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REVIEW: Ford Flex 2013 is the big boys’ toy bus

Sunday, 22 July 2012 10:00
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Ford packed in more amenities than you might expect from a $41,000 SUV. On the safety side, the Flex uses side-mounted radar to alert the driver to vehicles in either blind spot by blinking a lite in the relevant side view mirror. In manual mode, the gear shift in the center console does not move. Instead, one pushes an up or down button on the side of the gear shift. It works quickly and effortlessly, though it takes some time to get used to shifting gears in that manner.

It has the SYNC voice activated central command system to run its extensive entertainment network. SYNC takes some getting used to: the commands are not necessarily intuitive and it takes time to either memorize the appropriate commands and derivations or luck into them. For those who can’t seem to work with the computerized SYNC robot, there is also an eight-inch color touch-screen and fingertip controls on the leather steering wheel which work quite nicely.

For sound, there is an in-dash CD player, as well as connections for MP3, iPods, and USB drives, and satellite radio.

The 2013 Flex will stand out from the stretch SUV pack because, well, it doesn’t look like an SUV. Whether it’s perceived as a hearse and ignored, or viewed as a neat, grown-up, toy for boys will be a matter of taste. It will, however, make its mark in the competition for seven-passenger, non-minivan vehicles.

Roger Witherspoon writes Shifting Gears at www.RogerWitherspoon.com.

2013 Ford Flex

MSRP: $41,280

EPA Mileage: 17 MPG City, 23 MPG Highway

As Tested Mileage: 22 MPG Mixed

Towing Capacity: 4,471 Pounds

Performance / Safety:

3.5-Liter, aluminum, V-6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque; front wheel drive; 6-speed automatic transmission; MacPherson strut front suspension; Multilink, independent rear suspension; power rack & pinion steering; traction and stability control; 20-inch machined aluminum wheels; adaptive cruise control; fog lights; Halogen headlamps; dual stage front airbags; seat-mounted, side impact bags.

Interior / Comfort:

AM/FM/Sirius satellite radio; Bluetooth; SYNC voice activation system; CD player; USB, iPod, and MP3 ports; tilt and telescoping leather steering wheel with fingertip audio and cruise controls; Sony sound system with 10 speakers; leather seats; powered, heated front seats; fold flat 2nd and 3rd row seats.

RECENT REVIEWS BY ROGER WITHERSPOON

REVIEW: 2012 Ford Edge is easy to like

REVIEW of 3 stretch crossovers: Audi Q-7, Infiniti JX35, and Lincoln MKT seat 7 without a mini-van

REVIEW: The Volvo C-30 Sport Machine

REVIEW: 2013 Dodge Dart marks the return of a classic


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Comments (2)
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Flex
1 Monday, 23 July 2012 11:08
Lanson
At least on my 2010, The 2nd row captain's chairs are adjustable on sliders. This affords extra legroom even more-so than the spacious front seats. Also, I have to comment on the "underpowered" comment. What? My 2010 has less power than the 2013 and it flat out hauls the mail. It has to downshift in the mountains but it always has enough power to get out its own way, which can't be said of some cars made today. Remember it has a high redline, and will absolutely move if pushed to do so. The Ecoboost of the 2010 version at least can run on 87 octane, though it can do better with premium as the engine will learn to advance timing if you put it in. Finally, keep in mind the Ecoboost version can take on 5th gen Vettes, 1/4 wise. That's ridiculous for a 6-7 passenger family "wagon". Good review!
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