Is it a wagon?  Is it an SUV?  Is it a hearse?  Actually, it’s the 2009 Ford Flex, the newest crossover from the Blue Oval.  Although Ford classifies it as a crossover SUV, the Flex actually replaces the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans, which were discontinued in 2006 due to weak sales and low profit margins.  The unique design of the Flex offers a clever blend between the people-moving capacity of a minivan and the light cargo and trailer hauling capacity of an SUV (up to 4000 lbs).  Unlike a minivan, the Flex features conventional rear doors whose panels were inspired by vintage vacuum cleaners.  (Seriously.)

The Flex is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 262 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.  A 340-hp “EcoBoost” engine will be offered later this year.   The Flex is available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, both married to a six-speed automatic transmission.  Despite its name, the Flex is not a flexible-fuel vehicle.  However, it does have a “capless” fueling system that reduces evaporative emissions and prevents you from forgetting to put the gas cap back on after filling up.  Standard safety features on the Flex include antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Unlike many seven-passenger vehicles, the 2009 Ford Flex features comfortably seats seven adults in its spacious, well appointed cabin.  Second row passengers enjoy adjustable / removable footrests and an optional mini fridge in the middle console.  The 60/40 split second row bench and 50/50 split third row seats that fold flat into the floor, providing adequate cargo space (but still less than a true minivan). 

Ford offers the 2009 Flex in three trim levels. The base SE starts at $28,995 and is available with front-wheel drive only and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, rear park assist, rear climate controls, a power driver seat and a six-speaker CD stereo system with an auxiliary audio jack. The SEL trim is available with either front- or all-wheel drive and offers dual-zone automatic climate control, power heated front seats, leather upholstery (vinyl in the third row for the kids) and a 10-speaker stereo with satellite radio. The top level Limited, which starts at $37,255, is also available with either front- or all-wheel drive, wearing 19-inch wheels.  It includes xenon headlights, a power liftgate, power-adjustable pedals, a memory driver’s seat, perforated leather upholstery and the Microsoft Sync multimedia interface system. 

Additional options include second row captain’s chairs, a four-panel Vista sunroof, towing package, keyless ignition/entry and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Touchscreen navigation with voice recognition, backup camera and Sirius Travel Link are available on the Limited model, shooting the price tag to over $45,000.  The interior is even lit with programmable “mood lighting”, available in seven colors.  Lava lamp sold separately.