The Ford Flex is one of the most unusual new cars debuting in 2009. The Flex has been in development since gas was below $1.50 per gallon. Now that gas prices of $4 per gallon and higher have radically shifted consumer demand toward small, fuel-efficient cars, it isn't clear what the market will think of this large wagon-like thing. But the automotive press has just begun to get its hands on the vehicle, and so far, most of the impressions are mostly positive.
Car and Driver writes, "Ford has finally built something interesting. And after a brief drive of the Flex -- in, of all places, New York City and its swanky 'burbs -- we're feeling cautiously optimistic about the funky four-wheeled box. And, for that matter, about Ford." They explain, "We are impressed with many aspects of it, and fortunately, we think they are aspects that count -- i.e., features that help it carry a bunch of people and things in comfort and with reasonable economy. Which, after all, is precisely the point of vehicles like this."
"The experience of driving or riding in the 2009 Ford Flex is more serene than you might anticipate, given Ford's previous family-truckster efforts," according to Edmunds Inside Line. "Devoid of any gimmicks or crazy whirly-cues, the interior seems restrained and yet contemporary." However, they note, the price of the model they tested came to $45,190 -- more than any of the minivans it's supposed to replace as an alternative.
Motor Trend notes, "Getting in and out of this low-rise transporter is a breeze through the wide-opening doors, even in tight parking spaces. That's because the threshold is moved well inboard of where most cars put it, and the doors wrap under to seal at the very bottom of the rockers so no grime ever accumulates where it might fowl a pant leg." Even in the third-row seat, they write, "moderately sized adults can easily tolerate a cross-town commute, enjoying reasonable legroom and stadium-seat forward visibility."
Automobile Magazine predicts that the Flex is "poised to become one of those once-in-a-decade vehicles of rare perfection." They add, "mark our words: There'll be a breakout crowd that will see the Flex as a canvas for endless customization. This is the beginning of something big."
The Flex's unusual looks have split our editorial staff, with at least one editor calling it salvation for a generation of kids raised in minivans, and two others calling it an orange hearse. What do you make of the Flex?
To see the highly-anticipated Ford Flex for yourself, see our slideshow. To read more about what the auto press is saying, see the U.S. News preview of the 2009 Ford Flex.
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