2009 Ford Flex New Orleans LA
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2009 Ford Flex
November 18, 2009 By Jon Alain Guzik, Editor-in-Chief
2009 Ford Flex
DriverSide Overview
With soaring gas prices equating to low, low, low SUV sales, Ford seem to have released the Flex at just the right time. The 2009 Flex – which designer J Mays has referred to as a station wagon – presents an intriguing answer to the question: “How am I going to haul the family around now?” The Flex excels at moving large amounts of people and all their assorted sundry items from place to place. Inside is a well-built interior featuring clean gauges, easy to operate controls and third-row seats that fold flat with a flip of the wrist. Under the hood is a plenty potent V-6 and an impossibly smooth six-speed automatic transmission. With an exterior styling that’s anything but ordinary, the Flex offers a good-looking, fun-to-drive vehicle that serves up an amazing 24 mpg highway in two-wheel drive guise. With alternatives like this on the road, we think it’s safe to say that the reign of the SUV is coming to an end.
What’s to Like
The Flex’s cavernous, well-finished and upscale interior is fantastic. With three rows of seating that include a pass-through second row with an auto-fold function and comfy rear seats swaddled in optional supple leather, this crossover can handle any long journey thrown its way. The driver’s seat provides a clear view of the road with few blind spots. Also, the Sirius Travel Link navigation system is a revelation.
What’s Not to Like
While there are several interior color options available, the white leather tends to show dirt quickly, as in before it leaves the dealer’s lot. While the interior is mostly comfortable, the front and rear headrests can be awkward. Projector headlights are only available in upmodel SEL and Limited trim.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The Flex is a pleasure to drive on almost every level. The engine responds with more than enough power to move the sizeable vehicle along, and Ford’s 6-speed automatic transmission shifts smoother than the auto mounted in BMW’s 1-series -- something that we would have though impossible just a few years ago. While the Flex stretches to just shy of 202 inches long, it’s remarkably maneuverable in parking lots and tight spaces, and the fantastic visibility makes spotting obstacles easy.
Engine and Drivetrain
Ford’s limo-like ride is powered by the company’s all-aluminum 3.5-liter Duratech V-6 engine, longitudinally mounted. Providing 262 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, it still goes easy on fuel; this power plant is sure to be a favorite of Ford’s for years to come. A flawless 6-speed automatic transmission directs power to either the front or all four wheels.
Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
With a focus on ease of ingress, the Flex comes with second row seats that flip fl...