Conveying our family and belongings from one location to another has existed forever. The vehicle of choice to make the trek has changed over the years. First, there was the horse and buck board, some years later emerged the station wagon, suburban, van, minivan, SUV, and now the Ford Flex. Ok, yes, I know I might have skipped a generation or two; however, you get the picture!
In the 1980’s the popular family transport shifted from station wagon to minivan; by the mid-90’s the minivan was re-labeled as the “soccer mom” vehicle. After Ford dropped its Windstar minivan in 2004 it was time to create an exciting people-mover. In 2009, Ford created the all-new seven-passenger Flex.
The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover utility vehicle, built from a version of the same car-platform as the Taurus and new Explorer crossover. The Flex can accommodate up to seven adults within its three rows of seats that can be configured in two layouts 2-3-2 or 2-2-2. Even with the third row of seats in an upright position, there is still plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or other items we lug from here to there. You can also fold down the third and second row seats for even greater cargo hauling.
For those readers unfamiliar with what constitutes a “crossover”, here is a brief description: merge the attributes of an SUV – tall ride height and very versatile for carrying people and cargo – with the comfortable ride and fuel economy of a car. What you get is a crossover – half utilitarian and half car.
The model lineup for the 2011 Ford Flex is as follows: SE ($29,075), SEL ($31,875), SEL AWD ($33,725), SEL AWD with EcoBoost V6 engine ($36,720), Limited ($37,845), Limited AWD ($39,695), Limited AWD with EcoBoost engine ($42,690), Titanium ($40,340), Titanium AWD ($42,190) and the top-of-the-line Titanium AWD with EcoBoost engine ($45,185). Our test model was the front-wheel drive Titanium trim.
My impression of the Flex is that it has a fresh and totally unique styling. It won’t get lost in the crowd of typical crossovers or SUV’s. Looking at the profile of the Flex, think Mini on major steroids. Similar to the Mini, the exterior can be customized with the roof being available in white, silver, body color, and on the new Titanium trim – tuxedo black. The windows and pillars are blacked out creating the image that the roof is floating.
The boxy design, which I like, can be polarizing for some; however, on a personal note; I find it bold! Originally, Ford had thought about placing sliding rear doors similar to a minivan, and then decided not to create a reason for possible “minivan bashing”.
The exterior shape of the Flex is a positive that’s reflected in the extremely spacious interior environment. You don’t feel cramped in any of the multiple seating arrangements or feel like you have given up either leg or storage room to accommodate the third row of seating. Going beyond the vast amount of cosmos in the Flex, the interior is also rich in material quality, elegant ambiance, technological components, and overall comfort. The Flex was designed to be upscale and from the moment you sit inside, the sense of luxury is apparent.
In testing the Titanium model, we were spoiled with soft leather-trimmed 10-way powered front driver (6-way power passenger) seats, navigation system, Sony premium audio system with SYNC voice-activated system and Sirius radio, power adjustable pedals, reverse sensing and rear camera, ambient lighting, Mykey system and optional dual headrest DVD entertainment system.
Ford has been impressing drivers everywhere with its new engines. The 2011 Ford Flex delivers two spectacular V6 engine options. The base motor is a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 262 horsepower with 24 highway mpg (FWD). Then comes the EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 that bangs out V8 power of 355 wild horses and still manages 21 highway miles per gallon while mated to Ford’s all-wheel drive system. The twin turbo EcoBoost liberates the smoothest acceleration I have ever experienced.
Room for improvement:
- No push-button start
Cool Features:
- SYNC Voice Activated System
- EcoBoost Twin-Turbo V6
- Power Liftgate
The 2011 Ford Flex is packed with safety features including driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags, canopy side-impact airbags, perimeter alarm, reverse sensing, anti-lock brakes, seatbelt pre-tensioners, passive anti-theft system, AdvanceTrac electronic traction control, RSC Roll Stability Control and electronic brake force distribution.
In Summary – The 2011 Ford Flex is a larger crossover with style and distinctiveness. It is extremely capable and comfortable with more rear legroom in the second row of seats than most, if not all vehicles in its class. The interior is saturated with upscale trim, soft touch-points, and high-tech amenities. The 2011 Ford Flex is perfect for the family needing lots of space; however, not necessarily looking for a minivan, and also cares about style and wants a fun-to-drive vehicle.
Specifications
2011 Ford Flex Titanium
Base price: $40,340 as driven: $43,505 (including destination)
Engine: 3.5-Liter 6-cylinder
Horsepower: 262 @ 6250
Torque: 248 pound-feet @ 4500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive: Front Wheel-Drive
Seating: 7-passenger
Turning circle: 40.7 feet
Cargo space: 83.2 cubic feet
Curb weight: 4471 pounds
Fuel capacity: 18.6 gallons
EPA mileage: 24 highway, 17 city
Wheel Base: 117.9 inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Lexus RX, and Volkswagen Tiguan
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