Welcome back to the station wagon with the early
2009 Ford Flex, which has "family road trip" written all over it.
Ford is often fondly remembered for its 1950s to early 1980s station wagons by older baby boomers. American wagons were the roomiest, most practical and comfortable vehicles before the arrival of Chrysler's 1984 minivans.
Like all U.S. automakers, though, Ford marketing people avoid calling the Flex a station wagon. Instead, the automaker says its new vehicle is a "full-size crossover," which means it's auto-based with carlike manners and SUV space attributes.
But who's kidding who? Even Ford's head designer, J (no full first name) Mays, says it's OK with him to call the Flex a station wagon.
The first thing you notice about the Flex is its boxy styling and long, straight roofline. However, the Flex can be distinguished by its different-color ("white suede" or silver) $395 roof option that makes the roof appear to "float" above the body because roof and window posts are blacked-out and the body has a different color. Also, body side grooves and judicious use of chrome help give the Flex some style.
The Flex seats six or seven occupants on three rows of seats, although the third row is mostly for two kids and is difficult to reach if you're not limber. This new Ford is offered with front-drive or optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
There's good cargo room, although the third seat steals some of it when in place. The cargo area is especially spacious with second- and third-row seats folded forward. The tailgate opening is wide but rather high.
There are three trim levels: ($28,295) front-drive SE, $32,070 (front-drive) to $33,920 (AWD) SEL -- and top-line $34,705 (front-drive) to $36,555 (AWD) Limited.
Even the SE's standard items include air conditioning, tilt wheel with radio controls, power driver seat, second-row split-folding seat, third-row stowable split seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. It has 60-series tires on fairly big 18-inch alloy wheels.
The SEL adds dual-zone automatic climate controls, power front passenger seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. The Limited adds power-adjustable pedals and a power tailgate. It also has wider 55-series tires on 19-inch wheels.
The Flex is definitely a family vehicle, so Ford pours on safety features. They include anti-lock brakes, an anti-skid system with rollover sensors, rear-obstacle detection system, front side air bags and curtain side air bags with rollover deployment for all seating rows.
A major option is its $1,495 power Vista sunroof with fixed rear glass panels. Offered for such things as long-distance vacation drives is a $760 second-row refrigerated console, although it requires two second-row bucket seats and a $100 second-row console, instead of a bench seat. Other options include a rearview camera and navigation and DVD entertainment systems, remote engine start -- and upgraded sound system with satellite radio.
There's also Ford's voice-activated Sync hands-free communications and entertainment system, which fully integrates mobile phones and digital media players into the Flex.
This is a big vehicle with a long 117.9-inch wheelbase. It weighs 4,498-4,661 pounds because it's based on the made-in-Chicago full-size Ford Taurus sedan and Taurus X crossover vehicle. It feels large and heavy but has good steering with the right amount of power assist, supple ride and decent handling and braking. Mildly aggressive driving on winding roads soon reveals it's no BMW, but it's an excellent highway cruiser.
The Flex's name might lead some to think it's a hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicle, but it has the same potent gasoline 3.5-liter V-6, which produces 262 horsepower, and a responsive, smooth six-speed automatic transmission. This Ford is lively in town and has rapid 65-80 mph passing. It's rated to tow 4,500 pounds.
My test front-drive Flex Limited had some torque steer, which yanked the steering wheel a bit to the left and right during hard off-the-line acceleration, but it probably wouldn't have been there with the AWD system.
Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 24 on highways with front-wheel drive and 16 and 22 with all-wheel drive. Only 87-octane fuel is recommended, and fuel capacity is 18.6 gallons. A capless fuel-filler system eliminates the likelihood of forgetting to put the gas cap on after refueling.
Large door handles and wide-opening doors make it easy to enter the quiet interior's front- and second-row seats. An integrated rocker panel design eliminates the need for folks to step over the rocker panel when getting in and out.
Backlit gauges are easy to read, and there's a mixture of large and small generally user-friendly climate and sound system controls. Front seats are especially large and comfortable, and there are plenty of cupholders and storage areas, including door pockets and a deep front console bin.
Ford calls the Flex its "next iconic model." I wouldn't go that far, but it's a nicely designed thoroughly modern version of a large old station wagon.
2009 FORD FLEX Prices: $28,295-$36,555
Likes: Roomy. Fast. Comfortable. Available all-wheel drive. Capless fuel filler.
Dislikes: Third seat mainly for kids. Only moderately good fuel economy.