by Bill Whitney

Created on: June 21, 2010   Last Updated: June 22, 2010

The Ford Flex made its debut in 2007 and is one of the better looking Ford vehicles as far as I am concerned.  The 2010 Ford Flex is kind of a combination of a mini-van and a station wagon is another one of the newer vehicles that look kind of like a box on wheels.  The Flex is a little bigger box than the Scion xB, the Nissan Cube, the Kia Soule and it is definitely better looking.  Too bad that it is a Ford.  The worst two cars I have ever owned have both been Fords.  Just not a Ford person.

The 2010 Ford Flex comes in three different trim levels.  The basic is the Flex SE and starts at $29,950.  Then comes the Flex SEL and then the top of the line Flex Limited starting at $42,465.  There are two engine options and you can get the Flex in front wheel drive or all wheel drive.  Both engines are a 3.5 liter DOHV V-6 but the 3.5 liter Eco-Boost twin turbo direct injection V-6 putsd out 355 horsepower and  is quick as a cat.  The base engine is 200 horsepower,  both have a six speed automatic but the Eco-Boost model comes with paddle shifters.

The Flex is available with 17, 18, or 20 inch tires and wheels.  The Flex Limited with the 20" wheels, the right two-tone paint, and the Eco-Boost twin turbo engine is a sporty looking outfit and a real pocket rocket.  You had better set the cruise control when you take to the open road because you will be over the speed limited in a heart beat if you don't.  I can't afford many of those speeding tickets.  The Flex will carry seven passengers or fold all but the driver's seat backs flat and you have all kinds of cargo space.  The second row seats are available with a center console cooler for your refreshments or sandwich makings.

The available Sync system is a voice activated navigation System that you jsut tell it where you want to go and it leads the way to your desired destination.  It also allows you to use hands-free cell phone.  I still think you should pull off the road and stop to use a cell phone, hands free or otherwise.  When you are talking on the cell phone you don't have full concentration on your driving and that is not good.  The 2010 Ford Flex has a five star crash rating plus it was named a 2009 Top Safety Pick by  the Insurance Institute for Highway safety.  The Sync system also has an integrated Sirius Travel link that includes real time traffic information, current and forecast weather conditions, fuel prices, sports scores and movie listings.

The 2010 Flex can tow up to 4500 pounds and has a EPA mileage rating of 24 highway miles per gallon.

If you are a music nut like me, you will want the optional Sony Audio System with 390 watts of power, Sirius satellite radio and 12 strategically placed premium speakers.  If you have young children, or like us, grandchildren who you take on trips, you will definitely want the dual headrest DVD Entertainment System.  I would opt for the easy cleanup leather seats which are heated and 10 way power adjustable with memory in the front.

The 2010 Ford Flex has all the latest safety and handling systems and is available in nine exterior colors and some really sharp looking two-tone options

Thanks to Ford Motor Company Flex brochure for some of the facts and figures used in the review.

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