Sep18
2009 Ford Flex
Posted by Edmunds
What is it?2009 Ford Flex What's special about it?Ford's obsession with all things crossover continues unabated with the introduction at the 2007 New York Auto Show of the 2009 Ford Flex, a seven-passenger, er, crossover. This not-a-minivan draws inspiration from the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle of a couple years back. Sadly, the production version lacks the sassy wicker-clad interior and suicide doors of the showcar. Otherwise the Flex is pretty faithful to the concept's tall-wagon aesthetic. According to Chief Designer Richard Gresens, the production design was well under way in Dearborn by the time the Ford guys in California started work on the concept. Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas, believes that the Flex is a "game-changer." And it's going to have to be considered unique compared to the ever-increasing number of Ford-brand, SUV-like people movers. The Taurus X (formerly the Freestyle) shares the same platform and powertrain. The Edge uses the same powertrain. The Explorer is not dissimilar in size. The Escape is smaller but is, you know, a crossover thingy.
It's the design — a sort of mash-up of Scion xB squareness, Mini Cooper contrasting roofness and first-generation Explorer plainness — that will differentiate the Flex from its brethren. Well, that and a few unique features not available on the gaggle of other Ford crossovers. They include a refrigerator, second-row footrests, programmable ambient interior lighting and a really big sunroof. The Flex also uses the first production application of the capless fuel filler, which reduces evaporative emissions and also should save you the embarrassment of leaving the gas cap dangling freely as you drive down the road. Like its platform mates, the Flex comes standard as a front-driver but can be had with all-wheel drive. All Flex models are powered by the now-familiar 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The engine pumps its 245 pound-feet of torque through the six-speed automatic that is the tranny of choice around Dearborn these days. Riding on a wheelbase 5 inches longer than the Taurus X, the Flex has a big 5 inches of additional legroom for its second-row passengers.
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This story posted by LeaseTrader.com, the automotive service company that lets people transfer out of their Car Leases early. If you're looking to swap a lease or transfer out of your car lease, please visit www.leasetrader.com.
This story posted by LeaseTrader.com, the automotive service company that lets people transfer out of their Car Leases early. If you're looking to swap a lease or transfer out of your car lease, please visit www.leasetrader.com