Test Drove the Flex at Dahl Ford of La Crosse, WI.

Model: Limited AWD w/ Vista roof.

After looking at the Flex in photos for over a year, it is truly amazing to see this vehicle in person for the first time.

First reactions: Slightly bigger than I expected, but not in a land yacht sort of way. Paint finish quality much better than my '06 F-150 (little to no orange peel effect). Interior space, especially head room is excellent. I cannot recall sitting in a car or truck with a sun/moon/vista roof and having that much space left above my head. It almost makes me at 6'3" feel a little short! I actually had to move the seat forward a bit to reach a comfortable driving position.

Driving manners: This is the first Ford that I have driven with their new 6 speed automatic. I have grown accustomed to the shiftless Continuously Variable Transmission in the Parents Five hundred, which makes traditional automatic transmissions seem harsh and forceful at times. This is not the case with the 6 speed automatic in the Flex. To be honest, the only time I felt it shift was after slowing/braking (but not stopping) for a turn & then moderately applying gas to get across the oncoming lane of traffic. The rest of the driving experience was pleasant and uneventful. When maneuvering, it handles as well as a Five Hundred and really doesn't feel any bigger than that to me.

It is hard to tell a whole lot about a vehicle only driving it 10mi, but with what I have found so far, I think that Ford is on the right track. It is exceptionally quite inside at highway speeds and the seats are some of the most comfortable that Ford has produced in a while. The warning chimes are also different, You'll see what I mean when you drive one.

That's all that I can think of for now, I'll probably add more later.

T. J.

And now for the pictures!!



The Flex on its podium


Second row foot rest still wrapped in its Ford plastic.


The fridge!


Second row climate controls & power points


Non-Nav. center stack.


Passengers side front door open showing off the integrated rocker panels


Close-up of the underside of the door. I was curious what Ford did on here to protect the paint from wear and tear. The paint or finish seems to be thicker and textured, just like the base of the cab on my '06 F-150. I am still somewhat skeptical of how this will hold up given the problems that the Five Hundred had in this vicinity. We will see.



And of course, the capless filling system.

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It's a great ride. It's low stance gives it a good road feel.

There are three down here in Sunrise FL at Sawgrass Ford. That's where I drove one last night.