The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover manufactured by Ford. Its styling is based on the Ford Fairlane concept unveiled at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. The production vehicle made its debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. Sales of the Flex began in summer of 2008 as a 2009 model.

The Flex is produced on the same assembly line as the Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Oakville, Ontario, where the first Flex was driven off the line at the beginning of June 2008. It replaces the Ford Freestar minivan and Taurus X (a crossover SUV similar to the Flex) as the unibody seven-seat Ford. The Flex is only sold in the United States and Canada.

The 2009 Ford Flex is an all-new midsize SUV. This boxy 4-door wagon shares some of its basic design with Ford’s Edge and Taurus X crossover SUVs and is available in three trim levels: base SE, midlevel SEL, and top-line Limited. All trim levels come with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on the SEL and Limited.

Flex is distinguished not only by its squared-off shape but by contrasting roof and body colors and use of exterior chrome accents. Flex seats either six or seven on three rows of seats. Power comes from a 262-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Some of Flex’s other features include a rearview camera, power liftgate, voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic and weather updates, four-panel glass roof, and refrigerated center console. Other available features include Ford’s Sync, which is a voice-activated system that controls some cell phone and MP3 player functions, and a capless fuel filler.

Other Information

• Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
• Production: 2008–present
• Assembly: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
• Predecessor: Ford Freestar; Ford Taurus X
• Clas: Full-size crossover
• Body styles: 5-door crossover
• Layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
• Platform: Ford D4 platform
• Designer: Richard Gresens

Price

• MSRP: $28,295 – $36,555
• Invoice: $26,607 – $33,840

Tags: 2009 Ford Flex, all-wheel drive, Auto Show, automatic transmission, crossover suv, Crossovers, ford, ford motor, ford motor co, glass roof, lincoln, side airbags, SUV, Wagon