If you attended one of the larger auto shows recently, you might remember the Ford Flex from its appearance as the Fairlane concept car — on which the Flex is based.
The Flex is sold alongside a perfectly good crossover SUV with handsome, conservative styling that was initially dubbed the Freestyle and is now known as the Taurus X. The Taurus X is nice, but its safe styling hasn't caught car buyers' fancy. Well, not enough of them, anyway.
It's quite a different story with the Flex, a new, larger crossover SUV that employs the Taurus X platform. It's getting noticed.
Some comments I heard while testing the Flex:
"Is that a Scion?"
"What size Thom McAns come in a shoe box that big?"
"Looks like a hearse."
People are also reading…
"Is that yours? I love it."
The divisive commentary reflects the Flex's love-it-or-hate-it styling. It commands respect or derision. Either way, this car is not suitable for those in the witness-protection program.
The Flex is a hip revision of the Ford Country Squire station wagons of the 1960s, minus the irony and plus a lot more style. Check out the brushed-metal tailgate trim, grooved side panels, bold chrome grille, white roof and huge sunroof.
You can picture the Flex in the driveway of a home featured in Wallpaper or Dwell magazines.
Doubt that? A valet at an upscale restaurant thought the Flex was a Land Rover until he saw the blue oval on the rear tailgate. Now that doesn't happen often.
The vehicle's rounded, boxy shape ensures that you can haul six others to any tony spot with all their stuff. Its cargo capacity is enormous: 20 cubic feet with the seats up, more than 83 cubic feet when they're folded. Even the front passenger's seat bows in obedience. And the high roof means you have room to haul a new wide-screen TV.
At almost 202 inches long, the Flex is a big vehicle, and its slab sides make it appear even larger. But don't be put off: The Flex is surprisingly easy to maneuver and feels much less cumbersome than many SUVs.
Its solid construction and hushed cabin make for idyllic driving. The 3.5-liter V-6 and six-speed automatic can be fed through the front wheels or all four.
There's the usual panoply of safety gear. Handling offers no surprises. Acceleration is fairly good, steering is accurate, and body lean is held mostly in check. Coupled with the car's solid construction, the Flex's serenity and security make it a perfect ship of state for any growing family or space-starved driver.
And it has some nifty features. My favorite? The second-row fridge, which can keep your sushi chilled until it's time for a roadside picnic. OK, it can hold cans or bottles, too.
I never expect to be bowled over by a practical vehicle. But the Flex is so practical, yet good-looking, that it's the perfect alternative for those who wouldn't be caught dead in a minivan and who find crossover SUVs too ubiquitous.
This postmodern station wagon on steroids is a surprisingly perfect conveyance, even if you're not the practical type.
Try it — you'll like it.
Pros, cons and specs
Pro: Practical, comfy, stylish
Con: Some may find it too noticeable
Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC V-6
Wheelbase: 117.9 inches
Length: 201.8 inches
Weight: 4,640 pounds
Cargo space: 20 to 83.2 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 4,500 pounds
EPA rating: 16 mpg city, 22 highway
Fuel economy: 19 mpg
Fuel type: Regular
Base price: $36,555
As tested: $43,250