The Ford Flex Is Dead

2016 Ford Flex (Credit: Ford)

Thanks to Unifor, the Canadian auto workers union and the Detroit Free Press, we know Ford plans to stop making the Flex. That’s right, the Ford Flex is dead.

The dozen or so of you who are grieving this loss should know you have a few good quality years left. According to the report, production of the Flex stops in 2020.

Some people are wondering why Ford has decided to end the Flex, considering sales were up for most of 2016, with a 13.1 percent increase year-to-date in September. Honestly, crossover sales are up for everyone, but the Flex has been moving at a snail’s pace compared to the Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse or Toyota Highlander. Ford needs to grab more of that market, and the Flex isn’t working.

You can blame the Flex’s demise on it being a niche vehicle. Like the Honda Element, it will always have a quirky following. Average people will wonder why anyone finds the thing attractive or very useful. After all, cargo area behind the third row is laughable, and that alone could be turning away plenty of would-be owners.

At least we have the Ranger returning to this market, plus a new Bronco on the way.