When Ford introduced the Fairlane concept at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, it caused quite a stir. The company wasted no time in moving the vehicle from dream to reality, and it has lost little on its way to production. The result is a crossover with bold styling that delivers a strong aesthetic appeal.
Like the Ford Edge, the 2009 Ford Flex rides on the excellent Mazda6 platform and makes use of the same 262-horsepower 3.5L Duratec V6 that delivers 248 ft-lb of torque. Power is put to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike truck-based vehicles, the Flex incorporates a fully independent suspension.
The Flex is available in three trim levels--SE, SEL, and Limited. The SE comes in front-wheel-drive only, while the SEL and Limited are available with full-time automatic all-wheel drive.
In the SE you get standard air conditioning, leather steering wheel with audio controls, remote entry, a six-way power driver's seat, an MP3-compatible CD player, and power mirrors, windows, and locks.
The SEL adds a premium Sony stereo with six-disc CD changer, heated mirrors, ten-way adjustability to the driver's seat and six adjustments for the front passenger. Also included is a universal garage door opener and dual automatic climate control.
In Limited trim, the Flex offers a power liftgate, power adjustable pedals, a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, Ford's Sync voice-activated information and entertainment system, and driver-side memory for the seat, mirrors and pedals.
Standard seating across the range includes front buckets with a fold-flat passenger seat, while the second-row is a 60/40 split folding bench and the third row is a 50/50 disappearing split bench. This allows for seven-passenger comfort. Optional seating includes second-row captain's chairs with a console.
Popular options packages include a Convenience Package for the SEL, which features adjustable pedals, a driver memory system, a 110-volt outlet, and a power liftgate. A two-tone roof, power sunroof, and DVD entertainment are available on the SEL and Limited. When equipped with second-row captain's chairs, a center refrigerated console can be specified. Navigation with a rearview camera is available on the Limited only, while Sync can be ordered on any Flex.
Standard safety features in the Flex include front air bags, side-impact air bags for front passengers, and side-curtain air bags for all three rows of seats, which will deploy in a rollover situation. Also available is electronic roll stability control, which sense rollovers before they occur and serves to avoid them. Traction control is standard across the line.
Like the Ford Edge, the 2009 Ford Flex rides on the excellent Mazda6 platform and makes use of the same 262-horsepower 3.5L Duratec V6 that delivers 248 ft-lb of torque. Power is put to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike truck-based vehicles, the Flex incorporates a fully independent suspension.
The Flex is available in three trim levels--SE, SEL, and Limited. The SE comes in front-wheel-drive only, while the SEL and Limited are available with full-time automatic all-wheel drive.
In the SE you get standard air conditioning, leather steering wheel with audio controls, remote entry, a six-way power driver's seat, an MP3-compatible CD player, and power mirrors, windows, and locks.
The SEL adds a premium Sony stereo with six-disc CD changer, heated mirrors, ten-way adjustability to the driver's seat and six adjustments for the front passenger. Also included is a universal garage door opener and dual automatic climate control.
In Limited trim, the Flex offers a power liftgate, power adjustable pedals, a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, Ford's Sync voice-activated information and entertainment system, and driver-side memory for the seat, mirrors and pedals.
Standard seating across the range includes front buckets with a fold-flat passenger seat, while the second-row is a 60/40 split folding bench and the third row is a 50/50 disappearing split bench. This allows for seven-passenger comfort. Optional seating includes second-row captain's chairs with a console.
Popular options packages include a Convenience Package for the SEL, which features adjustable pedals, a driver memory system, a 110-volt outlet, and a power liftgate. A two-tone roof, power sunroof, and DVD entertainment are available on the SEL and Limited. When equipped with second-row captain's chairs, a center refrigerated console can be specified. Navigation with a rearview camera is available on the Limited only, while Sync can be ordered on any Flex.
Standard safety features in the Flex include front air bags, side-impact air bags for front passengers, and side-curtain air bags for all three rows of seats, which will deploy in a rollover situation. Also available is electronic roll stability control, which sense rollovers before they occur and serves to avoid them. Traction control is standard across the line.
