2009 Ford Flex

There’s no mistaking a Ford Flex when you see it on the road.

The longer back end and the box-like design draw the eye and make people wonder what the interior is like.

First off, there’s plenty of space inside for seven people, and they don’t have to cram in like sardines.

And the passengers won’t be trapped in the dark, either. A Vista sunroof with four fixed glass panels brighten up the second-and third-row seats.

Optional TV and DVD systems can be added to the back of each headrest to increase entertainment options. Long trips or fussy passengers seem to be a major consideration in the design of the Ford Flex.

The available compressor-driven refrigerator can cool up to seven 12-ounce drink cans, four half-liter bottles or two 20-ounce bottles.

Ford says it takes about two hours for drinks to go from room temperature to 41 degrees. A freezer option can drop the temperature to 23 degrees. The unit can continue working after the vehicle is turned off, and a safety feature will shut the refrigerator down before the Flex’s battery can be drained.

Obviously, the driver can feel the vehicle’s extra length on the road, and there is some play in the steering wheel because of that. But the overall handling, especially when it comes to bumps, is better than expected.

The 3.5-liter V-6 engine is tied to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives plenty of get-up-and-go on the highway.

As far as high-tech options go, the Ford SYNC technology allows most phone and entertainment options to be voice activated.

The navigation system also can respond to voice commands. The Sony sound system provides 700 watts of power, 5.1 surround sound and 10 speakers to cover the Flex’s expansive interior.

The most interesting feature is the EasyFuel capless fuel filler. When someone pulls up to the pump, there is no gas cap to remove. Instead, the tank remains sealed until someone puts the gas pump nozzle into the filler neck. Not only do drivers not have to worry about losing the gas cap, but the system also greatly reduces the escape of fumes.

Speaking of gasoline, the fuel economy of the 2009 Ford Flex varies. All-wheel drive models can expect 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Front-wheel drive models can expect 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Ford’s hard work pays off by making the Flex a vehicle for the entire family to enjoy.