2009 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year Contender: Ford Flex
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The 2009 Ford Flex evokes various heydays of Ford wagons for our seasoned editors. It makes exec editor Matt Stone think of his friend's 1947 Woody. The concept version of the Flex was named Fairlane -- the 1957 and 1958 Fairlane sedans were the basis for the first Country Squires. Whatever year you think of, the Flex makes Ford wagons cool again and does so without reverting to retro styling.
The Flex's third-row seat is rated for two passengers, and it's available in six- (with optional refrigerator between the split second row) and seven-passenger variants. Other notable options include Microsoft Sync and a big panorama roof. The third row is more comfortable for adults than the Chevy Traverse's three-passenger rear seat. Sharing its Volvo-based platform with a variety of Fords, including Taurus X, Flex's dimensions are similar to the Chevy's, with a lower h-point. The driver can set his seat low, making it feel like a station wagon, or high, for that much desired SUV-command view of the road. It's by no means an off-roader, yet it handled our off-road section with ease.
With its soft suspension, deliberate steering, and big flat expanse of hood ahead of the driver, the Flex doesn't inspire spirited driving, which helps explain its better fuel economy versus other contenders on our test loop. The V-6/six-speed automatic combo is smooth with adequate power, although the transmission offers no upshift-downshift options for family vacations across the Rockies. Those who fondly remember late-1960s Country Squires with 429 V-8 options will appreciate the coming 3.5L EcoBoost making about 325 hp.
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