One thing you’ve got to give Ford Motor Co. credit for: It can think outside of the box. Or, perhaps I should say in the shape of a box when it comes to the all-new 2009 Flex.
This kitschy design is like nothing the automaker currently has on the market, and, in fact, doesn’t look like much of anything that’s currently on the road. Ford calls it a crossover, but more likely it is a solution to the frumpy and flexible minivan.
2009 Ford Flex
Flex schedule
Engine: 3.5-liter, V-6
Horsepower: 262
Torque: 248 pound-feet
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive train: FWD, AWD
Wheelbase: 117.9 inches
Length: 201.8 inches
Width: 88.8 inches
Height: 68 inches
MPG (city/hwy): 17, 24 (FWD); 16/22 (AWD)
Pricing: $26,638 - $33,623
I have to admit, though this isn’t my kind of vehicle, there is something slightly appealing about the odd shape. While I do think the Flex is ugly, I like that it’s refreshingly different.
All-new for 2009, the seven-seat Flex comes in both front- and all-wheel drive models. The base SE model only has a FWD option, but has a nice starting price at $26,638. Upgrading to the SEL trim level adds the all-wheel drive options as well as leather seats. The FWD model starts at $29,677, and the AWD model ups the ante to $31,305. The top-of-the-line, Limited model throws in the Sync system and 19-inch polished aluminum wheels as standard fare, and the base prices are $31,995 and $33,623, respectively.
Depending on what you’re looking for, there is a full range of options that can help you personalize this vehicle from Sync to adjustable pedals to a rear console refrigerator to ambient lighting. My personal favorite is the power liftgate.
One of the key selling points of this new vehicle is in its name: “Flex”-ability. Total cargo volume rings in at 83.2 cubic-feet with second and third rows folded flat, but even if you have a full vehicle, you’ve still got 20 cubic-feet of cargo volume behind the third row. That’s bigger than most car trunks and is certainly enough for a trip to the grocery store. Though it’s probably not enough to fit luggage for seven – at least not if your family packs the way mine does.
Since this is, let’s face it, a family truckster, it’s nice to know the Flex is packed with safety. In fact, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the vehicle its highest ratings in front, side and rear impacts and making it an overall “Top Safety Pick.” Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, a safety canopy for first and second rows, LATCH child safety system and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Flex comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that delivers 262 horsepower. For a vehicle that weighs around 4,500 pounds, I didn’t feel like that was quite enough. It did not feel peppy on the road, and I have definitely driven minivans with more zip.
Additionally, the low-slung profile did make for a bit of a disconcerting ride. You have the benefit of an SUV or minivan with the space and seating capacity, but you don’t have the benefit of a higher sit height. So, I almost felt like I was driving a limo during the test week with the elongated form -- which, by the way, isn’t a good thing. Plus, for the size of the vehicle, I really wanted a better view of the road.
Ride and handling is also a bit sloppy in the Flex. And I can say I felt every single bit of the 201.8 inches of length. Wending through tight circular city parking garages was a slow process, and parallel parking, well, all I have to say is: Look for a double spot. Luckily, even the base SE model comes standard with a reverse sensing system. Believe me, this car needs it.
Another drawback of the large size and low profile is blind spots. The C-pillars are a bit chunky, and the joint between the rear side windows and back window is also slightly obtrusive. If the side mirrors were a bit larger, that would make it easier to check those blind spots.
The interior has typical Ford touches with clear steering wheel controls and a well-organized center stack. Everything I needed was within easy reach, and I didn’t have to guess which button went to what. I really liked the ice blue back lighting on the gauges – makes a nice change from the typical red you see in most cars these days.
The seats in the Flex are my favorite feature. They’re squishy and supportive at the same time, allowing you to sink in and enjoy the ride. They are also a bit retro looking with their flat surfaces, reminding me of an old bench seat that was separated into a bucket.
Leg room in the second row is pretty decent with 44.3 inches and will fit adults quite nicely, but that third row is strictly for the kids with just 33 inches of leg room.
The test vehicle had the optional Sync system, and though this is the second test vehicle I’ve had with it, it still gives me fits. I did manage to pair my phone and make a few phone calls, but it took me a while to figure out that the enter button is on the steering wheel. And those voice-activated commands – not as easy as the commercials make them out to be. Before you say RTM: I tried. There were no instructions in the owner’s manual on Sync.
While the Flex offers utility and functionality for a family, it’s not going to be one of the most fuel efficient vehicles out there. The AWD model comes with EPA city/highway estimates of 16/22 mpg, and the FWD model is only slightly better at 17/24 mpg.
Ford calls the Flex a “polarizing” vehicle that people either love or hate. And the automaker seems to be OK with that. I can’t say that I hated it, but I didn’t love it either. I can say, however, that it’s an interesting option to throw into the mix.
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