2009 Ford Flex – A Truly “Flex-uous” Crossover

Sandi Pedersen – www.car-data.com

I can’t say it was love at first slight but the Ford Flex certainly did win me over once I got in and familiarized myself with my surroundings. This 3.5 liter V6 engine provided plenty of get up and go as well as a smooth ride down the highway. I was surprised by the 16 city miles per gallon and 22 highway miles per gallon but my husband gently reminded me that it is a pretty substantial vehicle. Whenever I glance at the Ford Flex I cannot help but be reminded of with nostalgia of the boxy station wagons from yester years.

What impressed me the most….? Well, let’s start with the built in refrigerator in the rear console. How “cool” is it to travel the country and always have a chilled beverage at the ready. Now, this is an option, but well worth it, and I’m sure it would pay for itself over time in ice savings. Next, you know what a stickler I am for a backup camera. I put it in reverse, quickly looked at my navigation screen and thought, “oh my gosh, a vehicle this size and no back-up camera”. To my surprise and delight there it was in my rear view mirror. It was then that I realized by doing this you don’t have to purchase the pricey optional navigation system just to get the back-up camera. Kudos to the Ford engineers on that one.

Overall, I was pleased with the unique interior. From the subtle diamond patterned leather seats, to the easy to read gauges, this vehicle is very user friendly. The feeling of openness is enhanced by the individual sunroofs over each second row seat. You’d also be surprised by what will fit in this crossover. Second and third row fold-flat seating can easily be configured to allow plenty of cargo space or passenger room. I even juggled a bag of groceries and popped up the rear seat with one hand.

The technology incorporated in the Flex was another reason this vehicle won me over. I could not believe it when I opened the center console and discovered a USB port. This allows you to charge an iPhone or play music with any USB device, through the awesome sound system. Not only is it acoustically correct, the Microsoft syncing feature is sure to be a wave of the future.

The design, technology, flexibility and comfort make this vehicle a pretty attractive option for those looking for a good overall crossover with a unique look. If you like your car to attract a few stares, be sure to check out the Ford Flex.

I have come to the realization that when I get into a vehicle for the first time, I immediately look at the cup holder options. Call me shallow or just an avid coffee drinker, who is seldom without a cup, but I found in talking to other people, women in particular, that this is a very important aspect of how we feel about the vehicle.

On a scale of 1-10
Cup holders – 9½

Not only were there several convenient cup holders they were lit so you could easily maneuver your drink in the dark. I’m impressed, can you tell?

Ford Flex

Chris Jackson, www.car-data.com

They say the American auto industry is in a slump, and yet the hometown brands keep smackin’ emout of the park every chance they get. The 2009 Ford Flex is the latest vehicle from the Big Threeto live up to its pre-launch buzz, and considering the amount of hype that an auto manufacturer iscapable of that’s no small task.

The Flex is a sophisticated and stylish mega-wagon, a people-hauler with panache and analternative to full-size SUVs for buyers who aren’t interested in towing 10,000 pounds. Larger thanthe Taurus X and Explorer, this vehicle features three full rows of seats but is easier to drive(and feed) than an Expedition.

The Flex’ curved-box styling is upright and elegant. The distinctive contrasting roof color(it’s available in silver or white) invited comparisons to the MINI Cooper, and the squared-offcorners made folks think of the Scion xB, but the Flex is much larger (and arguably more grown-up)than either of those cars. That said, this is a very polarizing design, and during my drive Iencountered those who loved it and those who found it awful. Personally, I like it; it’s a stepaway from the cookie-cutter look common to crossovers, and there’s no mistaking the Flex foranything else, which is usually a good thing. The grille and headlights are flush-fit and create achrome band that covers the entire front end. The hood and side panels are marked by multipleparallel character lines. On uplevel models, a satiny silver tailgate makes the rear end pop.

The high beltline on the exterior is evident on the interior, as well, and despite the Flex’size it feels bathtub-like. It’s far from claustrophobic; if anything, the tall beltline makes theFlex feels bigger than life.

It’s easy to drive, but bulky. Open any door and you’ll notice that the door panels dramaticallyunder the body, a clever trick that helps keep the doorsills clean and prevents muddy smears onyour clothes. There’s seating for seven. The seats were just-right for some passengers and bitterlyuncomfortable for others; the rear seats drew no complaints. The third row tumbles into the flooreasily, much like the third row seats on minivans,and leaves a handy cargo well when it’s inposition. Fold all of the seats and the total cargo area is just over 83 cubic feet.

The Flex is available with a host of personalization features too, from the multi-paneled glassVista Roof to the adjustable mood lighting in the cup holders. Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, abackup camera and a voice-activated navigation system are available. A refrigerated center consoleis a limousine-like touch.

The 3.5 liter V6 under the hood is powerful enough as well; the Flex doesn’t feel underpowered.Surprised that a vehicle this size doesn’t need a V8? The Flex’s 262 horses are more than capableof pulling the Flex along at freeway speeds. It’s a big vehicle, but even at over 4600 pounds it’slighter than many SUVs. This car is quiet on the freeway and long-legged as well–it’s a perfectroad-tripper’s ride, as long as you watch the speed.

The transmission is a six-speed automatic that’s very well suited to the Flex’ size and operatesseamlessly. A choice of front- or all-wheel drive is available, and a properly equipped Flex willtow up to 4500 pounds. That healthy capacity is a part of the reason the Flex is classified as atruck, but it’s basically a large and capable station wagon.

The fully independent suspension keeps the Flex smooth and comfortable on the road. MacPhersonstruts are used up front, with a multilink rear. In addition to the available all-wheel drive,bad-weather performance is assisted by Ford’s AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Controltraction-control suite, which varies the torque going from front to rear and side to side inall-wheel drive models to keep the wheels planted before a skid can even begin.

It’s rare that a car with humble, cargo-carrying aspirations makes much of an impression, butthe Flex is one of the most impressive automotive debuts of 2008. Considering the competition,that’s saying something. With eye-catching style, extremely practical interior appointments andexcellent driving dynamics, the Flex would probably go a long way toward making station wagons hip,if Ford was willing to call it one. The car’s high stance labels it as a crossover, however.

Its price tag makes it accessible to the average buyer, no matter what you call it. Flex pricingstarts reasonably enough, but will creep up to over $40,000 for a fully loaded Limited. Then again,there are folks who can load enough equipment onto any car to make it cost over forty large. Keepthe options reasonable, and the Flex is affordable. My SEL tester stickered for $34,455 after theSYNC, two-tone roof and interior lighting package were added.