quality rating of 49.7, which surpasses the average of 43 for most makes and models.
Is the Ford Flex a reliable car?
This car is … especially good for older folks who can't get into higher vehicles like the explorer. The Flex is very reliable.
What was the worst year for the Ford Flex?
CarComplaints.com considers the 2010 Ford Flex to be the worst model in the lineup because problems typically occur at a lower mileage. Some of the most common Ford Flex problems include alternator, fuel pump control module, and electronic power-steering assist issues.
What car can go 700 miles on one tank?
2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid: 700 Miles
Hybrids are known for their excellent fuel economy, and while their efficiency advantage dips at highway speeds, that didn't stop the gas-electric Toyota Tundra from posting an impressive driving range of 700 miles.
Why did Ford quit making the Ford Flex?
The Flex was discontinued in 2019, yes, but it was due to poor sales. Ford wanted to sell 100K a year, and never even broke 40K.
