Nuts & Bolts
2009 Ford Flex Limited
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Suggestion: The Flex currently comes in three trim levels -- SE, SEL, and Limited, all with 3.5-liter V-6 engines. Ford should consider a diesel version in the higher-priced Limited models. Even at the generally higher prices for diesel-powered vehicles, here's betting that Ford would sell every diesel-powered Flex it made.
Ride, acceleration and handling: This one gets excellent marks in all three categories (as long as smaller people are assigned to the third-row seats). Handling on the twists and turns of Angola Road was impressive.
Head-turning quotient: It's the automotive equivalent of a rock star. People were drawn to it. And to all who asked: Yes, it's a real production vehicle. You can buy it. Yes, believe it or not, it was made by Ford.
Body style/layout: The Ford Flex is a front-engine, full-size family wagon available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Engine/transmission: The Flex comes with a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V-6 engine that develops 262 horsepower at 6,250 revolutions per minute and 248 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 revolutions per minute. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Capacities: There are seats for seven people. Maximum cargo capacity is 83 cubic feet. (Luggage capacity with rear seats up is 15 cubic feet). The Flex can be equipped to tow a trailer weighing 4,150 pounds. The fuel tank holds 19.2 gallons of recommended regular unleaded gasoline.
Mileage: We averaged 23 miles per gallon on the highway, 20 mpg in urban traffic.
Safety: Standard equipment includes four-wheel antilock brakes, side and head air bags, electronic stability and traction control, and Ford/Microsoft Sync communications system.
Price: The base price on the 2009 Ford Flex Limited with all-wheel drive is $36,555. Dealer's invoice price on that model is $33,940. Price as tested is $43,720, including $6,465 in options (onboard navigation with backup camera, multi-panel glass roof, two-tone exterior paint, rear console refrigerator, and second-row heated seats) plus a $700 destination charge. Dealer's price as tested is $40,135. Prices sourced from Ford, Edmunds.com and Cars.com, an affiliate of The Washington Post.
Purse-strings note: This is one of the most enjoyable family wagons available. It gets a "buy" here.
