Don't Believe the Hype: Ford Flex is a Family Car!

Ford may be targeting hip, on-the-go urbanites with its multimillion dollar ad campaign for the 2009 Flex crossover, but the cars' options, versatility and 7-passenger seating plus plenty of cargo interior is actually ideal for a family.

Those that lug groceries, kids, and everything in between truly appreciate ease in seat adjustment and the Flex offers that in a major way. First there's the driver's seat that has six automatic and two manual positions plus excellent lumbar spine support. The automatic positions automatically glide the seat to your preferred space one you settle in; turn the engine off, and the seat glides back to allow you easy exit. This may seem like a luxury the first few times you experience it, but it's easy to see how you'd quickly find it a necessity.

The other seats may not have all the bells and whistles, but they are plenty comfortable, hugging you slightly, just as the driver's seat does.

What really sets the Flex seats apart though is how easy they are to quickly change from upright to flat in a multitude of combinations among the three row seats. Ample and deep rear cargo space already offers plenty of room for hauling gear, but the folding seats make the expanse truly mammoth.

What's surprising is that the Flex's ride belies its side. The seats are a bit lower, so the feel is much like a sedan's. The car's ride - powered by a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine - is also smooth. Whether the drive is on a highway or through a bumpy area under construction, the ride is smooth and no road noise seeps in.

Ford has packed the Flex - which lists for as low as $28,995 - with all sorts of safety gadgets including front seat side airbags, sidecurtain airbags for the rear passengers, a rollover sensor, a tire-pressure monitoring system; an in-dash camera that gives a behind-the-car view and much more.

This car is also a lot of fun with a multi-paneled "Vista Roof" so everyone can enjoy the sky, the bells and whistles of the high-tech Ford Sync which includes everything from high-end stereo to Blue tooth and voice navigation, to a built-in refrigerator/freezer. Mileage is rated at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway for all-wheel drive and 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway for front-wheel drive; not bad when you consider the size of this crossover.

For more info on how to spend less, get more and sweeten your life keep exploring all the info, updates, deals and coupons on RedPlum!

Related Articles:
Top 10: Auto Add-Ons We Crave!

Safe, Stylish, Cheap: What More Do You Want in a Car!