2009 Ford Flex

By: Juan G. Robbin

Cool styling, fresh interior and a superb ride ! Ford has gotten its mojo back !
Ford Flex (2009)

With its distinctive and innovative design, the Ford Flex is the hippest crossover on the street today. The road presence and look of the Flex is unmistakable in a world chalk full of similar crossover designs.

Areas and curves of the innovative interior were inspired by the distinctive canister vacuum cleaner designs of the 1940’s and 1950’s that are part of the collection of the Flex chief designer, Mr. Richard Gresens. As luck would have it, Mr. Gresens was pondering how to approach a specific interior curve. He sat back and looked across his studio and instantly noticed the arc of the vacuum cleaners' canister section and there it was ! The curve he needed.

The driver and front passenger seats are noticeably comfortable. There is a new seat architecture and design that is being introduced in the Flex and will subsequently cascade into upcoming Ford models. Second row seating area is impressive not only in comfort but also in the leg room offered. There is an optional refrigerator in between the second row captain’s chairs that is sure to be a hit with families. Third row seating is comfortable, more so if the optional dual skylights are ordered. The steering wheel feel and feedback are superb, with direct and pleasant lightness. Tactile feel on the materials all over the interior is noticeably improved. Switchgear, controls, buttons and knobs are pleasant to see and use. We had a chance to drive the Ford Flex between New York City and Greenwich Connecticut recently with the optional Nav. package that included the new Microsoft SYNC voice activated and rear back up camera technologies. We came away thoroughly impressed by the way the information is presented in addition to the quality of the display graphics. We loved the SIRIUS Travel Link feature: Giving us weather, real time traffic and fuel price information. The quality of the display is impressive, specially seeing the dynamic weather map feature. The Ford Flex integrates current technology seamlessly, enhancing how we live our lives. Bravo Ford ! 

One of the distinctive design features of the Flex are the side panel grooves. These grooves give the car a smoother, longer feel to it. We specially liked the integrated front rocker panels that are attached to the door instead of the frame, no more dirty pant cuffs ! There is the dark, mysterious effect the Flex gives off due to its darkened security glass and blackened pillars, this is in addition to the unique roof colors that come in either silver or white hues. There is a fuel door with a twist, no screw-on gas cap. The door itself is the cap, so simply open the fuel door and start pumping the gas.

Driving the Flex through country roads was a treat. Handling feels more like a sedan than a crossover, wind noise is almost non existent even at highway speeds. The interior was quiet enough that conversation was easy regardless of where one sits in the Flex.

Without a doubt, the Ford Flex is one of the most innovative and interesting vehicles to come out of Detroit in years. If you are looking for a cool, multi-use vehicle or simply want to be noticed as one of the "hip crowd," then the Ford Flex should be on your short list.

The all new for 2009 Ford Flex, spectacular!

MSRP: $28,295.00 for the SE up to $34,705.00 for the LIMITED   
Fuel Economy: (Estimated): 17-24 MPG
Engine: V6, 3.5 liter, 262 HP
Popular options: Skylight roof, SIRIUS Sat radio, SYNC hands free technology
Visit: www.fordflex.com