2009 Autotropolis Truck of the Year - Ford Flex

Autotropolis 2009 Truck of the Year

Ford Press Release: Ford Flex Racks up and Impressive List of Honours

2009 Ford Flex: Land Rover for the Masses

2009 Ford Flex Review

Overview
The 2009 Ford Flex has been earning acclaim from critics and consumers all over the States for its unique take on the SUV crossover. It joins Ford's other SUVs the Edge and Taurus in the growing stable of vehicles for Ford that are aimed at what the American public want - vehicles large enough to carry the family in style and comfort but not so large that they are gas guzzlers and difficult to drive around the city. While the external style of the Flex evokes a love or hate response from the consumers, its interior clinches the deal with the superbly high quality finish and huge range of family-friendly features that make it irresistible. Add to that its car-like handling and performance, class-leading technologies and high safety standard, and it is easy to understand how the 2009 Ford Flex has won the Autotropolis Truck of the Year.

Performance
The 2009 Ford Flex is powered by a 3.5-liter Duratec V6 that produces 262hp and 248lb-ft of torque. Transferring this power to the road is Ford's fuel efficient six-speed automatic transmission, and acceleration and handling are smooth and nicely weighted to produce an almost car-like driving experience. This is also thanks to the independent rear suspension system which improves the refined responsiveness of the vehicle. The Flex comes with either front-wheel drive or an intelligent AWD system which is electronically controlled to determine the optimum torque to be sent to each wheel at all times and gives great all-weather handling. Fuel economy for the front-wheel drive stands at 17/24mpg city/highway driving, and the AWD rates 16/22mpg.

Driving is extra quiet in the Ford Flex thanks to the insulation in the roof, door and floor, and there are large windows throughout the cabin that minimize blind spots which can be such a problem in these SUV style vehicles.

Interior and Features
The interior of the 2009 Ford Flex is without question the best cabin design ever created by Ford. Kate Pearce, the Ford Flex marketing manager says, "More than 90% of crossover customers make their vehicle purchases based in part on the overall quality of the interior". This inspired the Ford Design team to create a new level of craftsmanship that is inspired by fashionable furniture design that aims to make families feel as comfortable as possible. Tweed-like fabrics have been used on the base-level Flex to give a soft and luxurious feel, while the upper models feature soft leather with contrast stitching and seat perforations for maximum comfort. In fact in these trims there is leather on just about every surface with dark wood trim providing a strong contrast, even on the instrument panel.

The Flex seats seven in three rows of seats, and offers best-in-the-class head and legroom in all three rows. The second row folds down with the press of a button to allow easy access to the third row and even there the seats are comfortable and roomy. These two rows also fold flat into the floor for an enormous cargo space.

Highlights in the technology of the Flex include Ford's SYNC system that integrates mobile phones, entertainment and digital media in a voice-activated Microsoft-partnered system that has gained its own accolades for the ease of use. The navigation system is also voice-activated and can store over 150 hours of music as well as integrating climate controls and SIRIUS satellite radio, and is connected to the rear seat DVD entertainment package with 8 inch drop down screen. There is even a small refrigerator in the luxury trims which is mounted between the second-row seats and can cool up to seven cans 40% faster than a standard refrigerator.

Other features include premium Sony stereo system, programmable ambient cabin lighting, capless fuel filler, reverse camera system, door entry keypad and Vista Roof which is an impressive sunroof system that is divided into three glass panels for an incredible open-air sense even in the third-row seats.

Safety
The Ford Flex features the latest technology in safety features which reflect Ford's commitment to family protection. There is a standard rear back-up camera that is mounted in the liftgate which is activated when the vehicle is reversing and transmits the rear image onto the navigation screen. The AdvanceTrac stability control system detects when the vehicle is in danger of losing control and can correct oversteer situations by selectively applying the brakes. A full system of airbags is included at the front and side and there is a passenger sensing system to ensure only the necessary airbags are activated in an accident. The LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) system is included for safer child harnessing, and there is an integrated tire pressure monitoring system.

"With styling inspired by vintage vacuum cleaners and an overall shape that resembles a super-sized cross between a first-generation Scion xB and a Mini Cooper Clubman, it's safe to say there's nothing else quite like the Ford Flex on the road today."

Edmunds

Flex's styling isn't going to appeal to everyone. Fortunately, the latest Ford crossover has plenty of other stuff going for it. It's quite roomy, very comfortable, and surprisingly refined. It doesn't quite match the overall polish of a GMC Acadia or Mazda CX-9, but Flex is an alternative that's well worth considering.

Ed Piotrowski, Consumer Guide Autos

Ford offers not just one or two but FOUR midsize SUVs, and Flex might well be the best of the bunch. Even if you don't like the "box carrying a box" look, Flex offers a strong combination of practicality and driving dynamics that not only make it a must-see SUV, but an attractive minivan alternative as well.

Rick Cotta - Consumer Guide Autos

With the body of a 1950s station wagon, what's the Ford Flex doing on a car technology site? The answer is inside, as this retro-wagon features the best infotainment system currently available. Mention an album name, and the stereo will start playing it. Say a street name, and the car will show you how to get there, on a route that avoids any bad traffic. Get low on fuel, and the car can tell you where to find the cheapest gas. It even gives you a weather forecast, movie times, and sports scores.

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