| WHEELS |
| By Marcus Amick |
Published
06/27/2008
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FrontPAGE - Wheels
| Unrated |
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2009 Ford Flex
- A.J. Mueller Photography
“The real beauty in this ride is the interior which rivals a lot of luxury rides, especially on the Limited model.”
Driver: Marcus Amick
Vehicle: 2009 Ford Flex
Type: Crossover
MPG: 16 city/22 hwy (AWD)
Horsepower/Torque: 262/248 lb.-ft.
Top Speed: Not applicable
OVERVIEW: Chances are if you’ve seen the new 2009 Ford Flex on the street, you just had to stop to get a second look. It comes off as a concept and most probably would never guess it was a Ford if it weren’t for that oval badge. It’s a sharp departure from anything that’s rolled off the automaker’s assembly line in the past decade.
Key details of the Flex include the crossover’s long body and distinctive horizontal grooves in the side panels and the optional two tone roof. Another key design element is what Ford calls the “all black greenhouse” effect. The design feature, a first for Ford, adds a strong visual element to the body design that you’d swear was pulled off at a custom shop. The look’s enhanced by a privacy glass standard on all Flex models for the second row, third row and liftgate windows and glossy black pillar cladding.
The Flex is available in three models - SE, SEL and Limited, and features a standard 3.5-liter V6 that pushes out 262 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. You’ll love the ride and the SEL and Limited models are available in all-wheel-drive. But the real beauty of the Flex is its interior, which rivals a lot of luxury rides, especially on the Limited model. It features everything from deep wood grain trim on the steering wheel to a leather shift knob and chrome trim on the air vent rings and around the door pulls.
Gas mileage? About 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway for standard front-wheel drive models. The All-wheel drive models get 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Not bad at all for the segment. And Ford’s already working on an alternative drivetrain that’ll supposedly get better gas mileage without sacrificing power.
Flex options include Ford’s SYNC system, 20” polished aluminum wheels, a Sony surround sound audio system, and a fridge- (yep) a refrigerated console. The Flex is also available with Ford’s new navigation system with SIRIUS’ new “Travel Link” that’ll provide info on everything from traffic alerts to movie listings in case you run behind on making plans. It’s a package that could run you around $40,000 once you stack on all the extras, which might be tough sale for some considering it’s a Ford. But if you can get over that hump, it’s well worth the ride.
IN SHORT? Ford finally backs up all that talk of “Bold Moves” with a ride worthy of valet.
Coolest Feature: Fridge
Could Use: Maybe, a little more power.
STICKER: $37,780 as tested
RATING (1- 5): 5
Chief Competitors
Honda Pilot
GMC Acadia
Toyota Highlander
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