When Ford introduced the Fairlane concept at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, it caused quite a stir. The company wasted no time in moving the vehicle from dream to reality, and it has lost little on its way to production. The result is a crossover with bold styling that delivers a strong aesthetic appeal.
Like the Ford Edge, the 2009 Ford Flex rides on the excellent Mazda6 platform and makes use of the same 262-horsepower 3.5L Duratec V6 that delivers 248 ft-lb of torque. Power is put to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike truck-based vehicles, the Flex incorporates a fully independent suspension.
The Flex is available in three trim levels--SE, SEL, and Limited. The SE comes in front-wheel-drive only, while the SEL and Limited are available with full-time automatic all-wheel drive.
In the SE you get standard air conditioning, leather steering wheel with audio controls, remote entry, a six-way power driver's seat, an MP3-compatible CD player, and power mirrors, windows, and locks.
The SEL adds a premium Sony stereo with six-disc CD changer, heated mirrors, ten-way adjustability to the driver's seat and six adjustments for the front passenger. Also included is a universal garage door opener and dual automatic climate control.
In Limited trim, the Flex offers a power liftgate, power adjustable pedals, a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, Ford's Sync voice-activated information and entertainment system, and driver-side memory for the seat, mirrors and pedals.
Standard seating across the range includes front buckets with a fold-flat passenger seat, while the second-row is a 60/40 split folding bench and the third row is a 50/50 disappearing split bench. This allows for seven-passenger comfort. Optional seating includes second-row captain's chairs with a console.
Popular options packages include a Convenience Package for the SEL, which features adjustable pedals, a driver memory system, a 110-volt outlet, and a power liftgate. A two-tone roof, power sunroof, and DVD entertainment are available on the SEL and Limited. When equipped with second-row captain's chairs, a center refrigerated console can be specified. Navigation with a rearview camera is available on the Limited only, while Sync can be ordered on any Flex.
Standard safety features in the Flex include front air bags, side-impact air bags for front passengers, and side-curtain air bags for all three rows of seats, which will deploy in a rollover situation. Also available is electronic roll stability control, which sense rollovers before they occur and serves to avoid them. Traction control is standard across the line.
Room For Seven Passengers
Available All-wheel Drive
Good Power From A 3.5L V6
Continues Ford's Aggressive Styling Language.
The Ford Flex crossover is an all-new model for 2009 and is something of a departure for Ford. Not a sedan, not really a minivan, and not quite an SUV either, the Flex--as its name suggests--is a little of all three.
The Flex is based on the Fairlane concept of 2005 and shares its 262-horsepower 3.5L Duratec V6 and six-speed automatic with the Ford Edge, but the similarities end there. The Flex has an unmistakable upright look that makes it distinctive and appealing from any angle.
Inside, the Flex features cool available options like programmable ambient lighting, Ford's Sync voice-activated infotainment system, an enormous moonroof, and a second-row mini-fridge.
Prices range from $28,295 to $36,555.
The Ford Flex is one of the most exciting designs to come from the Blue Oval in a long time. With room for seven adults, you can carry all your friends. With those seats folded flat, interior space is a cavernous 83.2 cubic feet, so the versatility should appeal to just about everyone. With loads of standard features, plenty of cool optional ones, and a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds when properly equipped, the 2009 Ford Flex is a do-anything, go-anywhere people mover.
