Flex.  A word you don't want to closely associate with a car.  It conjures up images of cornering instability, lack of body rigidity and so forth.  So why does Ford name its new make-or-break crossover vehicle, Flex?  Aside from fitting in with the company's all "F" automotive line, it showcases the company's flexible way of thinking--a way of thinking that combines style, features, functionality and comfort.  In other words: flexibility.

After years of playing market denial, Ford has finally admitted that the age of Sport Utility Vehicles or SUV is already coming to an end.  In North America, overall sales of crossovers overtook the traditional sport utility vehicle for the first time--and of course, every car manufacturer wants a piece of the 3 million per year volume.  For Ford, the Flex puts into full circle its triumvirate of crossovers: the Edge, Taurus X and now, the Flex.

Classified as a full-sized crossover vehicle, the Flex is sized as an alternative to the Expedition.  It's uninhibited in terms of looks with the trademark Ford chrome horizontal grille, an all black greenhouse that seamlessly wrap under the White Suede or Silver roof color.  The upright stature is reminiscent of the Fairlane Concept that debuted in 2005.  The doors have three horizontal lines that run through up to the rear area, incorporating the rocker panel in the process breaking the slab-sized look of the Flex without removing any of its masculinity.  There are several Edge styling cues that carryover to the Flex including the chrome-outlined LED tail lamps as well as the satin silver finished tailgate.  18-inch tires are standard, but chromed 19-inch wheels are available for that Range Rover-ish appearance.

Inside, the Flex promises Ford's best levels of fit and finish yet.  According to Ford, most crossover buyers buy a crossover because of the interior--and the Flex isn't taking any chances.  The overall design theme may seem familiar to those familiar with Ford's North American products, but there are still some unique design cues.  The retro-styled gauges for instance is front-lit in white and back-lit in blue giving a "floating" quality to them.  And then there's the wrap-around wood trim that runs through the entire length of the cabin from the front to the rear occupants.  Not to be outdone in terms of features, the new Flex features industry firsts including a real compressor-powered refrigerator that can cool up to seven 12-ounce cans or 4 half-liter bottles 40 percent faster than your home fridge.  The interior lighting is also programmable to suit the driver's mood--a feature also on the 2008 Focus.

Being a full-sized crossover, the Flex features best-in-class second row leg room.  The Flex's second row seats fold flat and tumble via a one touch system, and is standard with adjustable and removable foot rests.  Of course, the second and third rows fold flat for additional space.

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