the Scion xB, as copied by Ford

[Mon Rominee]

http://www.fordvehicles.com/crossovers/flex/?searchid=426441|23233138|203616639

Yeah, I dig this, but with a vehicle this borderline *niche*, in a market downturn for full-size vehicles, and priced 13 grand MORE than the Scion xB to START (as in, you could buy two xB's almost)...exactly who are they marketing this to?

I can imagine it's a nicer vehicle, but this take on the Scion meets Range Rover, I don't think it's gonna sell. If it started at 22,800...maybe...but not starting at 30.

[CamMcIntyre]

Is it any bigger [longer] than an XB? The pictures make me think it is.

However, that would defeat some of the appeal to me. The reasons why i like the xB are: It's small, but can hold a good chunk of gear [see DB side for that argument], good gas mileage, and it can fit into more parking spots in the city.

I can't afford either-so yeah.

[Son of Sanford]

I wonder how many full sized vehicles were scrapped off the drawing boards in the last 2 months.

[Ericman197]

For pure utility purposes, it's probably much better suited for families than the Ford Explorer. The Flex still isn't great on gas, or particularly attractive... but I'm sure some will sell. Most successful adults wouldn't want to drive a Scion; they're kids' cars. So maybe some folks will buy this, because it has a lot more room and amenities (such as four wheel drive and leather) than the Scion.

Neither one really appeals to me, and I'd have a hard time choosing. The Ford is probably way overpriced, but that's what you get with UAW. So I'd hate to pay too much, but I don't want to drive a Scion either. They're even uglier than the Flex.

[James Hart]

I'm an adult of 40 with average means... successful is a subjective term.

I love the Honda Element and Scion xB. The Ford looks hot... real hot, but I had a couple bad Fords and won't ever again.

[casualmadness]

Meh...it looks like a stretch xB to me. I've Fixed Or Repaired Daily though so, no thanks.

[burk48237]

I've seen them at local dealerships. They are huge, almost Expedition sized, and butt ugly, unless a Hurst is your idea of a good ride.

[Mon Rominee]

Like James, I too am fond of the xB for all the same positives mentioned here. Good fuel economy (ok, less so on the new gen, but still pretty ok), it's cheap, it's a Toyota, and I think it looks pretty awesome.

I am still at a loss for who Ford is marketing this to...is it 40-50 somethings still looking for a "different" ride? It's almost a "by committee" design too. Ok. Boxy Range Rover / xB squareness. check. "tone" roof ripped off the Toyota Fj cruiser...check. ridged door panels, much like the ridged hood panels on new-gen Chryslers...check. Fold down flat seats championed by grans caravans...years ago....check.

Seems like an overpriced too highly stylized take on the expedition (i'd bet it's just a skin job...), yes...and too weird looking for the soccer mom set...too big for the green types...too Ford for people who know better...I dunno...seems like a fail to me.

Sorta like the Subaru Forester wannabe they made a couple years back...bland styling and overpriced... at least Ford finally got the concept of "branding" with the big chrome slat grille thing that is all over their designs now...

[fdeck]

Originally Posted by Mon Rominee

I am still at a loss for who Ford is marketing this to...

They are marketing it to anybody who lived before the price of gas went up.

The soccer mom set is into soccer mom cars that don't look like soccer mom cars. One mom I know bought a Pacifica for this reason.

I am happy with my Scion Xa, the ultimate gigmobile.

[fdeck]

Somebody should get an XB customized to look like a hearse.

[SuperDuck]

Originally Posted by James Hart

I'm an adult of 40 with average means... successful is a subjective term.

I love the Honda Element and Scion xB. The Ford looks hot... real hot, but I had a couple bad Fords and won't ever again.

Elements are the bee's knees. The ultimate gigmobile!

[Rich L]

I just saw a pic of one in the Sunday classifieds and immediatetly saw XB written all over it. Showed it to my wife and we both laughed when we saw the price!
She has an '06 XB and I must admit, I love that car. It doesn't quite have the get up & go of my Hemi Dodge Ram, but it's surprisingly roomy and a helluva lot better on gas! I slapped some 18's on it for her, added some billet accessories and it's a pretty slick ride!

[RandomEvent]

I love my xB. But I traded my Ford station wagon for it, and I wouldn't consider this Flex anyway. I'm not a fan of how long it is, or the price. At least I can rest assured I payed 20K for a car that was fully loaded (premium audio too) and will actually function properly until (more than likely well beyond) the warranty is over.

EDIT: Upon browsing the 360 view, I can also say I am definitely not a fan of the back of the car.

[DigMe]

That looks ghetto fabulous.

bc

[Slapp Addict]

Ewwwwwwwwww! Why on earth would Ford waste the time and money to copy such an UGLY car design?

Meh... I didn't like Ford anyways.

[RandomEvent]

Originally Posted by Slapp Addict

Ewwwwwwwwww! Why on earth would Ford waste the time and money to copy such an UGLY car design?

Meh... I didn't like Ford anyways.

STFU hater... just kidding.

I used to hate the xB too, but when the new design came out, I was pretty enamored right away. So much that I got one.

[ADbassman]

Wow, that car is ugly as sin.

Whats the deal with all these box cars? I thought the 80's were over.

[MJ5150]

Dang, that thing is sweet. I want one. I'd throw some 20 or 22's on it, color match the columns between the windows, and it would be even tighter.

-Mike

[Slapp Addict]

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Dang, that thing is sweet. I want one. I'd throw some 20 or 22's on it, color match the columns between the windows, and it would be even tighter.

-Mike

Damn son! On a Scion? That'd be gangsta!

[Vic Winters]

It looks kind of like a Mini Cooper and xB had an ugly baby.