2009 Ford Flex

If there’s hope that the left and right sides of your brain can agree on anything, that one thing may be the 2009 Ford Flex. Both emotional and practical needs are more than fully met by the 2009 Ford Flex, a crossover that’s equally sporty and utilitarian.

Flex Appeal

Many who need the carrying capacity and practicality of a minivan wouldn’t be caught dead in one: Their parents drove minivans and they are not their parents. Also, many of these same people like the assertive styling and image of freedom offered by sport utility vehicles. However, all except the most gargantuan of SUVs are short on people room—and those big boys are more than a bit challenging to maneuver in tight situations.


The 2009 Ford Flex can match the people- and cargo-carrying capacity of minivans and big SUVs, while offering an aggressive character all its own. Inconspicuous the Flex is not. Instead it shouts, “Look at me.” This starts with the large, square hood and a grille featuring three wide horizontal chrome bars. (To some the Flex might even say, “Don’t mess with me.”)


Optional white or silver roofs also separate the Flex from the crowd, although buyers can stay with a single, monochromatic color for the entire vehicle. The Flex also offers the multi-panel Vista Roof that features four separate windows in the roof.

Power Flex

Powering the Flex is the 3.5-liter, double overhead cam, four-valves-per-cylinder Duratec V-6. It makes some 262 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque (based on preliminary data). The Flex comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission to provide both good acceleration and fuel mileage. The Flex is available in either front- or all-wheel drive. Standard on the Flex are 18-inch-diameter tires, with 17-inch wheels and tires available on SE FWD.


The 2009 Flex comes in three trim levels, starting with the surprisingly well-equipped SE. Included on the SE are Roll Stability Control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, six airbags (two front, two side, and two side curtains), painted 18-inch aluminum wheels, grocery bag hooks in the cargo area, a capless refueling system, and a sound system that features six speakers, a CD player and MP3 capability. Also standard on the SE is a reverse sensing system that warns of misplaced bicycles and unseen poles, remote keyless entry and Securicode, and a new invisible keypad on the b-pillar with numbers that light up beneath the surface upon touch.