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You're going to hear this a lot about the 2009 Ford Flex: Right crossover, wrong time. As gas crests over the $4.00 per gallon mark, and heads toward who knows where, a mid-size crossover with EPA fuel economy estimates of 16 - 17 mpg city/22 - 24 mpg highway isn't exactly what buyers crave. The 2009 Ford Flex carries base prices from $28,295 to $34,070 depending on trim level, each with a 3 year/36,000 mile basic warranty and a 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty.


Let's drive.

First Glance

Larger Exterior Photos: FrontRear

Flex certainly takes Ford design in a good direction. Far from the beefy, truck-tough looks of the Escape, Explorer and Expedition, neither does Flex lean too far in the jellybean direction of the Edge. If Flex resembles any current vehicle, it would have to be the Mini Clubman. The boxy retro-cool design recalls a station wagon from the 1950s in its vibe. And you're either going to love it or hate it, but you will definitely notice the Flex when you see it on the road.

The key features on the Flex that will get the most attention are the horizontal grooves in the sheet metal on the body sides and the satin aluminum liftgate appliqué on the Limited trim model. The grooves really contribute to the retro vibe. Totally fashion, with no discernible function, they actually work to give Flex a sense of forward motion while standing still, and serve to emphasize the low linearity of the body. The aluminum liftgate appliqué is a blatant retro statement, recreating the look you might have found on a 1955 Ford Estate Wagon.

I approve -- this is style that has no negative impact on the vehicle. It doesn't compromise performance or function, it's all about fun. The same goes for the contrasting roof, which Ford hopes customers will use as a palette for customization.

Apparently, somebody at Ford has been paying attention to those Mini and Scion sales.

In the Driver's Seat

Larger Interior Photo

Flex's interior makes as powerful a statement as its exterior. It is elegant, nicely laid out, and constructed of generally high quality materials. This is no parts bin job -- this interior works with the exterior on a unified look and vibe.

Comfortable seats, available with power and leather seating surfaces, occupy each position. There's room for six adults in Flex, two in each row, and everyone will be comfortable if you all play nice with the leg room. The middle row is available as a pair of bucket seats with a center console or a split bench seat, and the row adjusts fore and aft. On SEL and Limited, you can even get a refrigerated compartment in the second row console, a true luxury feature.

I had no trouble finding a comfortable driving position, though I would have appreciated a steering wheel that adjusted for reach as well as angle. The dash layout is simple, attractive and straightforward, with elegant, slightly retro white-on-black gauges.

Microsoft SYNC is standard on the Limited trim level, optional on SEL and SE. SYNC may well be the best integrated audio/navigation/communications platform available from any factory right now, and it's a Ford exclusive (for now). Other high tech features like rear view camera, Sirius Travel Link and voice-activation are available as options on the Limited. If Ford had chosen to slap a Lincoln badge on Flex, the interior would not have needed much of an upgrade to be considered luxury.

On the Road

Flex is a remarkably quiet vehicle at any speed. I was very impressed with the total silence at a stop, and the near-complete absence of wind noise while cruising. If you've got an important conversation, have it in a Flex. You'll get no distractions.

There's just one engine available in the Flex for now: a 3.5 liter Duratec V6 that produces 262 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. Considering Flex AWD's 4640 lb curb weight (4648 lb for FWD), that's enough power for adequate performance -- Flex is certainly no hot rod. A six-speed automatic transmission fits the smooth theme.

Suspension comes from MacPherson struts up front, independent multi-link out back, with anti-lock disc brakes standard all around. The full complement of airbags and electronic safety equipment are tossed in as standard equipment, along with LATCH, child-guard locks and tire pressure monitoring.

Driving Flex threw me back to the family station wagon days -- I felt like my dad must have felt, cruising down the highway in my land yacht. The vehicle is too wide and too slow-footed to really get under the skin of a driving enthusiast, but it is so loaded with style and technology that it is bound to catch the interest of automotive enthusiasts.

Journey's End

At a time when everyone is downsizing, Flex may be too big to capture a significant audience. Fuel economy is realistically what you can expect from a gas-only crossover with a V6 engine, but it's not nearly good enough in the current environment. Still, Flex is a very attractive people-mover with good cargo space and a really nice interior. What could have been a really big seller five years ago is going to wind up being a niche vehicle today.

If you're considering a Flex, you have many alternatives to weigh. If you can drive something a little smaller, within the Ford lineup there's the Taurus X, the Edge and even the Escape, all of which are a little less pricy and a little more fuel efficient than the Flex. The Escape is even available as a gas-electric hybrid right now. Chrysler's Pacifica is another option. The Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Veracruz and Honda Pilot all do a nice job in this category as well, though none offer the third row comfort of the Flex. GM's new crossover, the Buick Enclave/Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook, is a close match to Flex in terms of function, but nowhere near as cool in terms of style.

I am glad to see Ford responding to the marketplace in such an innovative, stylish way -- now let's hope that they can do it faster next time, and bring out a vehicle that's not only right, but right for its time.