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Ford Flex

The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Ford over a single generation for the 2009–2019 model years, having entered production in 2008. It is the successor to the Ford Taurus X.

The Flex was introduced in 2005 as a concept vehicle based on the Ford D4 chassis architecture, a variant of the Ford D3 platform shared with the 2011-2019 Explorer and the Lincoln MKT; the latter a rebadged variant of the Flex.

From June 2008 until its discontinuation in 2019, the Ford Flex was manufactured by Ford Canada at Oakville Assembly (Oakville, Ontario); the Flex and the Lincoln MKT were produced alongside the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX (today, Lincoln Nautilus). The Flex was marketed in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East — with production reaching just over 300,000.

At the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, Ford unveiled the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle. Derived from the mid-size Ford CD3 platform (to be used by the 2006 Ford Fusion sedan), the vehicle was a 3-row MPV with multiple distinctive styling elements. The rear passenger doors of the Fairlane were rear-hinged; this configuration was chosen to provide better interior views when on display. When the doors were closed, the configuration appeared similar to a production minivan.

The concept vehicle was approved for 2009 production as the Ford Flex. Along with the name change, several extensive changes were made from the Fairlane concept, while the styling was largely left intact. The vehicle was increased in size, shifting from the CD3 chassis to the full-size D4 platform. While replacing the Freestar minivan, the design abandoned sliding doors for front-hinged doors, in line with a station wagon.

Styled by former Volvo designer Peter Horbury, the Flex featured horizontal grooves in the doors and tailgate, evoking the design of classic Woodies. Car Design News said the styling referenced "a previous era without resorting to obvious retro styling cues."

The Ford Flex was based on the Ford D4 chassis architecture, a version of the D3 platform re-engineered for use for multiple wheelbases. The model line was offered with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive as an option. The Flex was designed with an independent rear suspension system and a traction control system called AdvanceTrac.

The Ford Flex was powered by two different 3.5 L V6 engines, both paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The standard engine was a naturally-aspirated Duratec V6; initially producing 262 hp (195 kW), the engine was increased in output to 287 hp (214 kW) for 2013.

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American full-size SUV produced by Ford Motor Company
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