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2009 Ford Flex Preview
Jun 23 2008 by Lori Hindman
6/23/08
Stand Out From the Crowd in Luxurious Flex
The highly anticipated, well-equipped, seven-passenger Ford Flex Limited stretches the boundaries of modern family driving. Ford calls it a Flex because it does just that -- it flexes. It's not the flexing that muscle-bound guys do in front of their mirrors; the Ford Flex is flexible.
You'll either love this car or hate it. The Flex has an urban look with a surprisingly retro feel, reminiscent of the "woody" from 1950s surfer movies. Or maybe it's just a spiffed-up version of the station wagons from my youth, which wasn't that long ago. An optional two-tone roof and chrome accents and rims defy any lingering memories of boring, fuddy-duddy Fords.
Inside it only gets better; the fabulous designers behind the Flex tip their hats to the fashion world with rich houndstooth cloth or quilted leather seating surfaces. The luxurious styling continues with a polished wood trim that travels across the dash and steering wheel with liquidlike grace. Delicate chrome rings surround instruments and controls. Wow, this is a Ford. Who knew?
The front seats are heated and air conditioned -- oh yeah! Folks in the second row are comfy too, with captain's chairs, angled footrests and their own moonroof. Even in the third row there's enough room for grownups and enough space to eliminate the claustrophobic feeling of so many crossover third rows. An easy-to-use mechanism turns the rear seats into a flat cargo space, and there are bins, cargo nets and all sorts of stuff to make life in the fast lane less of a train wreck.
The ride is really quiet because the Flex's windows are coated with an acoustic film to dampen road noise. The Flex is bigger and heavier than it seems. Even though the hefty brakes make it seem light on its toes, a simple press of the gas pedal doesn't deliver the necessary oomph. There are multiple driving modes, including one for hill-climbs, but nothing short of flooring it gives the Flex a leap in speed.
Features abound in the Flex, but the winner is the built-in, honest-to-goodness refrigerator. Yeah, you heard me. Of course, it only works when the car is on, so don't expect to put a quart of milk in the fridge in the morning and find it chilled upon your return in the evening. But since it is insulated, drinks will stay cold for a few hours. How cool is that? (Forgive the pun, I couldn't help it.)
If you're not the type to go for a minivan and you'd like better gas mileage than a SUV, as well as something a bit more unique, the Ford Flex might just sway you. I'm looking forward to more time to stretch out in the Flex.
User Comments
201.8 inches long, which puts it within an inch or two of Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, etc.
One of its closest competitors, the GM Lambda crossovers (GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave) are 200-201” long. The Mazda CX-9 is 199”.
If you wanted a smaller package with three rows of seating, the Dodge Journey is 192.4, but its definitely not nearly as refined nor roomy.
I personally love the Flex, test drove one and was about to walk away with a new car but, didn’t. I couldn’t exactly afford a new car, so we’re stuck with our 96 Windstar. This car has nimble handling and spot on room for all rows. I love how Ford didn’t forget about people in the third row. My kids loved the car and we plan to buy that when we can afford a new vehicle
How long is the car? Anyone know? It looks really long in some of the photos. Would it be a parallel parking nightmare? Would it work well in a large city or would I feel like I really was driving one of those station wagons of yore?