The Ford Flex wins in a Big Way!

06/09/2012

The Ford Flex definitely has an interesting look to it; it reminds me of a beach cruiser!  I think it is one of the best crossovers on the marketing and in 2012, Ford didn’t make too many changes – they were nearly at perfection with this one!

As a full size SUV driver myself, I loved that the Flex still had the lines of an SUV, but it was very low-riding, making underground parking a  much less daunting task!  It still has the passenger capabilities and rear storage, just much lower.  It is a great vehicle to drive.  My three year old daughter and I took a friend and her 2 kids (all three in car seats!) on a mini-road trip out to Jurassic Forest.  The Flex was great to drive on the highway.  My only complaint was that even with the power seat modifications, I felt like I was sitting really low and couldn’t rest my elbow on the window sill of the drivers door.  Perhaps the door sills were just higher than normal!  Other than that, the front row was very comfortable with lots of cup holders, the great command centre screen and soft, supportive seats.

The kids were very comfortable.  We fit the 3 cars in and flipped one of the rear seats and we were able to fit in 2 strollers, 2 coolers a diaper bag and even an overnight bag and scooter (we picked up one of the kids from a sleepover at Grandma’s on the way!) with extra room to spare.  Many of the SUV’s have nearly zero storage space once the third row is utilized.  We had no trouble with the Flex.  The kids loved the double rear sunroofs and we loved the fact that they could all be closed once the kids were all sleeping on the way back home.

Here is some of the more technical specs, which I always include in my reviews for the more savvy car buyers!  The basic 3.5-liter, 262-horsepower V-6 works well enough with good for acceleration to 60 mph in less than nine seconds even when it’s laden with four adults. Paired with a six-speed automatic with well-paced shifts, the Flex can be ordered with all-wheel drive, which adds weight for those of us Edmontonians who live in a climate with authentic four-seasons weather. Given the fair budget increase, I’d choose the turbocharged, 355-hp EcoBoost Flex, which runs off 0-60 mph times of under seven seconds and lightens up the Flex’s footwork, making it faster than anything in the class.  But, for the average buyer/driver, it might not be necessary!

The Flex is among the safest vehicles you can buy. Its comprehensive safety package includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control with anti-rollover technology. A rearview camera and parking sensors are available, as are a blind-spot warning system and adaptive cruise control.

Once it’s loaded with the new Titanium package, the Flex is every bit as luxurious as a Lincoln MKT. Even the basic Flex has an ample standard-features list. On it are third-row seating; an AM/FM/CD player; power windows, locks, and mirrors; a capless fuel-filler system, which means no more misplaced gas caps; and Ford’s MyKey system. The upmarket versions add the turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive and other niceties like a leather interior; a panoramic sunroof; and Ford’s SYNC entertainment/phone controller.

My most favorite thing about the Flex? Definitely the cooler that could be changed to a fridge or freezer option.  I missed this feature throughout the summer after driving the Flex.  It is an ingenious option and one that I wouldn’t want to give up.  As a mom who is frequently in the car, it was so handy to have milk, water and juice on hand, especially on our mini-road trip.  Bravo Ford – this is definitely one of my favorites!  The styling, comfort, options and drive are all a win for me!